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The Truth About Elton John’s Children

Inside the private world of the famous family - by New Idea
  • 20 Sep 2019

For all of Sir Elton John’s phenomenal success, lavish lifestyle and outrageous parties, nothing for him compares to the every day joys that his children bring.

Elton, 72, and his partner David Furnish, 56, have two boys: Zachary, 8, and Elijah, 6.

The Truth About Elton John’s Children

"I've learned that the simplest things in life, like having a minute with them, are worth more than any painting, any photograph, any house or hit record,” Elton told The Mirror in 2018.

“Before we had the children we just had our lives and we would spend money because we didn't have anything else to focus on."

Elton and David, who celebrated a civil partnership ceremony in 2005 and married in 2014 after England embraced same-sex marriage, welcomed their first “Tiny Dancer” in 2010. Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John was born via surrogate in California on Christmas Day.

“We are overwhelmed with happiness and joy at this very special moment,” the couple said in a statement at the time. “Zachary is healthy and doing really well, and we are very proud and happy parents.”

Elton SAINT-TROPEZ, FRANCE - AUGUST 21: Elton John and their son Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John arrive at 'club55' for lunch on August 21, 2015 in Saint-Tropez, France.

Elton with Zachary Furnish-John in St. Tropez, France in 2015.

Getty Images

Just over two years later, Elijah Joseph Daniel was born on January 11, 2013 to the same surrogate.

Elijah “completes our family in a most precious and perfect way,” Elton told Hello! magazine. “I've learned that a parent's capacity for love is endless. When another child is born, our depth of love just grows deeper and wider, so it was very emotional.”

The children call Elton “Daddy” and David, a Canadian filmmaker and former advertising executive, “Papa.”

Elton, who rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like Your Song, Crocodile Rock and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, told Ellen DeGeneres in 2016 he never expected he would have children.

"If you'd had said to me ten years ago I'd be sitting on your show married to the man I love and have two beautiful children, I would have said you put acid in my drink," said Elton on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

"But life throws you challenges ... and these two children have come along at a time I never thought I'd have children. They are the greatest thing in our lives. There are no words to describe how much we love these boys. They're just amazing."

'Sherlock Gnomes' London Family Gala hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: David Furnish (L) and Elton John with sons Elijah and Zachary attending the 'Sherlock Gnomes' London Family Gala hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish at Cineworld Leicester Square on April 22, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

Elton, David and their boys at the Sherlock Gnomes London Family Gala in London in 2018.

Getty Images

The couple have fiercely protected the anonymity of the surrogate. “She is a wonderful, kind and loving woman, who we love like a sister,” said the Rocket Man singer. “We have a very close bond with her and were in constant touch throughout the pregnancy, getting updates, seeing scans and sharing all the little details that make those nine months so exciting.”

Since the birth of his children, the iconic pianist has decided to retire from performing – but not before embarking on a final Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. The tour, which began in 2018, will include more than 200 performances throughout the world, culminating in two shows in London in December, 2020.

“Having had children and seeing how much joy they brought to us, I thought, ‘Do you know what? I want to spend more time with them,'” said Elton, who met David at a dinner party at his home in 1993. “I have to spend more time with them. I’m their father, David is their father. They give us so much joy. I don’t want to miss too much.'”

Elton, David, tk chat with Bono at 21st Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Party in Hollywood in 2013.

Elton, David and Zachary with Bono in 2013.

Getty Images

Elton told Hello!, it was an “easy decision” to retire. “I just never thought that fatherhood could bring me so much joy, and I came to fatherhood late in the day, but it’s been one of the miracles of my life,” he said. “It seems to me something happens in my life every now and then which propels me to a different stage. This is a different stage and it’s probably the most wonderful stage.”

Zachary and Elijah will join Elton on tour. "They will be coming on some of the tour with us, I am going to take them out of school for nine months with a tutor,” said the Candle in the Wind singer. “I love them so much, I don’t want to miss them and I don’t want them to miss me." 

And since having children, the couple have opted for a simpler life.

"We have really toned things down because we have enough stuff,” said Elton. “There is nothing else we need."

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