On July 29, Elton John joyfully marked a significant milestone in his life, celebrating an impressive 35 years of sustained sobriety. He shared a moving message filled with gratitude directed towards his fans and family, highlighting the importance of this journey in his life.
The iconic music superstar took to Instagram to honor this special occasion, sharing a touching photo that featured handmade cards crafted by his beloved sons, Elijah and Zachary, accompanied by a vibrant bouquet of flowers. His heartfelt caption read, “Grateful for all the love on my sobriety birthday,” which resonated deeply with his followers, garnering thousands of supportive comments from both fans and friends.
At the age of 78, John has consistently been candid about his past battles with addiction and has openly discussed the profound impact of recovery on his life. His openness serves as an inspiration to many who are navigating similar challenges.
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John’s struggle with substances such as alcohol, marijuana, and the drug he once described as his “worst best friend” — cocaine — was vividly portrayed in the 2019 biopic Rocketman. Throughout various interviews, he has expressed his raw experiences and the extremes of his life during the apex of his fame.
Reflecting on his addiction, he shared in a CBS News interview in October 2019, “It nearly destroyed my soul. My soul was black, like a charred piece of steak, until I said, ‘I need help.’ Suddenly, a little pilot light in my soul came along, going, ‘Yes, I’m still here. I’m still here. I’m still here. I can still be rescued.’” His journey illustrates the profound realization that recovery is possible.
John attributes a pivotal moment in his recovery to the tragic death of Ryan White, a courageous teenage AIDS activist whom he had befriended. Following this heartbreaking event, he voluntarily admitted himself to Parkside Lutheran Hospital in Chicago on July 29, beginning a transformative journey towards recovery that has spanned decades. In 2023, he proudly shared a photo of his sobriety chip, expressing, “34 years clean and sober. My life has never been better.”
Reflecting on his journey, John stated in a 1994 interview, “My sobriety has brought me everything that I could possibly wish for. I am a survivor. I’ve survived a lot of things. Life is full of pitfalls, even when you’re sober. I can deal with them now because I don’t have to run away and hide.” His words resonate with anyone who has faced personal challenges while striving for a better life.
Today, John remains an influential figure and a beacon of hope for others navigating their own paths to recovery. He has actively supported fellow artists, including Boy George, through their sobriety journeys. Additionally, in his memoir Me, he revealed that he served as Eminem’s Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor, highlighting his commitment to helping others reclaim their lives.
