Elton John, the iconic musician, has revealed that his eyesight has still not fully recovered months after a severe eye infection took a toll on his vision. Speaking at a gala performance of The Devil Wears Prada musical in London on Sunday, John shared an emotional update about his health, expressing gratitude toward his husband, David Furnish, for being his "rock" through this challenging time.
“I haven’t been able to attend many of the previews lately because, as some of you may know, I’ve lost my eyesight. So, seeing it in person is tough. But, oh boy, I loved hearing it tonight,” John told the audience. It was an inspiring moment, as he continued to show his unwavering support for the musical, despite the personal struggles he's been facing. John composed the score for the show, which is based on the popular 2003 novel The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger, later adapted into a hit movie in 2006. His passion for the project was still clear, even though he couldn't fully witness its presentation firsthand.
In a candid interview with Good Morning America just days before, the 77-year-old superstar shared the ongoing impact of the eye infection on his ability to perform day-to-day tasks, particularly when it comes to his musical career. He explained how the condition, which has kept him from seeing properly for the past few months, has made it difficult for him to carry out his work.
"I’m still dealing with the consequences of a severe eye infection I had in July while I was in the south of France," John revealed. "It’s been four months now, and I’m still unable to see clearly out of my right eye, and my left eye isn’t great either.” The vulnerability in his voice was evident as he spoke about his situation, revealing just how much the condition has affected him, both physically and mentally.
Despite these struggles, Elton John remains optimistic about his recovery. “There’s still hope, and I’m encouraged that things will get better, but at the moment, I’m kind of stuck,” he admitted. The challenge, of course, lies in his ability to work as he once did. As a legendary musician who has spent decades at the top of the music world, the loss of sight presents a huge obstacle, especially for someone who relies on their vision to perform and create music. “I can sit down and do something like this interview, but going into the studio to record… well, that’s a whole different story,” he said. “I can’t even see a lyric sheet to begin with, so that’s really tough.”
Despite this, John remains hopeful and positive about his progress. His journey to recovery has not been easy, but his spirits have remained high as he continues to heal. He first shared news of his eyesight issues publicly in September, via an Instagram post where he described dealing with a "severe eye infection" that left him with limited vision in his right eye. At the time, he reassured his fans that he was receiving excellent care, thanking his team of doctors, nurses, and his family for their constant support.
"I am healing, but it’s a very slow process. It’s going to take time before I get my full sight back," John explained in the post. While the recovery has been frustratingly slow, he expressed a sense of optimism, feeling positive about the progress he had made, even though it has been challenging. John also mentioned spending the summer at home recuperating and focusing on his health. “I’ve been quietly resting at home, and I’m hopeful for a full recovery.”
This health setback comes after John had officially retired from touring in 2023, after decades of exhilarating live performances. However, despite stepping away from the stage, John didn’t step away from music. His creative spirit remained intact as he contributed to The Devil Wears Prada musical, showcasing his enduring passion for the craft.
This isn't the first time that Elton John has had to face major challenges in his career and personal life, but it speaks to his resilience and commitment to music that he continues to find ways to be involved with projects even in the face of adversity. The Devil Wears Prada musical, which John worked on before his health issues became more severe, has been a notable project for him. It’s thrilling to see how, despite the difficulties, John’s legacy in music continues to evolve and inspire.
Throughout his career, John has faced personal challenges and triumphs with grace, and this health scare is no different. While the loss of his eyesight has posed a significant challenge, his determination to push through is undeniably inspiring. His recovery may be slow, but his spirit remains as vibrant as ever. The fact that he is still involved with his creative projects, like the Devil Wears Prada musical, speaks volumes about his resilience and love for what he does.
It’s also clear that Elton John’s ability to adapt in the face of adversity has played a huge role in his ongoing success. While his eyesight may be impaired, his dedication to his work and the support of his family keep him moving forward. Whether he’s creating music or simply enjoying the sound of it, John’s journey is far from over. He is a true testament to the power of perseverance, showing that even in the toughest of times, a love for one’s craft can keep a person going.
As he continues to recover and heal, fans worldwide are rooting for him and hoping that the iconic musician will once again return to his full abilities, both on and off the stage. His message of hope and positivity, even in the face of serious challenges, resonates deeply with anyone who has faced their own struggles. Elton John is, and will always be, a living legend who continues to inspire us with his music, strength, and heart.
Login