Sir Elton John has issued a devastating statement following the tragic loss of his friend, the renowned British artist David Hockney, who has died at the age of 88. The music legend took to his Instagram Stories to share a heartfelt tribute, posting a photo alongside Hockney, musician Jools Holland, Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney, and actor Tom Hanks.
Elton John's Emotional Message
In the image, the 79-year-old singer captioned the post: "Such sad news. What an artist and inspiration, he will be sorely missed." The tribute comes as fans and celebrities alike mourn the passing of one of the UK's most beloved artists.
David Hockney's Illustrious Career
Over a seven-decade career, Hockney became famous for his vibrant and innovative artworks, including landscapes of his native Yorkshire, sun-drenched paintings of Los Angeles swimming pools, and iPad portraits of friends and family. He was a leading figure in the 1960s pop art movement and one of the most influential artists of the modern era.
In 2018, one of his swimming pool paintings, 'Portrait of an Artist', sold for nearly £70 million at auction, setting a record for a living artist at the time.
Royal and Celebrity Tributes
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world and royalty. King Charles and the Queen released a personal message, stating they were "greatly saddened" to learn of the death of "a giant of the world of art and painting, a Yorkshireman through and through, and a dear friend and inspiration to so many."
In his statement, the King recalled encounters with Hockney, including an Order of Merit lunch in 2022 where the artist wore unconventional footwear. He said: "David was one of life's true originals; one who wore his genius as lightly as those beloved yellow Crocs of his that helped brighten Palace occasions. I trust they will see him tread safely into the hereafter as we mourn a man whose irrepressible charm, talent and constant innovation will be most sorely missed, but whose dazzling creativity lives on in galleries and museums around the world."
