After the revelation that he is struggling with his eyesight, it has been a difficult year for Sir Elton John. But together with his partner of 31 years, David Furnish, the legendary pop star is appreciating his family time.
The couple, who live in Windsor with their sons Zachary, 14, and Elijah, 12, are staying upbeat about this phase of life, as Elton tells HELLO! in this exclusive interview.
"With summer just around the corner, I plan on making the most of the holidays and spending time with my family," says Sir Elton.
His family are certainly appreciating this special time. Speaking exclusively to HELLO! at the launch of Sir Elton’s new eyewear collection for Specsavers, David, 62, tells us: "We’ve been together for 31 years and are just so happy together. Our family is happy; we’re so collected and balanced and enjoying this phase of life with him off the road."
© WWD via Getty ImagesThe 'Rocket Man' hitmaker, whose numerous pairs of distinctive glasses are part of his signature look, has announced an exciting new venture, a colourful eyewear collection inspired by the highlights of his life.
The star’s eyewear has played a pivotal role in their relationship. Referring to a particular diamond triangle design, David recalls: "Elton wore that shaped frame a lot in the 1990s.
© PA"That was when I met him, so I look at those frames and feel very nostalgic and very emotional. He pops them on and it takes me back."
The singer, 78, who has just released Who Believes in Angels?, an album made with US musician Brandi Carlile and his long-standing songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, tells us that 2025 "has already been a wonderful year".
© Getty ImagesAnd he adds: "Glasses have been a huge part of my life and a really important form of self-expression for as long as I can remember. I don’t feel quite myself without them."
They’re crucial to his stunning stage shows, too. One pair of frames that hold a particularly cherished memory are those he wore when he headlined the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival in 2023, which, he tells us: "Turned out to be one of the most memorable nights of my life.
"To perform to that incredible crowd, at such an iconic festival, as my final UK show on my farewell tour – it was a very emotional night and a career highlight for me."
© GettyElton's iconic eyewear comes to Specsavers
With a huge variety of specs marking so many special occasions, it’s not surprising to learn that Sir Elton owns more than 15,000 pairs of glasses. How does he organise them?
"Well, it’s not quite as chaotic as you might imagine," he says. "Some are at our home in Windsor, but most are kept safely in storage. Each pair reminds me of a particular tour, a moment in my career or a chapter of my life."
Now, he has launched his Elton John Eyewear for Specsavers collection, which takes inspiration from those stand-out moments.
Says the star: "Some designs are inspired by my early days as a musician, others are bold and colourful, with names taken from my greatest hits."
The Elton John Eyewear Collection is available online now at specsavers.co.uk and in Specsavers stores nationwide
To read the full exclusive interview, pick up the latest issue of HELLO! on sale in the UK on Monday. You can subscribe to HELLO! to get the magazine delivered free to your door every week or purchase the digital edition online via our Apple or Google apps.
