LOS ANGELES, April 5: Elton John has opened up about the distress he feels due to losing his eyesight and how it has impacted his ability to watch his young sons play. Last year, the singer shared on social media that a “severe eye infection” had left him with “only limited vision in one eye.”

In an interview with The Times, the 14-time Grammy-winning artist, who has two children—Zachary, 14, and Elijah, 12—with his husband, filmmaker David Furnish, revealed that he can no longer “see the telly” and has not been able to see properly since last July. He shared that it has been particularly difficult as he can no longer watch his boys play rugby or soccer, activities he once cherished.

“It’s been a very stressful time because I’m used to soaking it all up. It’s distressing,” John admitted. “You get emotional, but you have to get used to it because I’m lucky to have the life I have. I still have my wonderful family, and I can still see something out of here,” he added, pointing to his left eye.

Despite the challenges, John remains positive. “You say to yourself, just get on with it,” he said.

The musician also expressed that his vision problems have impacted his ability to record music, leaving him feeling “stuck” at times. However, he recently collaborated with U.S. singer Brandi Carlile on the song "Who Believes In Angels?" with producer Andrew Watt and longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. Before the release of the album, John and Carlile hosted an evening of performance and storytelling at London’s Palladium.

John’s 2023 headline performance at Glastonbury marked his final UK show as part of his 330-date Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which concluded with an emotionally charged concert in Stockholm. Reflecting on his career, he shared how his perspective has shifted since becoming a father.

“I always said I wanted to die on stage,” John admitted. “Now I want my gravestone to read: ‘He was a great dad.’ My career has been wonderful, but the kids are what matters.”

At 78, John reflected on his long and successful career, describing himself as “riddled with music,” which he called “the greatest gift” he’d ever been given. Despite his vision struggles, he remains optimistic about the future. “This is a bastard, but we’ll get over it. There is a lot more to do,” he said, determined to continue moving forward.