After decades of dazzling audiences across the globe, Elton John made the bold decision to step away from the spotlight and embrace the quieter, yet fulfilling life of being a family man. His legendary Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which began in the U.S. in September 2018, marked his final bow as a touring artist and concluded in 2023. But what really changed everything for this global superstar wasn’t just his decision to retire from the road—it was the arrival of his children.
Elton, who won an Oscar and married his longtime partner David Furnish in 2014 after being together since 1993, revealed that becoming a dad transformed his life. Through surrogacy, Elton and David welcomed their first son, Zachary, in 2010, and later their second son, Elijah, in 2013. These boys have brought a whole new chapter of love and joy into the lives of their dads.
Meet Zachary Furnish-John: The Eldest Son Who Loves the Great Outdoors
On December 25, 2010, Zachary Furnish-John entered the world via a surrogate in California. At the time of his birth, Elton admitted to having mixed emotions about raising a child without a traditional mother figure. “It’s going to be heartbreaking for him to grow up and realize he hasn’t got a mummy,” Elton confided to the BBC. “But he’s so happy. I’ve never seen a more contented child.”
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Elton and David were overjoyed with the arrival of their first child. “And you have never seen two more contented people as David and I,” Elton continued. “I want Zachary to have a brother or a sister to go to school with him, and so that he can have someone to play with.” Their wish came true when they welcomed Elijah three years later, and the bond between the two brothers has only grown stronger over time.
Zachary and Elijah have been captured in adorable photos on their dads’ social media accounts, showing just how close-knit the family is. Beyond the snapshots, Zachary has also developed his own unique interests. In a December 2021 interview with The Mirror, David shared that Zachary has become obsessed with fishing, thanks to YouTube videos and fishing magazines. “The fact he’s run into this and enjoys it so much, I’m just thrilled with because it’s outdoors, it’s the fresh air, and it’s all really meditative. Getting the patience and the joy out of standing and catching fish in any environment is something special,” David explained.
Meet Elijah Furnish-John: The Youngest Son Who Brightens the Family
The couple’s second son, Elijah Furnish-John, was born on January 11, 2013, through the same surrogate who delivered Zachary. Elton and David were thrilled to expand their family once again. Speaking to People shortly after Elijah’s birth, Elton revealed that they were much more relaxed this time around. “We tried to create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere,” he said. “We were excited at the prospect of Elijah’s birth as we were at the prospect of Zachary’s — but much less nervous.”
David chimed in, adding, “I would say we feel more secure in our parenting skills now — it’s far less scary than the first time around!” Clearly, their confidence in raising their sons has paid off. Elijah often appears radiant in family photos, showing just how loved and cared for he is.
Elton himself admitted during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2016 that he could never have imagined becoming a father of two. “If you’d said to me 10 years ago I’d be sitting on your show married to the man I love and have two beautiful children, I would have said, ‘You put acid in my drink,’” he joked. “But life throws you challenges and life throws you curveballs — great curveballs — and these two children have come along at a time I never thought I’d have children. There’s no words to describe how much we love these boys. They’re just amazing.”
