Elton John has shared heartfelt thoughts about how he wishes to be remembered after his death, emphasizing his role as a devoted father over his legendary music career.
The 77-year-old musician, recently named TIME’s Icon of the Year, revealed that fatherhood has been his greatest achievement. “On my gravestone, all I want it to say is, ‘He was a great dad,’” he told the magazine during an interview alongside his husband, David Furnish.
The “I’m Still Standing” singer and his 62-year-old partner have been together for over three decades and are proud parents to two sons, Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11. Elton has frequently spoken about how much his family means to him, reiterating a similar sentiment during a recent appearance on Good Morning America with Robin Roberts on December 11.
In the interview, Elton reflected on the importance of his music but emphasized that his legacy is rooted in his personal relationships. “My legacy is that I was a great husband and an even better father,” he stated. He acknowledged the groundbreaking nature of his career but noted that his children’s happiness and the life he has built with his family are his proudest accomplishments.
Elton’s decision to step away from touring was influenced by his desire to prioritize his family. During his final show at Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium in 2022, the retired singer brought his family on stage to celebrate his career milestone and the beginning of a new chapter. David Furnish later shared, “Elton wanted the world to really see and feel why he made the decision to stop touring.”
Despite his retirement from the stage, Elton’s contributions to music remain unparalleled, but his focus on being a loving husband and father highlights the values he holds dearest. For Elton John, the joy of family life far outweighs the accolades of his legendary career, cementing his personal legacy as one of love and devotion.