Music legend Elton John opens up about his down-to-earth approach to raising children
Sir Elton John is famous for his outlandish lifestyle, but it seems fatherhood has changed the former super-spender, as he’s revealed he only gives his children £1 pocket money a week.
Despite being worth an incredible £300 million, the pop legend insists that he’s teaching his two sons, Zachary, eight, and six-year-old Elijah, to live frugally – unlike many other celebrities.
Admitting he doesn’t want to spoil his two boys, the 72-year-old singer said, “I’m the first to admit the boys have a far from average life, but being there for them doesn’t mean spoiling them rotten.”
He added, “They have a pound each week pocket money.”
Elton also insisted that both boys have to work for their money. “They get saving, pocket money and charity, and they have their own account for philanthropy,” he explains.
“They have to do chores around the house. They help in the garden with the gardeners, they take their plates out, they help tidy their rooms and it helps give them a sense of responsibility, because God knows, they don’t lead a normal life, there’s no pretending about that.”
Despite living a life of privilege, the Watford-born star says he and his partner David Furnish, 56, who got married in 2014, do their best to shield the boys from his fame. “They know what their daddy does, but I never bring Elton home,” he says.
“When people ask for a photograph and they say, ‘Why?’ we always say, ‘Because people like my music’. We don’t say, ‘Because I’m famous’.”
Elton also confessed that parenthood was behind his decision to quit the road once his current world tour is over. “My children need to be with me and I need to be with them,” he explains. “I owe it to those children to be there for them.”
Well said, Elton.