Elton John's Husband Gives Update on Singer's Health Struggles

David Furnish says Elton John is "battling on" and "keeping busy" after losing sight in one eye.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:18am

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In a recent interview, David Furnish, the husband of music icon Sir Elton John, provided an update on the singer's health. Furnish said that despite the "challenging" time Elton has faced since losing sight in his right eye in 2024, the 78-year-old is "battling on" and "keeping busy" while enjoying time at home with their family. Furnish also discussed the upcoming Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party, which he is optimistic will raise over $9 million for the cause.

Why it matters

Elton John's health struggles, including the loss of sight in one eye, have been closely followed by his fans and the entertainment industry. This update from his husband provides reassurance that the legendary musician is persevering and finding joy in family life, even as he steps back from touring. The continued success of the Elton John AIDS Foundation's high-profile fundraiser also highlights the singer's longstanding commitment to HIV/AIDS research and advocacy.

The details

According to Furnish, Elton John is "happy being at home as a family" with Furnish and their two sons, Zachary and Elijah. Furnish said John decided to come off the road in order to focus on family life. Furnish also discussed plans for the upcoming Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party, which he hopes will raise over $9 million this year despite some challenges from the previous year. One highlight will be a unique painting created by artist Jack Coulter, who painted while Elton played "Tiny Dancer" live.

  • In the summer of 2024, Elton John revealed he had lost sight in his right eye.
  • The Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party is happening this weekend.

The players

David Furnish

The 63-year-old husband of Sir Elton John.

Sir Elton John

The 78-year-old legendary musician who has faced health struggles, including the loss of sight in his right eye.

Jack Coulter

An Irish painter who created a unique painting while Elton John played "Tiny Dancer" live.

Neil Patrick Harris

The co-host of the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party.

David Burtka

The co-host of the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party, and Neil Patrick Harris' husband.

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What they’re saying

“He's great. He's battling on. He's keeping busy and moving forward. He's happy being at home as a family with our sons.”

— David Furnish, Elton John's husband (Variety)

“I would hope that we could raise north of $9 million. Last year was very challenging following the fires in Los Angeles.”

— David Furnish, Elton John's husband (Variety)

“It's been devastating. Because I lost my right eye and my left eye's not so good, the last 15 months have been challenging for me because I haven't been able to see anything, watch anything, read anything.”

— Sir Elton John (Variety)

What’s next

The Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party will take place this weekend in West Hollywood, with Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka as co-hosts.

The takeaway

Despite facing significant health challenges, including the loss of sight in one eye, Elton John remains resilient and focused on his family and philanthropic work through the Elton John AIDS Foundation. His husband's optimistic updates and the continued success of the Foundation's high-profile fundraiser demonstrate the enduring impact and inspiration of this legendary artist.