Elton John is an icon of resiliency, humor, and positivism in the wake of many years of health struggles. In New York Film Festival’s premiere for his new documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late, the iconic singer told the tale of many surgeries and in-and-out medical procedures in a candid-but-light-hearted way; he left the audience both shocked and amused. “There’s not much of me left,” Elton joked, sharing a list of the organs and joints he’s had removed or replaced over the years.
It was a long list: his tonsils, adenoids, appendix, prostate, right hip, and both knees were all gone; only his left hip was still intact. Still, with what you might think was an interminable list of medical ills, Elton’s positivity shone through. “I’m still standing,” he chuckled, “and I don’t need a bit of it,” he added smilingly, referring both to his most popular song and to his indomitable spirit.
The documentary-which hits the theaters on November 15 and begins streaming on Disney+ on December 13-offers a candid, insider look at Elton’s health journey, sandwiched between his love of music and time with the family. It shows him in quiet moments of introspection about the vicissitudes of his life and the journey traveled through it all, focusing on being grateful for his inner circle, namely his husband David Furnish and their two sons, Zachary and Elijah.
Even the most serious topics were laced with humor in true Elton fashion. Speaking about the surgeries, each piece of information he gave came across with a knowing wink, and although heavy at times through the nature of his health history, he kept the crowd laughing. The candid nature of Elton allowed fans to relate to him on another level and proved even legends in music are not above the demons of aging and disease. But more importantly, he showed how those trials can be met with grace and humor and love.
The health battles of Elton have been going on for several years. Along with his numerous surgeries, he fitted a pacemaker to regulate an irregular heartbeat and faced serious vision problems, including an eye infection which was threatening his sight.
His retirement from touring in 2023-once the final leg of that Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour touches down-brings the curtain down on a quite mythical career on the road, but not on his relationship with music.
Speaking about it all, Elton says it’s his family that has gotten him through it. “David and the boys are my lifeline,” he had said at the premiere, with a glowing warmth in his eyes when talking about the light they bring to his life. Years later, the love of music was strong in Elton, although he longer performs live-inspiring and comforting.
