Sir Elton John is a truly legendary British artist, known for his remarkable talents as a singer, pianist, and composer. He has achieved incredible success in his career, selling over 300 million records worldwide. Some of his most popular and beloved songs include "Rocket Man," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Your Song," "Tiny Dancer," and "Sacrifice," among many others.
John's music has touched the hearts of millions around the globe. Additionally, he is happily married to David Furnish, and their love and support for each other are admired by many. Together, they continue to inspire people with their music and their dedication to making the world a better place. Let's take a look at his relationship history.
How Did Elton John Met His Husband David Furnish?
Sir Elton John and David Furnish have shared a beautiful relationship for nearly three decades. Their journey began in October 1993 when they first met at a dinner party hosted by mutual friend. From the moment they met, they clicked instantly and felt strong connection between them. The very next day after their initial meeting, they decided to go on their very first official date.
The first date between John and Furnish was lovely and memorable evening that included enjoying Chinese takeout from the renowned Mr. Chow's restaurant. As their love for each other grew over the years, the singer knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with David.
In May 2005, during a heartfelt dinner party at their home in Old Windsor, John decided to make it official and proposed to David in front of their family and closest friends. The proposal was filled with love and joy, marking a significant moment in their enduring and loving relationship.
John's Long Road To Get Married
John's journey to getting married to Furnish was a long and significant one. When he first proposed to David, same-sex marriage was not yet legal in the United Kingdom. However, they were determined to make their commitment official, so they registered their civil partnership on December 21, 2005, at the Windsor Guildhall in London. Their ceremony was one of the early same-sex services in the country, symbolizing progress and acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights.
John and Furnish patiently waited for the day when same-sex marriage would become legal in the U.K., and finally, after nine years of being in a civil partnership, they got the chance to officially tie the knot. On their ninth anniversary, December 21, 2014, the two celebrated their love with a small and intimate wedding ceremony at their beautiful estate in Windsor, Berkshire.
John and Furnish were surrounded by close friends and family, with notable guests like Ed Sheeran, David Beckham, and Ozzy Osbourne among those who joined in their joyous celebration. Their love story stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the eventual triumph of love over adversity.
Previously Married To A Woman
Before his relationship with Furnish, John was previously married to a woman named Renate Blauel. They met in 1983 and decided to tie the knot on Valentine's Day in 1984 at St. Mark's Church in Darling Point, Sydney, Australia. However, their marriage didn't last, and they divorced in 1988. Not long after the divorce, the singer bravely came out as gay, acknowledging his true identity.
Since then, Blauel has chosen to keep a low profile and has stayed out of the public eye (until the famous legal feud). The divorce settlement between them was reportedly for a substantial amount of $45 million. Looking back on his marriage to Renate, he has expressed regret, realizing that he was in denial about his sexuality during that time. He deeply regrets causing sadness to his wife and carrying immense guilt for not being true to himself.
The Legal Battle Between John And His Ex-wife
After their divorce, Blauel chose to lead a private life away from the public eye. However, in 2020, headlines emerged when she took legal action against Sir Elton John. She sued him, claiming that he had breached an agreement they both signed after their divorce in 1988. This agreement was said to have prevented either of them from discussing their marriage or reasons for separation publicly.
However, John shared personal details about their marriage in his autobiography titled "Me" and also in the biopic "Rocketman." This legal dispute arose as a result of these disclosures. In the lawsuit, she asked for a settlement of £3 million as mentioned in an article from The Guardian. The case has since been resolved, but the specific details of the settlement have not been made public. Despite the legal battle, both parties have since moved on with their lives, respecting the importance of privacy and closure.
Once Engaged to Linda Woodrow
John's engagement to Linda Woodrow (now Hannon) was a significant chapter in his life. They were in a relationship from 1966 to 1970, and things seemed to be going smoothly between them. They took their commitment to the next level by moving in together in London and even went to an antique shop to pick out an engagement ring. Their love was so strong that they even went ahead and ordered a wedding cake in anticipation of their future together.
However, fate had a different plan, and one night, everything changed. John told Woodrow at four o'clock in the morning one day and broke the news that he wanted to end the relationship. Sadly, that was the last time she saw him. Despite the heartbreak, their time together left a lasting impact on the singer, as it is believed that she was the inspiration behind his poignant song, "Someone Saved My Life Tonight." This song not only touched the hearts of many but also holds a special place in his heart as a reminder of the love they once shared.
Controversial Relationship With Gary Clarke
Sir Elton John's relationship with Gary Clarke has been a subject of controversy. They were together for two years, from 1984 to 1988. The timeline of their relationship raised eyebrows, as it was alleged that Clarke had been involved with him just days before he got engaged to his now ex-wife, Renate Blauel.
To add to the complexity, Clarke reportedly even assisted Blauel in selecting her wedding dress, which added fuel to the rumors. In his book titled "Elton, My Elton," he openly discussed the details of their relationship and the events surrounding the singer's engagement. This revelation caused quite a stir in the media and among fans, as it shed light on a lesser-known chapter in his life.
The Secret Relationship With John Reid
Sir Elton John's relationship with John Reid was a significant and secret chapter in his life. They first met at a Christmas party in 1970, and while Reid became his manager for two decades, they also began a hidden romance. According to his former manager, they were each other's first great love.
During their time together, Reid played a crucial role in transforming John into a global megastar. However, after five years together, their romantic relationship came to an end. Despite the breakup, he continued to be the singer's manager for 25 years until 1988.
Unfortunately, in 1998, Reid and John had a falling out that led to a legal battle over finances. In court, the singer accused his former manager of negligence and breach of duty, involving millions of his fortune. The court ruling didn't favor the singer, but it is said that Reid paid a substantial out-of-court settlement to the star as mentioned in an article from the Ultimate Classic Rock.
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