At 76 years old, Sir Elton John continues to captivate audiences with his music, but his greatest pride lies in raising his two sons, Zachary and Elijah, alongside his husband, David Furnish. The legendary musician, who has released an impressive 32 albums over his career, has made it a priority to instill values of humility and responsibility in his children, ensuring they understand the importance of hard work despite their privileged upbringing.

Elton and David have been together for over two decades, their relationship beginning in 1993 when a chance dinner gathering led to an instant connection. Elton, drawn to David’s well-groomed and reserved nature, invited him on a date the following day, marking the start of a loving partnership. After nine years of civil partnership, the couple officially tied the knot in 2014, celebrating the occasion with their sons as ring bearers. For Elton and David, their children are at the heart of their relationship, bringing them immense joy and purpose.

The journey to parenthood wasn’t easy for the couple. It began in 2009 when they met a young boy named Lev at an HIV orphanage in Ukraine. Deeply moved by Lev’s circumstances, Elton and David wanted to adopt him, but Ukrainian laws prevented it. Although they couldn’t bring Lev into their family, the encounter inspired Elton to consider fatherhood. He had long believed he was too old to become a parent, but this moment changed his perspective. In 2010, their first son, Zachary, was born via surrogate, followed by Elijah in 2013.

Determined to be active participants in their children’s lives, Elton and David decided not to rely on housekeepers or nannies to raise their boys. Instead, they prioritized spending quality time with them, aiming to create a happy and healthy family environment. Elton has expressed profound gratitude for the impact his sons have had on his life, describing them as the greatest gifts he has ever received. In a heartfelt letter, he shared, “Zachary and Elijah, you two have given my life meaning and purpose in ways I never imagined. You’ve filled my heart with love.”

Despite their busy schedules, Elton and David work hard to ensure their sons lead as normal a life as possible. Elton often emphasizes the importance of teaching his children the value of money and responsibility. He’s mindful of their privileged upbringing and wants them to grow up with humility and a grounded perspective. To this end, Elton has said he does not plan to leave his entire estate to his sons, explaining, “I want them to be financially secure, but giving kids a silver spoon can ruin their lives.”

To teach Zachary and Elijah the value of hard work, Elton and David introduced chores and allowances early on. By the time the boys were toddlers, they were earning pocket money for simple tasks like helping in the kitchen or garden. Each allowance was divided into three parts: spending, saving, and charity, teaching them about budgeting and giving back. As they grew older, their responsibilities expanded to include tidying their rooms and earning stars for completed tasks. These lessons are a cornerstone of the couple’s parenting philosophy, aimed at keeping their children humble and well-rounded.

Elton and David also make an effort to keep their sons’ lives balanced and free from the trappings of fame. While they acknowledge that their children won’t have a typical childhood, they aim to provide experiences outside the gates of their mansion. The family enjoys simple outings like trips to the movies or casual dinners at local pizzerias. Elton cherishes these moments, prioritizing time with his children over public appearances. He is also deeply involved in their day-to-day lives, ensuring he is present for school drop-offs and pick-ups.

Occasionally, the family shares glimpses of their life on social media. In a rare post, Elton shared a picture featuring David, their sons, and their godmother, Lady Gaga. While the musician generally avoids posting his children’s photos online, he expressed his love for his family in the caption, showcasing the deep bond they share. Fans were quick to comment on how much Zachary and Elijah had grown, with one noting, “The boys are getting so tall!” and another admiring, “What a beautiful family.”

Becoming a father has profoundly changed Elton’s perspective on life and money. Once accustomed to lavish spending, he now values the simple joys of family life above all else. His love for his sons has given him a newfound sense of purpose, shaping his decisions and priorities. Elton and David’s parenting approach is a testament to their commitment to raising kind, responsible, and grounded children. As they grow, Zachary and Elijah are sure to carry forward the lessons of love, humility, and gratitude instilled in them by their devoted parents.