Elton John says 'there's not much of me left' as he opens up about his health challenges at NYFF

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: At the New York Film Festival premiere of 'Elton John: Never Too Late' on Tuesday, October 1, Elton John, 77, opened up about his health, family, and career in an emotional address.

The iconic singer-songwriter, accompanied by his husband, David Furnish, and documentary co-director, RJ Cutler, expressed gratitude for his loved ones and fans, emphasizing the role they've played in his life, as per People.

Elton John opens up about health struggles

After serenading the audience with 'Tiny Dancer' at the event, Elton John also shared a candid reflection on his health challenges.

"To be honest with you, there's not much of me left," revealed the British singer, adding, "I don't have tonsils, adenoids or an appendix. I don't have a prostate. I don't have a right hip or a left knee or a right knee. In fact, the only thing left to me is my left hip."

Even so, his spirit remains strong, and his focus is now on the people closest to him.

"I’m still here. And I can't thank you [enough], you’re the people that made me. I want to thank David, Zachary, and Elijah for making me the happiest man in the world," added Elton, referring to his partner and their two sons.

Previously, Furnish, co-director of the documentary, shared how the project triggered his own anxiety. The film captures emotional moments, including John talking about his "mortality."

In a poignant scene, John admits his sons, Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11, are deeply concerned about his future, worrying about him not being around for their major life events.

He explains, "They think about my mortality...they love their daddy and want me to be around forever." 

Elton John admits he 'never felt happiness like I have now'

Elton John and David Furnish, who began dating in 1993, entered a civil partnership in 2005. They officially married in 2014 after same-sex marriage got legalized in England and Wales. 

John and Furnish are proud parents to Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11, both born via the same surrogate.

The singer couldn't hide his joy when speaking about his family, saying, "I found complete and utter happiness and bliss when I met David and when I had my children, our children. And it satisfied me so much. I've never felt happiness like I have now."

Having wrapped up his final Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in July 2023, John explained his decision to step away from touring: "As you know, I decided to stop touring because I'm 77 years of age, I've done all there is to do, to play. I've succeeded. I've been there and I've done it."

Yet, his passion for music is far from over, as he added, "I've still got to make room because I'm still going to have music in my life. But the most important thing in my life are David, Zachary and Elijah, and my family and my friends."

John has faced numerous health hurdles, most recently revealing on Instagram that he was dealing with "limited vision" due to an eye infection.

His representative reassured fans in August 2023 that the 'Rocket Man' star was in good health following a slip at his villa in Nice, France. A previous fall in 2021 caused hip issues that forced him to postpone his tour.

Through it all, John credits music and his loyal fans for supporting him during the ups and downs of his life.

"Even when I was in my darkest times, I still played music, I still recorded music, so I have to say thank you to music for being the most incredible inspiration to me throughout my whole life," shared the 'Crocodile Rock' crooner, acknowledging the immense impact both music and his audience have had on his journey.

The New York Film Festival screening came just weeks after the documentary's world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

'Elton John: Never Too Late' is set for a limited theatrical release in the US and UK starting November 15. It will start streaming on Disney+ on December 13.