Music legend Sir Elton John ushered in the New Year in glamorous style, making a rare public appearance with his entire family at a star-studded party hosted by fashion designer Donatella Versace.
A Stylish Family Celebration
The 78-year-old singer was joined by his husband, David Furnish, 63, and their two sons, Zachary, 14, and Elijah, 12, for the festivities welcoming 2026. The event, co-hosted by former British Vogue editor Edward Enninful, saw Elton dressed sharply in a black blazer adorned with a distinctive floral collar. Beaming for photographs alongside Donatella, 70, and his family, it was a joyous moment for the iconic performer.
Elton took to Instagram to express his gratitude, posting: 'Thank you Donatella Versace and Edward Enninful for hosting us for a fabulous New Years Eve party! A perfect way to see in 2026.' Donatella swiftly replied with a heartfelt comment: 'I love you so so much Elton! No better way to start 2026.'
An Ongoing Health Challenge
This glittering celebration comes after what Elton has described as a profoundly difficult period. The last 15 months have been 'challenging' for the star as he contends with significant vision loss. The issue began in July 2024 when he contracted a severe eye infection that left him blind in his right eye and with only limited vision in his left.
In a candid interview with Variety, Elton opened up about the impact. 'It’s been devastating,' he admitted. 'Because I lost my right eye and my left eye’s not so good, the last 15 months have been challenging for me because I haven’t been able to see anything, watch anything, read anything.' He revealed he has been undergoing consistent treatment since the infection and has witnessed 'some improvements in his left eye'.
Stoicism and Hope for the Future
Despite the distress caused by his condition, Elton John is determined to remain positive. He told The Times that while he can still see people, he cannot watch television, read, or see his sons play sports. 'It has been a very stressful time because I'm used to soaking it all up,' he said. 'It's distressing. You get emotional, but you have to get used to it because I'm lucky to have the life I have.'
Drawing parallels to the fight against HIV/AIDS, he emphasised resilience. 'You mustn’t give up hope, you must be stoic, you must be strong and you must always try and batter the door down to try and improve things,' he stated. His focus remains on his family and the hope that scientific advances will one day restore more of his sight.
In a lighter moment from the same interview, he joked about his sons' evolving tastes, noting they have moved on from Lego and Star Wars to an 'all-consuming love of rap'. The New Year's celebration with his rarely-seen children marks a special and hopeful start to 2026 for the beloved musician and his family.
