Elton John's Friends Are 'Seriously Concerned' About Him Amid Vision Loss And Busy Schedule

Sir Elton John's friends are reportedly concerned about his health as the 77-year-old tackles a packed schedule despite ongoing challenges, including vision loss from a severe eye infection.

The legendary singer recently shocked his fans after confirming to a crowd that he had lost sight.

Elton John now prioritizes spending time with his sons, Zachary and Elijah, though he emotionally admitted he might not see them marry.

Elton John's close friends are said to be worried about the music icon's well-being as he continues to push himself despite ongoing health challenges.

Fresh off his extensive 330-show "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" tour, John has premiered two major musicals;" Tammy Faye" on Broadway and "The Devil Wears Prada" in London.

During Sunday's West End debut of the latter, the 77-year-old delivered an emotional speech about his inability to watch the performance due to worsening eyesight. Afterward, his husband, David Furnish, 62, assisted off the stage.

According to a source who spoke to The Sun, John's close circle believes his packed schedule is taking a toll on him.

"Elton's friends are seriously concerned about how much he has taken on and believe it is having a major impact on his health," an insider said, per the Daily Mail. "Quite a few people who he is close to have now encouraged him to slow down because he has been busier than ever this year. He isn't getting any younger and his health has been deteriorating in the past few years."

They added: "The whole point of his farewell tour was that he would be home more once it finished, but he is still working to an intense schedule, something has to give."

At The Dominion Theatre, John expressed his gratitude to his husband for being his "rock" during preparations for the musical's official opening.

The singer then revealed to a stunned audience that he was unable to see out of his right eye for several months due to a severe infection.

"To my husband who's been my rock because I haven't been able to come to many of the previews because as you know, I've lost my eyesight," John said.

He added, "So it's hard for me to see it, but I love to hear it - and boy it sounded good tonight. Thank you for coming."

While it remains unclear if his condition is temporary, the "Rocket Man" singer has shared that recording music would not be possible for him at the moment.

During an appearance on "Good Morning America," John said: "It's been four months now since I haven't been able to see. And my left eye is not the greatest. So there's hope and encouragement that it will be okay, but I'm kind of stuck at the moment."

He continued: "Because I can do something like this, but going into the studio and recording, I don't know, because I can't see a lyric for a start. We're taking an initiative to try and get it better, but at the moment that's really what we're concentrating on."

John first disclosed his vision problems in September. Taking to Instagram, the EGOT award winner shared a heartfelt update on his condition, revealing that he had been battling a severe eye infection.

"Over the summer, I've been dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye," John wrote, adding that he is "healing, but it's an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye."

The singer went on to express gratitude for the care he's received, saying, "I am so grateful for the excellent team of doctors and nurses and my family, who have taken such good care of me over the last several weeks."

John concluded his message on a hopeful note, sharing how he has been "quietly spending the summer recuperating at home" and is "feeling positive about the progress" he has made in his healing and recovery.

During his three-year "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" tour for the Disney+ film "Elton John: Never Too Late," John allowed cameras to document his journey.

In one heartfelt scene reported by Radio Times, the "Cold Heart" hitmaker who shares sons Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11, with Furnish, 62, reflected on his decision to step away from touring, stating that his priority now is to "dedicate more time to raising my children."

He candidly admitted while on the road in the U.S., "I want to see our children get married, but I don't think I'll be around for that."

Furnish, who has been married to John since 2014, admitted the emotional impact of those words, stating: "That really upset me because in my mind, I sort of think Elton is going to live forever – we all think that – and Elton is so vibrant that it's an easy thing to believe, but it forces you to confront that reality."