Elton John has opened up about his health after suffering a serious eye infection.
The legendary British musician (77) talked about his condition in an interview with Good morning AmericaRobin Roberts on Monday (November 25). “Unfortunately I lost the sight in my right eye in July because I had an infection in the south of France,” said John. “It’s been four months that I haven’t seen. My left eye is not the greatest.”
The EGOT winner continued: “There’s hope and encouragement that it’s going to be okay, but I’m kind of stuck at the moment because I can do something like that, but go into the studio and record, I don’t know. Because I can’t see the text to begin with.’
John explained that he and his doctors were “taking the initiative” to treat his eye problems, but claimed that “it’s never a happy thing for something like this to happen”.
“Somehow it stunned me and I can’t see anything. I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything,” he said.
Despite his health issues, the “I’m Still Standing” singer described himself as the “happiest man alive” ahead of the premiere of his upcoming Disney+ documentary. Elton John: It’s never too late.
“I am so proud of the documentary. I am proud of my sons. I’m proud of my attitude towards myself and what’s going on,” he said. “I’m very lucky and very grateful.”
In September, the “Yellow Brick Road” singer revealed that he was slowly recovering from a “severe eye infection” that had caused his eyesight to deteriorate.
“During the summer I was dealing with a severe eye infection which unfortunately left me with limited vision in one eye. I am healing, but it is an extremely slow process and it will take some time to see sight in the affected eye,” John said in an Instagram statement shared on September 3.
“I am so grateful for the wonderful team of doctors and nurses and my family who have taken such good care of me over the last few weeks. I spent the summer quietly recovering at home and I feel positive about the progress I have made so far in my treatment and recovery.’
In January, John underwent knee surgery. Due to this procedure, he was unable to attend the postponed Emmy ceremony, where he completed his EGOT status after winning the Outstanding Variety Special (Live) category.
In March, he underwent a second knee replacement on his other knee, and months later joked that he “didn’t have much left” after various surgeries and health issues.
“To be honest, there’s not much left of me,” John said at a New York Film Festival screening of his documentary in October. “I don’t have tonsils, adenoids, or an appendix. I don’t have a prostate. I have no right hip or left knee or right knee. Actually, the only thing I have left is my left side.
Addressing his fans, he added: “But I’m still here.” And I can’t thank you enough [enough]; you are the people who made me.”
John retired from touring last year. Elton John: It’s never too latedirected by RJ Cutler, will hit Disney+ on December 13.