Elton John Says Becoming a Dad to His 2 Kids Later in Life Is 'the Greatest Thing I've Ever Done'

Mar. 15, 2025

David Furnish (left) and Elton John (right) with sons Elijah and Zachary.Photo: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty

Elton Johnis loving life as an older dad!While appearing onRadio Andyon Nov. 14 to promoteTammy Fayeon Broadway, the musician, 77, opened up about his love of being a father to his two children —sons Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11— whom he shares with husbandDavid Furnish.After hostAndy Cohenasked John about becoming a father later in life, similar to himself, the star said, “It’s the greatest thing I’ve ever done.““For me personally, I’ve had an amazing life, great career, incredible achievements, music, blah, blah, blah, but I would say that our sons, and David, are the most important things to me,” continued the"Rocket Man"singer.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.According to John, his role as a father is “why Icame off the road, to be able to spend the latter part of my life being there for them.“As for being a dad who is also a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the star said, “I think anyone who is gay that brings up a child deserves applause, because there’s so many people that say it shouldn’t happen.“The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!“Well, of course, it should happen, and I’m sure you’ve been a great dad. I’m sure Anderson’s a great dad,” continued John to Cohen, 56, also mentioning his best friend and fellow dad,Anderson Cooper.“For all the other people out there who are gay and have their own children, it’s the greatest gift you could possibly have,” he added. “I’ve never had a better gift in my life, and I wouldn’t swap it for anything.“David Furnish (left) and Elton John (right) with sons Elijah and Zachary.Michael Kovac/GettyWhile he loves his role as a dad, John isrealistic that he is at an older agethan most parents who have young kids.In the new documentary based on his life, titledElton John: Never Too Late,the music icon details that his two children express fears about his death. “They think about my mortality. They worry about my mortality,” John says in the film, whichpremiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)on Sept. 6.Furnish, 62,told PEOPLEthat same month that the specific scene gave him “a lot of anxiety” to watch back.“I don’t think it’s a conversation you want to have with your children. I don’t want to plant that seed in their mind,” Furnish, who co-directed the documentary with R.J. Cutler, said. “Elton’s been through a lot, but he’s also as strong as an ox. He rarely cancels shows. He’s a strong man, and he’s a healer. He’ll probably outlive me. He’s just so tough.”

Elton Johnis loving life as an older dad!

While appearing onRadio Andyon Nov. 14 to promoteTammy Fayeon Broadway, the musician, 77, opened up about his love of being a father to his two children —sons Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11— whom he shares with husbandDavid Furnish.

After hostAndy Cohenasked John about becoming a father later in life, similar to himself, the star said, “It’s the greatest thing I’ve ever done.”

“For me personally, I’ve had an amazing life, great career, incredible achievements, music, blah, blah, blah, but I would say that our sons, and David, are the most important things to me,” continued the"Rocket Man"singer.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

According to John, his role as a father is “why Icame off the road, to be able to spend the latter part of my life being there for them.”

As for being a dad who is also a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the star said, “I think anyone who is gay that brings up a child deserves applause, because there’s so many people that say it shouldn’t happen.”

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

“Well, of course, it should happen, and I’m sure you’ve been a great dad. I’m sure Anderson’s a great dad,” continued John to Cohen, 56, also mentioning his best friend and fellow dad,Anderson Cooper.

“For all the other people out there who are gay and have their own children, it’s the greatest gift you could possibly have,” he added. “I’ve never had a better gift in my life, and I wouldn’t swap it for anything.”

David Furnish (left) and Elton John (right) with sons Elijah and Zachary.Michael Kovac/Getty

Michael Kovac/Getty

While he loves his role as a dad, John isrealistic that he is at an older agethan most parents who have young kids.

In the new documentary based on his life, titledElton John: Never Too Late,the music icon details that his two children express fears about his death. “They think about my mortality. They worry about my mortality,” John says in the film, whichpremiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)on Sept. 6.

Furnish, 62,told PEOPLEthat same month that the specific scene gave him “a lot of anxiety” to watch back.

“I don’t think it’s a conversation you want to have with your children. I don’t want to plant that seed in their mind,” Furnish, who co-directed the documentary with R.J. Cutler, said. “Elton’s been through a lot, but he’s also as strong as an ox. He rarely cancels shows. He’s a strong man, and he’s a healer. He’ll probably outlive me. He’s just so tough.”

source: people.com