Elton John reveals eyesight loss keeps him from watching his children play: 'You get emotional'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Elton John is opening up about how his vision problems have affected his life as a father.

The music legend, 78, shared that his eye infection has made it hard for him to participate in his children’s activities.

Elton John opens up about his eyesight loss

In an interview with the British Newspaper The Times, Elton John said that limited vision in one eye has taken an emotional toll.

“I can’t read. I can’t see my boys playing rugby and soccer, and it has been a very stressful time because I’m used to soaking it all up. It’s distressing," John said, referring to his two sons — Zachary, 14, and Elijah, 12 — whom he shares with husband David Furnish.

In September 2024, John revealed on Instagram that a “severe” infection had left him with “only limited vision” in one eye.

He noted that recovery “would take time.” He admitted that the condition has made him emotional, adding, “You get emotional, but you have to get used to it because I’m lucky to have the life I have,” John said.

“I still have my wonderful family, and I can still see something out of here,” he said, pointing at his left eye. “So you say to yourself, just get on with it.”

Elton John on creative slowdown

Elton John said his vision loss also delayed his music. He had previously shared that he couldn’t finish his new album due to issues with his eyesight.

“It’s been a while since I’ve done anything,” John said in November last year on 'Good Morning America.'

Despite the challenges, he released a new collaborative album with Brandi Carlile on Friday, titled 'Who Believes In Angels?' The pair teamed up with producer Andrew Watt and longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin for the project.

Earlier this year, John’s Diamonds collection—featuring hits like 'Tiny Dancer', 'I’m Still Standing' and 'Rocket Man'—reached number one after 374 weeks on the charts, marking his ninth number one album, according to BBC.

Elton John about his children's fears about him 

In his recent documentary, 'Elton John: Never Too Late', the artist shared that his children have expressed concern about his health.

“They think about my mortality. They worry about my mortality,” John said. “Not so much David, but me, per People.

The iconic singer also recently earned EGOT status after winning his first Emmy Award last year, joining a select group of artists who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.