David Furnish and Elton John: Raising Their Sons with Love and Humility
David Furnish and Sir Elton John have been partners for over 20 years, and together, they are raising their two sons, Zachary and Elijah, with a focus on humility and an understanding of the value of money. Despite Elton John’s global fame, the couple is dedicated to giving their boys a grounded upbringing.
Elton John, known for his legendary career and 32 albums, shows no signs of slowing down even at 73. However, his primary focus these days is his family, particularly his marriage to David Furnish and the upbringing of their sons.
Their relationship began in 1993 when a mutual friend invited Furnish to a dinner party hosted by John. John was immediately drawn to Furnish’s composed and well-groomed demeanor, and after just one date, their long-lasting relationship began. In 2014, after nine years of being in a civil partnership, the couple officially tied the knot, making their wedding day extra special by having Zachary and Elijah serve as ring bearers.
Furnish and John have always found joy in their roles as parents, which began after a moving experience at a Ukrainian HIV orphanage in 2009. They met a boy named Lev, who inspired John to realize that he could be a father. Although they couldn’t adopt Lev, their journey to parenthood began, and in 2010, their first son, Zachary, was born via surrogate, followed by Elijah in 2013.
Despite their busy schedules, the couple is committed to being hands-on parents, not relying solely on nannies or housekeepers to raise their children. They focus on creating a happy, healthy environment, instilling strong values like the importance of money and hard work.
Elton John has often spoken about how fatherhood changed his outlook on life. In a heartfelt letter to his sons, he expressed how they brought meaning and purpose to his life in ways he never thought possible. His focus has shifted away from material possessions and fame, now valuing time with his children above all else.
The couple makes a conscious effort to keep their boys grounded, despite their privileged upbringing. John has openly stated that he does not plan to leave his entire estate to his children, believing that giving them a “silver spoon” would not benefit their growth. Instead, they teach Zachary and Elijah the value of money by giving them allowances for completing chores and dividing their earnings into savings, spending, and charity.
While the boys may not have a typical childhood, Furnish and John strive to create as normal a life as possible. Whether it’s taking their children out for pizza or to the movies, they cherish spending quality time together as a family.
Elton John is a hands-on dad, ensuring he’s present for school drop-offs and pickups, not wanting to miss out on any special moments with his sons. Occasionally, they share glimpses of their family life on social media, though they mostly keep their children out of the public eye. A rare photo featuring the boys with their godmother, Lady Gaga, sparked adoration from fans who commented on how much Zachary and Elijah had grown.
For Elton John and David Furnish, the love they have for their sons is the foundation of their family, and they are determined to provide a life filled with love, support, and humility.