Elton John, the legendary music icon who has captivated audiences for decades with his chart-topping hits and flamboyant persona, is now opening up about what matters most to him. While his career and musical achievements are monumental, the 77-year-old singer has made it clear that there is one thing he wants to be remembered for above all else: his role as a father.
In a recent interview with TIME, where he was honored as their Icon of the Year, John, alongside his husband David Furnish, revealed his heartfelt wish for his gravestone. “On my gravestone, all I want it to say is, ‘He was a great dad,’” the “Rocketman” singer shared, reflecting on his most cherished accomplishment — fatherhood.
John and Furnish, who have been together for over three decades, are parents to two sons, Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11. The couple has always been open about how much their children mean to them, and John’s legacy as a father is clearly his top priority.
When speaking with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts in a December interview, John reiterated the sentiment. “My music speaks for itself,” he said. “My legacy is that I was a great husband and an even better father. The music, the career, it’s fantastic. It’s been mind-blowing, groundbreaking. But the most important thing to me in my life is making sure my children are happy, that they have a wonderful life and that I was good to them. That’s all that counts.”
This unwavering commitment to his family is something that the singer has emphasized on numerous occasions, and it became particularly poignant during his farewell tour. In 2022, when John performed his final show at Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium, he made sure his family was by his side on stage. The emotional moment wasn’t just about the grand finale of his career — it was a way for John to show the world why he had decided to step away from touring. “Elton wanted the world to really see and feel why he made the decision to stop touring,” Furnish told Good Morning America.
As John approaches his 80s, he’s increasingly aware of his age, especially when it comes to raising young children. In his 2024 documentary Elton John: Never Too Late, the musician shared an intimate look at how his sons grapple with the reality of his mortality. “They think about my mortality. They worry about my mortality,” he said, expressing the poignant fears his children have about their father’s eventual passing.
But despite the heavy emotional weight of these discussions, John continues to find joy and fulfillment in his role as a parent. Reflecting on his journey to fatherhood, John said in November 2023, “For me personally, I’ve had an amazing life, a great career, incredible achievements — music, blah, blah, blah. But I would say that our sons, and David, are the most important things to me.” It’s clear that being a father is the greatest achievement of his life.
In his conversation with TIME, John’s husband David Furnish shared insights into their parenting philosophy. The couple has chosen not to homeschool their children, despite the option being available to them. “We deliberately didn’t homeschool our children because we want them to be their own people and to define life as they want to be defined,” Furnish explained. This choice reflects their belief in fostering independence and allowing their sons to experience the world on their own terms.
Despite their fame and the pressures of public life, the Johns prioritize the happiness and well-being of their children above all else. As Elton John continues to break new ground in his career and philanthropy, it is his role as a father and husband that remains the cornerstone of his identity. His legacy, as he hopes to be remembered, is not just about the music or the accolades, but about the love and devotion he has given to his family.
In a world where success is often measured in awards and accolades, John’s focus on fatherhood is a reminder that the most meaningful legacy we leave behind is often found in the lives we touch and the relationships we nurture.
Read more: