Elton John is offering a heartwarming glimpse into his family life, sharing the special bond between his sons and their famous godmother, Lady Gaga. In a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on December 17, the legendary musician, 77, opened up about the bedtime rituals he and his husband, David Furnish, created for their children, Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11.
When asked if he used to sing his kids to sleep, Elton John revealed that he and David made bedtime a cherished part of their daily routine. “We sang them to bed. We read them stories every night, even when they couldn’t understand what we were saying. It was a ritual that we held them,” he shared.
However, the bedtime experience wasn’t limited to just the parents. “Gaga, who’s their godmother, used to come and bathe them and sing them to bed,” John said, adding a delightful twist to the family’s nightly routine. The Bad Romance singer and close friend of the family, Lady Gaga, played a hands-on role in caring for the children during their younger years, creating a unique and memorable experience for the boys.
For Elton, the involvement of Lady Gaga in their family life speaks to the deep, almost familial connection the two share. Gaga’s godmother status is not just a formal title; it signifies the close-knit relationship between her and Elton’s sons. As one of the world’s most famous pop stars, Gaga’s presence in the family is a testament to the special bond that goes beyond professional collaboration. In fact, Elton and Gaga have had a longstanding friendship, with the Poker Face singer often expressing admiration for John, both professionally and personally.
While talking about his sons, Elton also shared his thoughts on what he values most in life. Recently honored as TIME’s Icon of the Year, Elton John reflected on fatherhood and his desire to be remembered as a great dad. “On my gravestone, all I want it to say is, ‘He was a great dad,’” Elton said during his interview, a sentiment that clearly highlights the importance of his children in his life.
His words about fatherhood were similarly echoed in a conversation with Good Morning America on December 11. In that interview, he emphasized that while his musical career and achievements were significant, his role as a father far outweighed everything else. “My music speaks for itself,” he said, “but the most important thing to me in my life is making sure my children are happy, they have a wonderful life, and that I was good to them. That’s all that counts.”
Even as Elton John reflects on his legacy, he continues to push forward with his career. He recently teased new music following his recovery from an eye infection, indicating that his creativity has never slowed down. Yet, no matter what he accomplishes in his musical journey, it’s clear that his family remains at the forefront of his heart.
In a career that has spanned decades, Elton’s priorities have shifted over time. Though his music will always define him, his devotion to his children, his husband, and his close-knit circle of friends—like Lady Gaga—remains his most cherished role.
Read more: