Sir Elton John, 76, Instills Strong Work Ethic in His Sons with Chores and Pocket Money

Sir Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, have been together for over two decades. The couple shares two sons, Zachary and Elijah, whom they are raising to be humble and appreciate the value of money.

A critically acclaimed musician, Sir Elton John has released 32 albums and shows no signs of stopping. At 76 years old, he continues to be booked for many gigs.

Even though Sir Elton John still has a thriving career after over three decades, he is now focusing on different aspects of his life, such as his marriage with David Furnish and raising their two sons, Zachary and Elijah.

Before life centered around their sons, John and Furnish had a whirlwind romance that began in 1993. The “Sacrifice” singer had returned to his house in Windsor and wanted to meet new people. He asked a friend to gather some people for dinner, and among them was Furnish, with whom John felt an instant connection. John was charmed by Furnish’s shyness and good fashion sense.

The day after their initial meeting, they went on a date, beginning their long-term relationship. After being in a civil partnership for nine years, they decided to marry in 2014.

The couple announced their wedding on Instagram, making the day especially meaningful by involving their sons, who served as ring bearers.

Sharing their union with their children was heartwarming for both Furnish and John, particularly because their journey to parenthood was not easy. It began in 2009 when they formed a connection with a Ukrainian boy named Lev at an orphanage for children with HIV. Despite wanting to help him, they were unable to adopt him due to government restrictions, as Lev was considered too old. Nevertheless, the couple continued to support and stay in touch with Lev.

Encountering Lev sparked a realization in John that he could embrace fatherhood, a notion he had previously deemed improbable due to his age. This newfound perspective led to the joyful arrival of their first son, Zachary, in 2010, followed by Elijah in 2013, both born via surrogate.

Despite their demanding schedules, the couple prioritized hands-on parenting. “We don’t want to put the raising of children into the hands of nannies and housekeepers,” Furnish emphasized. For John and Furnish, becoming parents was a transformative decision, with their primary focus being the happiness and well-being of their sons.

John penned a heartfelt letter to Zachary and Elijah, expressing the profound impact they’ve had on his life. “You two are the greatest gifts I have ever been given,” he wrote, acknowledging the depth of love and purpose they brought into his life.

The couple cherishes the loving family they’ve cultivated and is determined to ensure their children never forget the unwavering love and support they receive. Parenthood has reshaped John’s perspective on life, emphasizing the significance of quality time over material pursuits.

Having children prompted a reassessment of their spending habits. John admitted to a lavish lifestyle pre-parenthood, but since Zachary and Elijah’s arrival, they’ve adopted a more frugal approach, prioritizing essentials over extravagance.

Understanding the importance of instilling values, John and Furnish are teaching their children the value of money and the importance of hard work. Despite their affluent upbringing, John is committed to nurturing humility in his sons, intending to strike a balance between providing for them and preserving their humility.

Recognizing the pitfalls of excessive wealth, John has expressed his intention not to leave his entire estate to his children. He believes in the detrimental effects of a “silver spoon” upbringing and aims to instill in his children the virtues of self-reliance and gratitude.

From a young age, John has endeavored to teach Zachary and Elijah the value of money. Even at five and three years old, the boys might not have grasped their parents’ fame, but John and Furnish instilled in them principles of spending and saving.

Back in 2016, John explained that the boys received £3 ($3.74) in pocket money for helping in the kitchen or garden. They allocated each coin to charity, savings, and spending. As they grew older, their chores expanded to include cleaning their rooms, earning stars for each task accomplished.

The couple recognizes that their children won’t have a typical childhood, but they strive to maintain normalcy. John mentioned that his kids live like locals, “not stuck behind the gates of a mansion.”

When asked about raising children in the spotlight, John acknowledged the challenges but praised the public for being “brilliant” and “not hostile,” especially when asking for photographs with his family.

To ensure their children enjoy life outside their mansion, John and Furnish often take them out for pizza or to see a movie. John is committed to not missing out on precious moments with his children, making it a point to personally drop them off and pick them up from school.

Elton John occasionally shares glimpses of his family life. Although he and Furnish usually keep their sons off social media, the “Rocket Man” singer posted a rare photo of Furnish, their sons, and their godmother, Lady Gaga. John expressed his sadness at missing the opportunity to be in the photo but sent his love nonetheless.

The comments section was filled with astonishment at how much Zachary and Elijah had grown. “My goodness, the boys are getting tall. Such handsome little gentlemen,” remarked one commenter. Another fan added, “Look at these gorgeous boys and their papa and Godma!”

John penned a heartfelt letter to his sons, expressing the profound impact they’ve had on his life. “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,” wrote the singer.

John and Furnish take immense joy in the beautiful family they’ve created. They are steadfast in ensuring their children never forget the unwavering love and support they will always receive from their parents as they continue to grow.