The man who wrote “I’m Still Standing” might add “and Changing Diapers” to his list of accomplishments. Elton John and husband David Furnish have created an unexpectedly ordinary family life for their sons Zachary and Elijah amidst their extraordinary celebrity world.
Their love story began in 1993 when the rock legend met the Canadian filmmaker at a dinner party. Drawn to Furnish’s calm demeanor and sharp style, John found his perfect match. After years as civil partners, they married in 2014 with their young sons participating in the ceremony. Their journey to fatherhood included a poignant connection with a Ukrainian orphan before welcoming Zachary in 2010 and Elijah in 2013 via surrogacy.
John frequently reflects on how fatherhood changed him. The performer known for excess now prefers school pickups to after-parties. He and Furnish have intentionally simplified their lifestyle, focusing on teaching their boys the value of money through chore-based allowances. From garden work to kitchen clean-up, the boys earn stars for completed tasks that translate to pocket money.
As the boys grow, so do their responsibilities. Their allowance is divided into spending money, savings, and charitable donations – a system John hopes will teach financial responsibility. The family maintains normal routines despite their fame, enjoying pizza outings and minimizing nanny involvement in daily life.
Recently, John shared a rare family photo showing Furnish with their teenage sons and godmother Lady Gaga, prompting fan comments about how much the boys have grown. In a heartfelt letter to his sons, John expressed how they’ve brought him joy beyond his musical achievements.
While raising children in the public eye presents challenges, John and Furnish prioritize keeping their sons grounded. Their parenting approach proves that even with private jets and mansions, the most important things are love, values, and knowing how to clean your room – whether you’re a rockstar’s kid or not.
