Elton John has been opening up in more detail about his declining eyesight and how it’s causing him great distress – but at least he can count on the support of loved ones and a lot of famous friends who have been inundating the music icon and his devoted husband, David Furnish, with messages of support.
“Elton has done so much over the years to help others, not just with his charities, but also behind the scenes to help other artists get a leg up, he’s so loving and welcoming,” an insider exclusively tells Closer. “He’s also huge in the recovery community so when a person in the public eye is struggling with any sort of addiction it’s not unusual for Elton to get in touch to offer support and guidance. He always keeps it so discreet, very few people even know but the ones he has helped remember.”
“Now with his eyesight struggles, the love is coming back to him tenfold,” the insider adds. “Brandi Carlile, who he’s incredibly close to, has been checking in constantly. Lady Gaga sent flowers and long voice messages. Liz Hurley’s been calling David just to make sure they’re both OK. Chappell Roan is someone he FaceTimes with all the time, before it was him giving her support but now it’s flipped and she’s worrying over him.”
Other famous rockers have lent their support to the “Hold Me Closer” crooner after he publicly revealed his health struggles.
“Even his contemporaries like Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney and Rod Stewart have reached out,” the insider says. “It’s overwhelming for Elton, but in the best way. He might be fragile but he’s feeling surrounded by love.”
Elton, 78, first revealed that he was facing struggles with his vision in September 2024.
“Over the summer, I’ve been dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye,” he wrote in a post on his Instagram account at the time. “I am healing, but it’s an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye.”
“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,” he added. “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.”
In April 2025, the “Rocket Man” singer shared an update on his eye condition with The Times.
“I can’t read. I can’t see my boys playing rugby and soccer, and it has been a very stressful time, because I’m used to soaking it all up. It’s distressing,” said Elton, who shares kids Zachary, 14, and Elijah, 12, with David, 62.
“You get emotional, but you have to get used to it because I’m lucky to have the life I have. I still have my wonderful family, and I can still see something out of here,” he added.