British music legend Elton John has opened up about the ongoing health challenges he’s facing, revealing that he is still grappling with vision loss caused by a severe eye infection. Speaking to ABC's Good Morning America (GMA) to promote his new Disney Plus documentary Elton John: Never Too Late, the 77-year-old musician shared that he has been unable to see properly for the past four months, with his left eye remaining particularly affected.
The issue began earlier this summer during a performance in the South of France when John lost sight in his right eye after contracting the infection. Despite receiving treatment, the star is still uncertain about his future in music, saying, “There’s hope and encouragement that it will be OK, but I’m kind of stuck at the moment, because I can do [an interview] like this, but going into the studio and recording, I don’t know, because I can’t see a lyric for a start.”
Although the infection has had a significant impact on his ability to work, John remains hopeful. He expressed gratitude for his medical team, saying, "I am so grateful for the excellent team of doctors and nurses and my family, who have taken such good care of me over the last several weeks." On Instagram, he shared an update with fans, noting, "I have been quietly spending the summer recuperating at home, and am feeling positive about the progress I have made in my healing and recovery thus far."
John’s health issues are not new. The singer, known for hits like “Rocket Man,” had previously faced physical setbacks. In 2021, he underwent hip surgery after suffering injuries from a fall, and in 2017, he took a break from his career to undergo surgery for prostate cancer, from which he fully recovered. Earlier this year, John also had knee replacement surgeries, which prevented him from attending the Emmys, where he completed his EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) status by winning an Outstanding Variety Special (Live) award.
Despite these challenges, John remains positive, reflecting on his life and career during his GMA interview. "I’ve been through so much, and I’ve come out the other side, but I’m always looking forward,” he said.
Though his most recent studio album was released in 2016, John hinted at the completion of new material, sharing in a speech at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame ceremony last year that he had finished recording a new album with longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin.
As he recovers, John’s long and illustrious career continues to be celebrated. His final “Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour” concluded in July 2023, marking the end of a 50-year musical journey. Fans can soon get an intimate look at his life and legacy in the upcoming documentary Elton John: Never Too Late, which will be available for streaming on Disney Plus starting December 13. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, will provide behind-the-scenes footage, as well as reflections on John’s rise to stardom, the personal struggles he’s faced, and his family life.
(Source: The Epoch Times)
BD-Pratidin English/Mazdud
