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David Furnish and Elton John with their sons | Source: Getty Images
David Furnish and Elton John with their sons | Source: Getty Images

Elton John Calls His 2 Sons 'The Greatest Gifts' in His Life – 30+ Heartwarming Family Pics & Photos of the Boys Now

Andrii Tykhyi
Sep 09, 2025 - 06:44 A.M.

From sun-kissed beach days to family milestones, these images reveal the deeply personal side of a man whose life off-stage has been every bit as remarkable as his chart-topping career.

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Elton John has filled arenas, topped charts, and changed music history, but nothing has reshaped his life quite like fatherhood. In this photo-filled look back, we trace the evolution of Elton’s most personal journey yet — life as a proud dad.

Elton John performing at Dodger Stadium on November 20, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Elton John performing at Dodger Stadium on November 20, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

2011

Elton and his partner, David Furnish, stepped into fatherhood with the birth of their first son, Zachary, in 2010. Just months later, the couple was seen out and about, embracing the early joys of parenting.

Elton at the beach with his son, Zachary Furnish-John, on February 21, 2011, in Honolulu, Hawaii. | Source: Getty Images

Elton at the beach with his son, Zachary Furnish-John, on February 21, 2011, in Honolulu, Hawaii. | Source: Getty Images

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From carefree beach days to relaxed family getaways, the happiness on their faces spoke volumes — a clear sign that life had changed forever.

David Furnish and Elton John with their son, Zachary Furnish-John, leaving their hotel on October 27, 2011, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

David Furnish and Elton John with their son, Zachary Furnish-John, leaving their hotel on October 27, 2011, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

2012

David Furnish and Elton John with their son, Zachary, and President and CEO of Kraft Group, Robert Kraft, at the 20th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 26, 2012, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

David Furnish and Elton John with their son, Zachary, and President and CEO of Kraft Group, Robert Kraft, at the 20th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 26, 2012, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

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2013

Sir Elton John and David Furnish with their sons, Zachary Furnish-John, and Chairman and Executive Vice President of the New York Giants, Steve Tisch, at Chopard at the 21st Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 24, 2013, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Sir Elton John and David Furnish with their sons, Zachary Furnish-John, and Chairman and Executive Vice President of the New York Giants, Steve Tisch, at Chopard at the 21st Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 24, 2013, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

2014

By 2014, the couple had fully embraced family life with their two sons. Elijah had joined the family the year before, and they were often seen enjoying joyful public moments together.

David Furnish and Elton John with their sons during the Woodside End of Summer party on September 4, 2014, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images

David Furnish and Elton John with their sons during the Woodside End of Summer party on September 4, 2014, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images

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David Furnish and Zachary Furnish-John during the Woodside End of Summer party on September 4, 2014, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images

David Furnish and Zachary Furnish-John during the Woodside End of Summer party on September 4, 2014, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images

Whether it was a lively end-of-summer party at their Woodside estate or cheering from the sidelines at a Watford football match, the couple made it clear that they relished every chance to be present and hands-on parents.

Elton John on a soccer pitch with his son, Zachary Furnish-John, on December 13, 2014. | Source: Getty Images

Elton John on a soccer pitch with his son, Zachary Furnish-John, on December 13, 2014. | Source: Getty Images

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2015

David Furnish and Elton John with their sons, Elijah and Zachary Furnish-John, at the 23rd Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 22, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

David Furnish and Elton John with their sons, Elijah and Zachary Furnish-John, at the 23rd Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 22, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

David Furnish and Elton John with their sons from a post dated February 23, 2015. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

David Furnish and Elton John with their sons from a post dated February 23, 2015. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

Elijah and Zachary Furnish-John from a post dated March 28, 2015. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

Elijah and Zachary Furnish-John from a post dated March 28, 2015. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

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Elton John and  Zachary Furnish-John seen in Saint-Tropez, France, on August 21, 2015. | Source: Getty Images

Elton John and Zachary Furnish-John seen in Saint-Tropez, France, on August 21, 2015. | Source: Getty Images

Elton John with his sons from a post dated December 31, 2015. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

Elton John with his sons from a post dated December 31, 2015. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

2017

By 2017, Zachary and Elijah were growing up fast, and so was the rhythm of life for Elton and David. Whether it was a family getaway by the water or a soccer day out in coordinated Watford gear, one thing was clear — these boys were at the center of it all.

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Elton John and his sons from a post dated March 26, 2017. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

Elton John and his sons from a post dated March 26, 2017. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

But behind the scenes, the couple was deeply intentional about how they were raising their sons. "They're not normal kids," Elton once said. "And I'm not pretending they are. But you have to have some semblance of normality, some respect for money, some respect for work."

Elton John and his sons from a post dated July 30, 2017. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

Elton John and his sons from a post dated July 30, 2017. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

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Thus, chores weren't optional in the John-Furnish household. "And they have to work for it – help in the kitchen, help in the garden. They've got to learn the value of doing something and earning something for themselves," their famous father explained.

Elton John and David Furnish with their sons, Elijah and Zachary Furnish-John, ahead of the Premier League match between Watford and Manchester City on September 16, 2017, in England. | Source: Getty Images

Elton John and David Furnish with their sons, Elijah and Zachary Furnish-John, ahead of the Premier League match between Watford and Manchester City on September 16, 2017, in England. | Source: Getty Images

The boys even learned about financial responsibility from a young age. Weekly pocket money was split into three jars — one for charity, one for saving, and one for spending. Elton admitted:

"They are spoiled in the way they live, but they're not spoiled when it comes to the rules they have to live by."

2018

Elton John and Elijah Furnish-John from a post dated February 17, 2018. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

Elton John and Elijah Furnish-John from a post dated February 17, 2018. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

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David Furnish and Elton John with their sons, Elijah and Zachary Furnish-John, at the "Sherlock Gnomes" London Family Gala on April 22, 2018, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

David Furnish and Elton John with their sons, Elijah and Zachary Furnish-John, at the "Sherlock Gnomes" London Family Gala on April 22, 2018, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Elton John and David Furnish with their sons, Zachary and Elijah, from a post dated September 1, 2018. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

Elton John and David Furnish with their sons, Zachary and Elijah, from a post dated September 1, 2018. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

Zachary and Elijah Furnish-John from a post dated September 5, 2018. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

Zachary and Elijah Furnish-John from a post dated September 5, 2018. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

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2019

Elijah Furnish-John from a post dated January 11, 2019. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

Elijah Furnish-John from a post dated January 11, 2019. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

Elijah and Zachary Furnish-John from a post dated May 28, 2019. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

Elijah and Zachary Furnish-John from a post dated May 28, 2019. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

2020

In 2020, Elton's birthday celebration was kept close to home — but the love was anything but small. With his signature red-tinted glasses and a birthday cake topped with raspberries and candles in front of him, he beamed as his sons stood proudly by his side.

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The singer shared the sweet moment on Instagram, giving fans a rare glimpse into the simple, joy-filled way his family marked the occasion.

Elton John with his sons from a post dated March 26, 2020. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

Elton John with his sons from a post dated March 26, 2020. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

2021

Elton John with his sons from a post dated July 11, 2021. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

Elton John with his sons from a post dated July 11, 2021. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

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David Furnish and Elton John with their sons from a post dated August 30, 2021. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

David Furnish and Elton John with their sons from a post dated August 30, 2021. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

2022

By 2022, Zachary and Elijah had grown into confident young boys, joining David on the red carpet in matching navy suits at the annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party.

They stood tall beside their father, showing how much they'd grown — not just in height, but in poise and presence.

David Furnish with Zachary and Elijah Furnish-John at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 30th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 27, 2022, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

David Furnish with Zachary and Elijah Furnish-John at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 30th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 27, 2022, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

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That same year, Elton marked a deeply personal milestone — his 75th birthday. And in a public message that melted hearts, he paid tribute to his sons in a way only a proud father could, writing:

"Zachary and Elijah, you two are the greatest gifts I have ever been given. You have filled my heart with love and my life with purpose and meaning in ways I didn’t think were possible. You are my proudest achievements, and I love you both so, so much."

Elijah and Zachary Furnish-John with Lady Gaga at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 30th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 27, 2022, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Elijah and Zachary Furnish-John with Lady Gaga at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 30th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 27, 2022, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

2023

Zachary and Elijah Furnish-John with Lewis Hamilton, Sam Taylor-Johnson, and David Furnish on Day 5 of Glastonbury Festival 2023 on June 25. | Source: Getty Images

Zachary and Elijah Furnish-John with Lewis Hamilton, Sam Taylor-Johnson, and David Furnish on Day 5 of Glastonbury Festival 2023 on June 25. | Source: Getty Images

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2025

Now well into their teenage years, Zachary and Elijah have grown up in front of our eyes — from tiny toddlers on Elton's hip to poised young men standing tall beside him.

In March 2025, they attended the iconic Elton John AIDS Foundation Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party in matching black suits, holding one of their dad's signature bedazzled hats — a powerful appearance in support of the man at the center of their world.

Zachary and Elijah Furnish-John onstage during the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 33rd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 2, 2025, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Zachary and Elijah Furnish-John onstage during the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 33rd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 2, 2025, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Reflecting on that deep bond, Elton spoke candidly in a recent documentary about how his sons have become more aware of his age:

"They worry about my mortality because they know how old I am. Not so much David, but me — they love their Daddy, so they want me to be around forever."

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David Furnish and Eric McCormack with Zachary and Elijah Furnish-John at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 33rd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 2, 2025, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

David Furnish and Eric McCormack with Zachary and Elijah Furnish-John at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 33rd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 2, 2025, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

At home, that closeness is woven into everyday routines. "Meals are sacred," David shared. "So, no phones at the table. No television on in the background. It's all about conversation. It's all about connection."

That sense of togetherness also extends beyond the dinner table. Zachary and Elijah continue to be regulars on Elton's social media as well — whether they are biking down scenic coastal roads, hiking to panoramic views, or standing at the edge of the sea.

Zachary and Elijah Furnish-John from a post dated September 1, 2025. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

Zachary and Elijah Furnish-John from a post dated September 1, 2025. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

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Fans have taken notice of how much the boys have grown and how close-knit the family remains, often leaving heartfelt — and sometimes humorous — comments.

"Your boys are soo big!! Must've happened overnight. 😂❤️❤️❤️❤️ [sic]," one follower wrote. Another added, "Boys are so grown up ❤️ looked like a magical summer 😍." Others remarked on just how much the boys resemble their parents.

Zachary and Elijah Furnish-John from a post dated September 1, 2025. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

Zachary and Elijah Furnish-John from a post dated September 1, 2025. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

"Is it just me or do the boys look just like Elton they look like two well loved boys with two lovely father's [sic]," one fan commented. Another echoed the sentiment with, "The one on the left looks like Elton one on the right looks like David .. ❤️❤️ handsome fellows [sic]."

"They look like Elton," someone else remarked. Summing up the sentiment shared by many, one fan wrote, "They look so happy and snazzy!! Such an adorable family!! It is so obvious how proud those two guys are of their handsome kids. ❤️"

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Zachary and Elijah Furnish-John with a loved one from a post dated September 1, 2025. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

Zachary and Elijah Furnish-John with a loved one from a post dated September 1, 2025. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

From their earliest days wrapped in blankets on sunny shores to red carpet appearances and quiet dinners at home, Zachary and Elijah have grown up under the care of two parents determined to raise them not just with love — but with intention, structure, and soul.

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