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5 Surprising Rules: Inside The Strict, Device-Free Life Of Elton John’s Sons, Zachary And Elijah

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As of December 2025, Sir Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, continue to navigate the challenging yet rewarding world of parenting two teenage boys, Zachary and Elijah, in the public eye. The legendary musician, now 78, has frequently described his sons as his greatest achievement, and recent updates reveal a grounded, normal family life that is surprisingly strict, despite their lavish lifestyle. The family's commitment to raising "normal" children is evident in their deliberate decisions, from choosing not to homeschool them to enforcing a non-negotiable rule that governs their daily interactions. Recent public appearances and candid interviews have offered a fresh look at the boys as they enter their teenage years, including their surprising concerns about their famous father’s health.

The Furnish-John Family: A Complete Biography and Profile

The family unit of Sir Elton John and David Furnish is a modern testament to love and commitment, built on a foundation of mutual respect and a shared vision for raising their children.
  • Sir Elton John (Reginald Dwight)
    • Born: March 25, 1947 (Age 78 as of Dec 2025)
    • Spouse: David Furnish (Civil Partnership: 2005; Marriage: 2014)
    • Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Pianist, Humanitarian
    • Notable Fact: One of the best-selling music artists of all time, known for hits like "Rocket Man," "Tiny Dancer," and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road."
  • David Furnish
    • Born: October 25, 1962 (Age 63 as of Dec 2025)
    • Occupation: Filmmaker, Director, Producer, Former Advertising Executive
    • Notable Fact: Chairman of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and a key creative force behind the family’s documentary and film projects.
  • Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John
    • Born: December 25, 2010 (Age 14 as of Dec 2025)
    • Birth Details: Born via a surrogate mother in California.
    • Godmother: Lady Gaga
  • Elijah Joseph Daniel Furnish-John
    • Born: January 11, 2013 (Age 12 as of Dec 2025)
    • Birth Details: Born via the same surrogate mother as Zachary.
    • Godmother: Lady Gaga

The Strict Rules and Grounded Life of Zachary and Elijah

Despite growing up in palatial homes in Windsor, Nice, and Los Angeles, with a godmother who is a global pop icon (Lady Gaga), Elton John and David Furnish are determined to keep their sons grounded. Their parenting philosophy centers on instilling a strong work ethic, respect, and independence, leading to a few surprising, non-negotiable family rules.

1. The Device-Free Dinner Table Mandate

Perhaps the most frequently discussed rule in the Furnish-John household is the total ban on electronic devices during family meals. The fathers insist on this "device-free" policy to ensure quality time and genuine conversation. This is a non-negotiable rule that applies to everyone, including the dads. The goal is to encourage the boys to engage with each other and their parents, fostering a strong bond without the distraction of screens.

2. No Automatic Access to the Family Fortune

Elton John has been clear that his sons will not be handed a silver spoon or an automatic inheritance. While he will provide financial security, he and David have established that the boys must learn the value of work and earning their own way. Elton John has expressed his belief that giving children everything "ruins their life," suggesting the boys will be expected to find their own careers and purpose rather than relying solely on the family’s multi-million-pound wealth.

3. The 'Be Your Own Person' Education Rule

In a world where celebrity children are often homeschooled for privacy, Elton and David made the conscious decision to send Zachary and Elijah to a mainstream school. David Furnish explained this choice, stating, "We deliberately didn’t home-school our children because we want them to be their own people and to define life as they want to be defined." This decision is a testament to their desire for the boys to experience a diverse social environment and develop independent identities away from their father’s immense fame.

4. A High-Profile, Yet Private, Public Life

While they live a life of luxury, Zachary and Elijah are rarely seen in public. Their fathers have been fiercely protective of their privacy, wanting them to enjoy a normal childhood. However, they do make select, high-profile appearances, most recently joining their fathers at the annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars Viewing Party in March 2025. They have also been pictured attending Watford FC matches, a club their father has long supported, showing their connection to their father's passions outside of music.

5. No Pressure to Follow in the Musical Footsteps

Despite growing up surrounded by musical genius, neither Zachary nor Elijah has shown a strong interest in pursuing a career in the music industry. Elton John has confirmed that he is not pressuring them to follow his path. He is supportive of whatever they choose to do, whether it's sports, film, or an entirely different field. This hands-off approach to their career choices is a crucial element of their parenting, allowing the boys the freedom to discover their own talents and passions.

The Surrogacy Journey and Their Bond with the Same Surrogate

The birth of Zachary and Elijah was a landmark moment for the couple and for LGBTQ+ families globally. Both sons were born via the same surrogate mother, who Elton John and David Furnish hold in the highest regard. The couple has maintained a close, respectful relationship with the woman who carried their children, ensuring she remains a part of the boys' lives. Elton John has referred to her as "part of our family," a crucial entity in their family structure. This open approach is part of their commitment to transparency, ensuring the boys understand their unique origin story and the love that went into their creation. The boys know they have two fathers, a surrogate mother, and a sperm donor, a family dynamic they are proud of.

A Teenage Worry: Mortality and the Age Gap

A particularly poignant update on the family came from Elton John himself, who, at 77, revealed his sons' concerns about his age. In a showing of his new documentary, *Touched by Gold*, the singer shared that Zachary and Elijah worry about his mortality. "They worry about my mortality," he stated candidly. "They want me to be around." This emotional revelation underscores the deep bond the family shares and the reality of raising children later in life. It also highlights the boys’ maturity and their understanding of their father's health issues. Elton John has since spoken about how this concern motivates him to stay healthy and ensure he is there for them as they grow into adulthood. He and David Furnish are focused on cherishing every moment and creating lasting memories with their boys, who are truly the proudest achievements of the *Rocket Man*’s life.
elton john children
elton john children

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