It feels like just yesterday Elton John was announcing he was finally becoming a dad, doesn't it? People were a bit skeptical back then. He was older, world-famous, and living a life that didn't exactly scream "diaper changes and school runs." But here we are in 2026, and those little boys aren't so little anymore.
If you're wondering how old are Elton John's sons, the answer might actually make you feel a bit old yourself. As of early 2026, his eldest, Zachary, has officially hit the big 15, while his younger brother Elijah is now 13. They’ve officially entered the "teenage years" era, and honestly, seeing them out and about lately, they’re starting to tower over their famous "Papa."
The Timeline of the Furnish-John Boys
Elton and his husband, David Furnish, didn't just stumble into parenthood. It was a long road. They welcomed both boys via the same surrogate, a woman they’ve frequently described as a "part of the family," though they’ve kept her identity private to protect her.
Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John was the first to arrive. He was a Christmas baby, born on December 25, 2010. That makes him 15 years old.
Then came Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John. He arrived a few years later on January 11, 2013. He just celebrated his 13th birthday, which means there are officially two teenagers living under the Rocket Man’s roof. Can you imagine the Spotify battles in that house?
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Growing Up in the Spotlight (Sort Of)
For years, Elton and David were incredibly strict about the boys' privacy. You’d see the back of their heads in Instagram photos or maybe a side profile if they were walking into a stadium. They wanted a normal life for them. Or as normal as it gets when your godmother is Lady Gaga.
But lately, things have shifted. At the start of 2026, the couple actually shared some rare, clear photos of the boys during a New Year’s Eve bash hosted by Donatella Versace. People were floored. Zachary and Elijah looked incredibly dapper in their suits, and the family resemblance—to both Elton and David—is getting harder to miss.
What Life Looks Like for Zachary and Elijah Now
So, what do 13 and 15-year-old sons of a billionaire music legend actually do? Surprisingly, it’s not all private jets and piano lessons.
- Football Fanatics: If you follow Elton at all, you know his heart belongs to Watford FC. He’s passed that obsession down. The boys are frequently spotted in the stands, shouting just as loud as their dad.
- School and Friends: They attend school in the UK and, by most accounts, are "pretty regular blokes." Elton once mentioned in an interview that they aren't especially spoiled. They get an allowance, but they have to work for it.
- The "Mortality" Talk: It’s a bit heavy, but Elton has been open about the fact that the boys have started asking about his age. He’s 78 now. In his documentary Never Too Late, he admitted they worry about how much time they have left with him. It’s a grounded, human side of the superstar that most people don't see.
Why the Age Gap Between Elton and His Sons Matters
There was plenty of chatter when Zachary was born. Elton was in his 60s. Critics wondered if it was "fair" to have kids that late in life.
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Honestly, seeing them now, it seems to have worked out. Elton has credited the boys with saved his life—or at least, giving him a reason to finally retire from the road. The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour wasn't just about saying goodbye to the fans; it was about being home for the teenage years. He didn't want to be in a stadium in Berlin while his sons were navigating high school drama in England.
The Biological Question
People always ask: "Who is the biological father?"
The truth is, we don't know, and they don't care. Elton and David have been very public about the fact that they "both contributed" to the process and chose not to find out which child is biologically related to whom. To them, they are both equal parents. It’s a modern family dynamic that they’ve defended fiercely since 2010.
Looking Ahead to the Future
Now that Zachary is 15, the "what's next" questions are starting. Is there a musical career in the works?
According to David Furnish, the boys aren't currently showing signs of wanting to follow in the "Rocket Man" footsteps professionally. They enjoy music, sure, but they aren't child stars. They’re kids. They’re into sports, technology, and hanging out with their friends.
The most important takeaway for anyone following the family is how much Elton has prioritized being a father over being a performer in this decade. Watching how old Elton John's sons are getting is a reminder of how quickly time moves—even for legends.
If you want to keep up with the family's milestones, keep an eye on David Furnish's social media. He tends to be the one who shares the sweet birthday tributes, while Elton keeps his feed a bit more focused on his music and advocacy work. As the boys navigate their mid-teens, we’ll likely see them taking on more of their own public identities, perhaps following their dad’s lead in philanthropy or carving out their own paths entirely.
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To see more of the family's recent public appearances, you can check out the official highlights from the 2026 New Year's celebrations on major entertainment news outlets like People or Hello! Magazine. Keeping track of these milestones is a great way to see how the next generation of the Furnish-John family is shaping up.