Elton John issues emotional health update after sparking concern: 'There isn't much left'

Sir Elton John has opened up about his health struggles at the New York Film Festival premiere of his new documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late, sharing candid details that left fans both touched and concerned.

The 77-year-old music legend lightened the mood by humorously listing the various body parts he’s had removed over the years, quipping: “To be honest with you, there's not much of me left. I don't have tonsils, adenoids or an appendix. I don't have a prostate. I don't have a right hip or a left knee or a right knee. In fact, the only thing left to me is my left hip. But I'm still here.”

Grateful to his fans, the Rocket Man star continued: “And I can't thank you [enough], you're the people that made me.”

Earlier this year, the singer revealed he’s been battling a severe eye infection, leaving him with limited vision in one eye.

In a heartfelt Instagram statement, he explained: “Over the summer, I've been dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye.

"I am healing, but it's an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye.”

He expressed gratitude for his support system, saying: “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 also praised his husband, David Furnish, and their sons, Zachary and Elijah, for making him “the happiest man in the world”.

Reflecting on his recent retirement from touring, Elton shared: “As you know, I decided to stop touring because I'm 77 years of age, I've done all there is to do, to play. I've succeeded.”

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. With love and gratitude.

Back in 2021, the Your Song hitmaker underwent hip surgery, forcing him to reschedule parts of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.

Shortly after the operation, Elton was honoured at Windsor Castle, where then-Prince Charles appointed him as a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour.

Walking with a stick for support, Elton remarked: “I may not look as if I’m 100 percent fit – I’m not quite – but I’m still raring to go and I’ve got a lot more work to do as far as my life goes.”

The documentary will premiere on November 15, with a Disney+ release to follow on December 13. Billed as an “emotionally charged, intimate and uplifting full-circle journey,” the film offers an exclusive look into Elton’s career, featuring never-before-seen concert footage, personal diary entries, and present-day scenes with his family.