Elton John Talks Leaving Life on the Road Behind to Spend More Time With His Husband and 2 Kids

He’s still standing! Elton John recently took a break from his extensive farewell concert tour to host his annual AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party in Los Angeles on February 24. And, during the star-studded event, he revealed the reason he’s giving up life on the road is to spend more time at home with his husband, David Furnish, 56, and their sons Zachary, 8, and Elijah, 6. “Family is the most important thing,” the 71-year-old music legend told The Mirror. “I just owe it to those children to be there for them.”

The boys caught their dad during a recent concert in New York City and they’re among his biggest fans. “They know what their daddy does, but I never bring Elton home,” he admitted of his flamboyant stage persona. “They love their daddy’s music, but they also like a lot of other people’s music, so they’re quite grounded as far as that goes.”

Elton’s having a blast on his multi-year swan song tour. “I didn’t expect to have as much fun as I’m having,” the “Tiny Dancer” singer gushed. “I want it to be joyous, and I want to say thank you to everybody for 50 years of support and love.”

But the adoration of his millions of fans can’t compare to the affection he shares with his sons. “The reason I did this farewell tour was because I’ve been traveling since I was 17 in a group and then as Elton, and my situation has changed personally,” Elton — who’s also been busy working on Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Lion King and the upcoming biopic Rocketman, in which Taron Egerton is portraying the famed crooner — said.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnLXSi4HXlI/

“I’m fed up with traveling. And I travel in the nicest, most comfortable, luxurious way but I find it really boring,” he added. “My children need to be with me and I need to be with them. I would like to spend more time with David and my children.”

For more on your favorite stars, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now — and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for more exclusive news!