David Furnish, Sir Elton John’s spouse, and they have been together for more than 20 years. The couple is also raising their two boys, Zackary and Elijah, to be modest and aware of the worth of money.
Famed artist Sir Elton John has released thirty-two albums to far and shows no signs of slowing down. Even at seventy-three, the vocalist continues to be in high demand.
Despite having a successful career for more than thirty years, the musician wants to concentrate on other areas of his life, such as his marriage to David Furnish and his two sons, Zachary and Elijah.
A brief romance blossomed between John and Furnish in 1993, before their lives got consumed with parenting their sons. The singer of “Sacrifice” announced that he had moved back into his Windsor home and was looking to socialize.
John then requested a friend to invite Furnish and other individuals to dinner, saying he felt an immediate connection with Furnish. John admired how well-groomed and reserved he was.
After going on a date the next day, the two’s long-term relationship officially started. After nine years of being in a civil partnership, they made the decision to tie the knot in 2014.
The pair used Instagram to send out invites. The highlight of the day was spending time with their sons, who had the important duty of serving as ring carriers.
Furnish and John found great joy in sharing their partnership with their children, particularly considering the difficult road they had to go to become parents. It all began in 2009 when they were acquainted at an HIV orphanage with a young boy from Ukraine named Lev.
Lev came from a shattered family, so the couple wanted to help him, but the government wouldn’t let it because he was too old. Still, the couple assisted Lev and spoke with him.
John came to the realization that he may be a father after meeting Lev. He acknowledged that he had always believed he was too old to have children. Zachary, their first son, was born in 2010 through a surrogate, and Elijah followed in 2013.
Bringing Up Children Outside of the Media
The couple desired to be actively involved with their children while leading a hectic lifestyle. “We don’t want to entrust housekeepers and nannies with raising our kids,” Furnish stated. The couple decided that having boys was the best course of action, and now their primary objective is to raise their sons in a happy and healthy environment.
John expressed to his sons in a touching letter how much they had altered his life. “You two are the best gifts I have ever received, Zachary and Elijah. In ways I never imagined imaginable, you have given my life meaning and purpose and filled my heart with love,” the singer added.
Furnish and John are content with the lovely family they have created. The love and support their children will always have from their parents is something they do not want them to forget as they grow older.
John talked candidly about how becoming a parent has altered his outlook on life and some of the values he and his spouse want their kids to grow up with.
John talked about how having children affected his attitude toward money. Having two children of his own now, he values his time with Zachary and Elijah more than a popular song or artwork.
The singer acknowledged that because he and Furnish were used to living as the center of attention, they had spent a lot of money before having children. However, John claimed that since their sons arrived, they had drastically cut back on their spending.
The couple’s current concern is ensuring that they own only what they require. Additionally, the couple has been instilling in their kids the importance of money and the labor required to acquire it.
Although John is aware that his kids have a privileged existence already, he still wishes they had humility. The artist has stated that he does not intend to leave them his whole estate as a result. Rather, he aims to strike a balance between providing his kids with a wonderful life and keeping them grounded. He thought to himself:
Naturally, I would like to leave my boys in a very secure financial situation. But giving children a silver spoon is a poor idea. Their lives is ruined by it.
John has attempted to instill in the boys an appreciation for money since they were young children. Zachary and Elijah may not have realized how well-known their parents were at the age of five and three, but John and Furnish did teach them a valuable lesson about budgeting.
The singer said in 2016 that doing chores around the house, such the kitchen or garden, would earn them £3 ($3.74) in pocket money. Each coin would then be divided between savings, spending, and charity. As they grew older, their responsibilities included tidying their rooms, and they received stars for each task completed.
Although the couple is aware that their children would not have a typical childhood, they nevertheless make an effort to give their lives some degree of normalcy. According to John, his children are “not stuck behind the gates of a mansion,” but rather live like locals.
When questioned if he was afraid of having his kids in the spotlight, he replied that he knew there would be drawbacks but that he didn’t mind at all because he thought people were “brilliant” and “not hostile,” especially when they wanted to see pictures of him and his family.
The musician and his spouse would take their kids to the movies or out for pizza because they want them to spend quality time with their family somewhere else than their mansion.
Because of his celebrity, John does not want to miss out on special times with his kids. The musician is also prompt in picking up and dropping off his youngsters at school.
The “Rocket Man” singer posted a unique picture of Furnish, their sons, and their godmother, Lady Gaga, on social media, while John and his spouse typically don’t post any pictures of their sons online. The musician conveyed his love despite expressing his regret at missing the opportunity to picture with them.
Fans expressed disbelief at Zachary and Elijah’s growth in the comment section. “However, the boys are growing quite tall.” Very attractive tiny fellas, a commenter commented. Another admirer exclaimed, “Look at these gorgeous boys and their pappa and Godma!”
John expressed to his sons in a touching letter how much they had altered his life. “You two are the best gifts I have ever received, Zachary and Elijah. In ways I never imagined imaginable, you have given my life meaning and purpose and filled my heart with love,” the singer added.
Furnish and John are content with the lovely family they have created. The love and support their children will always have from their parents is something they do not want them to forget as they grow older.
Woman Sees the Face of the Santa She Hired and Realizes the Past She Feared Has Caught up with Her — Story of the Day
Lisa believed that a perfect Christmas was one spent with family. Lisa wished for her daughter to have the full, happy family she herself had never experienced. However, when the Santa she had hired revealed his face, she realized the importance of being careful what you wish for.
On Christmas Eve, the Marble family gathered in their cozy living room, the soft glow of twinkling lights from the Christmas tree casting warm patterns on the walls.
The aroma of roasted turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, and freshly baked bread filled the air.
Lisa moved gracefully between the kitchen and the table, her hands full of steaming dishes.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
She was the kind of hostess who made everything look effortless, her holiday apron dusted with a sprinkle of flour from the cookies she had baked earlier.
Meanwhile, Robert entertained their giggling daughter, Ashley, who clung to his shoulders like a tiny adventurer on a great expedition.
“Spread your arms like you’re an airplane, Ashley,” Robert instructed, his voice buzzing with enthusiasm as he mimicked the deep rumble of a plane engine.
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Ashley squealed with delight, her arms stretched wide as she wobbled slightly.
“I’m flying, Daddy!” she yelled, her voice ringing like a tiny bell.
“Careful, Captain! We’re hitting turbulence,” Robert joked, swaying exaggeratedly from side to side.
Lisa paused by the table, wiping her hands on a towel, and watched them with a soft smile.
“Time to land, dinner is ready,” she called out, her voice warm and teasing.
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Robert made a dramatic engine noise as he lowered Ashley to the floor.
“Boeing 747 coming in for landing, woo-woo-woo!”
Ashley laughed even harder, tugging on Robert’s sleeve.
“More! I want more!”
“Later, sweetheart,” Robert promised, kneeling to her eye level. “First, we need fuel. Pilots have to eat too.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
As they sat down to dinner, Lisa glanced at her family. The clinking of silverware and Ashley’s happy chatter filled the room.
Her heart swelled as she realized, for the hundredth time, how lucky she was to have these moments, this family, and this life.
After dinner, Lisa carried the last of the plates to the kitchen, glancing at Robert as he leaned back in his chair, sipping coffee.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Ashley was curled up on the carpet in front of the TV, her eyes glued to a cartoon with talking animals.
The cheerful jingle of the show filled the room, mixing with the faint hum of Christmas music from the radio.
Lisa caught Robert’s eye and gave him a small nod. He leaned forward slightly and whispered, “Is it time? Where is he?”
Lisa checked her watch and whispered back, “Maybe he’s running late. The weather’s not great, but he should be here any minute.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
As if on cue, the doorbell rang, its cheerful chime making Ashley’s head snap toward the door.
Lisa wiped her hands on her apron and walked quickly to answer it. When she opened the door, a gust of cold air blew in, carrying with it a man dressed head to toe in a Santa costume.
“Ho-ho-ho!” he bellowed, stepping inside and brushing snow off his red coat. “Where’s the little girl for whom I’ve brought presents?”
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“Santa! You came!” Ashley shouted, jumping up from the carpet and running to throw her arms around him.
Her giggles filled the room as Santa patted her back warmly.
He slung a large red bag off his shoulder, setting it beside the Christmas tree, and plopped down on the couch with a playful sigh.
“Let’s see what I’ve got for you in here! Did you write me a letter this year?”
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“Yes!” Ashley said, her eyes sparkling. “Didn’t you read it?”
Santa chuckled, stroking his fake white beard.
“I did, but you know, there are so many children to bring presents to, and this old Santa sometimes forgets!”
Ashley tilted her head, her face serious. “I asked for a puppy!”
“A puppy?” Santa repeated, pretending to think deeply.
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“Hmm, let me check.” He rummaged through his bag dramatically, pulling out a wrapped box.
“Oh! Found it!”
Ashley ripped the paper open eagerly, revealing a shiny robotic dog. Her excitement faded. “I wanted a real one!”
Santa leaned in, lowering his voice.
“A real puppy is a big responsibility. But if you take good care of this one, maybe next year you’ll get a real one. Ho-ho-ho!”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Ashley smiled reluctantly, her little hands already exploring the toy’s buttons.
Lisa and Robert exchanged a quiet look and slipped out of the room, leaving their daughter to enjoy her magical moment with Santa.
“I told you we should’ve gotten her a real dog,” Robert muttered, crossing his arms as he leaned against the bedroom door.
His tone was laced with disappointment, and he glanced at Lisa with raised eyebrows.
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Lisa sighed, brushing her hair back and folding her arms.
“A dog is a big responsibility, Robert. Who’s going to walk it in the freezing cold? Who’s going to clean up after it? Train it? Feed it? Let me guess—me!” She gave him a pointed look, clearly irritated by the suggestion.
Robert didn’t back down.
“But it’s not just about the work, Lisa. A dog isn’t just a pet; it’s a family member. You don’t understand how much joy it could bring Ashley—and us! She’s been asking for one for months. Don’t you want to see her happy?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Lisa hesitated, frowning as she thought it over.
“Fine,” she said finally, throwing up her hands. “But don’t forget, if she gets bored of it, you’re taking care of it. Not me!”
“Deal!” Robert said with a triumphant grin, straightening up.
But their moment of debate was interrupted when Lisa froze, tilting her head. “It’s too quiet in there,” she whispered.
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“I can’t hear them at all.”
Robert’s smile faded.
“Yeah,” he agreed, a trace of worry creeping into his voice. Without another word, they both hurried out of the room to check on Ashley.
Santa was no longer on the couch when Lisa and Robert rushed into the living room.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Their eyes darted around the space, but it was eerily empty. Panic gripped Lisa as she grabbed Robert’s arm.
“Where’s Ashley?” she gasped, her voice trembling.
Robert’s eyes widened, and they both sprinted toward the front door. There, they saw the man in the Santa suit standing by the doorway, holding Ashley in his arms.
The little girl was bundled up in her coat, her scarf neatly wrapped around her neck.
“Stop!” Lisa shouted, her voice sharp and full of fear.
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Santa froze, turning to face them with wide eyes as Lisa and Robert dashed toward him.
Lisa grabbed Ashley, pulling her back protectively while Robert stepped in front of them.
“What were you planning to do?!” Robert growled, shoving the man against the wall. His voice was low and menacing. “Kidnap her?!”
“No! No! You’ve misunderstood,” the man stammered, raising his hands defensively. “I just wanted to play snowballs with her! That’s all, I swear!”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“That wasn’t part of the plan!” Lisa snapped, her hands gripping Ashley’s shoulders tightly. “You were supposed to deliver the gifts and leave!”
Ashley squirmed in Lisa’s grip, her voice breaking through the tension. “Mom, stop! He’s my grandpa!”
Lisa froze, staring at her daughter. “What are you talking about, sweetie?” she asked, her voice softer now but still tinged with confusion.
The man in the Santa suit sighed heavily and reached up, removing his fake white beard.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Underneath was an older man’s face, worn with deep lines but softened by a sad smile.
“My name is Thomas Martins,” he said quietly. “I’m sure that name rings a bell…”
Lisa’s face went pale. She quickly gestured for Ashley to go to her room.
“Go on, honey,” she said, her voice firm but gentle.
Ashley hesitated, her brows furrowed, but eventually nodded and walked upstairs, glancing back before disappearing.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“What’s he talking about, Lisa?” Robert asked, his voice breaking the silence.
Lisa turned to him, her expression filled with a mix of anger and pain.
“This can’t be,” she muttered, shaking her head. Then, turning to Thomas, she shouted, “Get out of here! I don’t want to see you in my house!”
Thomas held his hands up again, his eyes pleading. “I didn’t come to take your daughter, Lisa,” he said earnestly.
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“I just wanted to see her, to spend time with her. She’s my granddaughter, and I’ve never seen her in my entire life.”
Robert turned to Lisa, his confusion growing. “What’s he talking about, Lisa?”
Lisa’s shoulders slumped, and she closed her eyes for a moment before speaking. “He’s telling the truth,” she said softly.
“He’s Ashley’s real grandfather.”
“What?!” Robert exclaimed, his voice rising.
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“What does this mean?!”
Lisa took a deep breath. “He’s my father,” she admitted. “The one who abandoned me when I was little…”
Robert’s eyes narrowed as he turned back to Thomas. “It’s him?! Why did you come here?!”
Thomas’s shoulders sagged as he spoke.
“I just wanted to see my granddaughter, nothing more. I know you’ll never forgive me for what I did—I can’t forgive myself either—but I only wanted to be her grandfather for this one evening.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Robert clenched his fists, stepping closer.
“That’s enough,” he growled, beginning to push Thomas toward the door.
“Wait, Robert,” Lisa said, her voice stopping him. She stepped forward, her expression softening.
“It’s Christmas. This is a day when families should be together.”
She turned to Thomas, motioning for him to come closer. “Maybe I’m not ready to forgive you for not being in my life,” she said carefully.
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“But I don’t want to deny my daughter the chance to know her grandfather. Please, don’t make me regret this decision.”
Tears filled Thomas’s eyes as he nodded.
“Thank you, sweetheart,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He reached out and hugged Lisa gently, his shoulders shaking as he wept.
For Thomas, this was more than he had dared to hope for.
And for Lisa, that Christmas brought something unexpected—a new chance to heal and grow as a family.
Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.
If you enjoyed this story, read this one: It felt like Chelsea’s boyfriend had changed since they started dating. He used to be romantic and gentle and even wrote her letters. But now, he didn’t show up and left her alone at his friend’s birthday. However, after Chelsea found a letter in his friend’s coat, she realized the hard truth. Read the full story here.
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
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