Sir Elton John has worn many hats over his decades-spanning career. He’s a Grammy winner, a style icon, a Broadway powerhouse, and a global activist. But perhaps his most meaningful title these days? Sober survivor.
The 78-year-old music legend celebrated his 35th sobriety birthday on Tuesday, and it wasn’t a flashy concert or red carpet that marked the occasion. It was a cozy, love-filled moment at home with his family!
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Elton shared a photo of the thoughtful cards and handmade drawings gifted to him by his sons, 13-year-old Zachary and 11-year-old Elijah, whom he shares with husband David Furnish. One card read, “Happy 35th birthday. We are so proud of you!” while another framed drawing featured colorful balloons and hearts with the words “So proud of you!”
“Grateful for all the love on my sobriety birthday,” Elton captioned the post, adding a prayer emoji and a heart.
A Battle Worth Celebrating & Sharing
Elton’s journey to sobriety wasn’t an overnight fix. In fact, it was years in the making and nearly cost him everything. By the late 1980s, the “Rocket Man” hitmaker was spiraling from a dangerous mix of drugs, alcohol, sex addiction, and bulimia. He’s been sober since entering Lutheran General Hospital in Chicago for treatment in 1990, a move he now calls life-saving. He showed a portion of the happening in his biopic, featuring actor Taron Egerton.
“You make terrible decisions on drugs,” he admitted in a Time interview last year. “I wanted love so badly, I would just take hostages… It really upsets me, thinking back on how many people I probably hurt.”
And he’s not sugarcoating the madness of his former lifestyle either. Reflecting in Variety, John confessed, “I used to have spasms and be found on the floor and they’d put me back to bed—and half an hour later, I’d be doing the same. It’s crazy.”
Still, as he told fans, “I am a survivor. I’ve survived a lot of things… Life is full of pitfalls, even when you’re sober. But I can deal with them now because I don’t have to run away and hide.”
The outpouring of love wasn’t limited to John’s home. In his comment section, one fan sweetly summed it up with words, saying, “Congratulations, dear Elton! You’re strong, you’re amazing, you’re the best! And we can only thank you.”
“Wow. That is a milestone. Congratulations. You are “rocking it!,” another one said.
As if being a sobriety icon and global superstar wasn’t enough, he’s also an inspiration to those who are trying to achieve peace and sobriety.
A Legacy Bigger Than the Charts for Elton John
John may have closed the curtain on his touring days, but his impact only continues to grow. He’s made such an impact in the world, from launching AIDS foundations to mentoring young artists, and now serving as a steady rock for his children.
Thirty-five years ago, he couldn’t see where his life was heading, so he once said. Today, he’s celebrating sobriety surrounded by family, friends, and fans who’ve cheered him through every comeback.
And with his heart on full display, Sir Elton John just proved again that he’s not just standing, he’s thriving. “The most important thing I ever did in my life was getting sober,” he once said. Looks like his sons and the world, and we agree.
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Elton John Celebrates 35 Years Sober With Sweet Gifts From His Sons & a Whole Lot of Love