A Shocking Loss
Sheila Eileen Dwight, the mother of legendary singer Elton John, died on December 4, 2017, at the age of 92. John announced the sad news on his social media accounts, saying he was in shock and thanking his mother for everything. He also shared a photo of himself and his mother smiling together.
John did not reveal the cause of his mother’s death, but according to ABC News, he had seen her just a week before she passed away. He also said that he had chosen the music for her funeral, which was held in the family chapel and attended by her brother and sister.
A Long Estrangement
John and his mother had a complicated relationship, marked by a nearly decade-long estrangement that ended in 2016. The rift was reportedly caused by John’s mother’s refusal to cut off contact with two of his former friends, Bob Halley and John Reid, after he had a falling out with them.
According to People, John’s mother told the Daily Mail in 2015 that John had told her he hated her and hung up the phone on her when she refused to sever ties with Halley and Reid. She also said that she had never met John’s husband, David Furnish, or their two sons, Zachary and Elijah.
A Happy Reunion
However, in 2016, John confirmed to the Daily Mirror that he and his mother had reconciled and were back in touch. He said that he had reached out to her on her 90th birthday and that they had put their differences behind them.
He also said that he respected his mother’s privacy and did not want to speak publicly about their relationship. In May 2017, he posted a photo of himself and his mother on Instagram, wishing her a happy Mother’s Day and saying he was happy they were back in touch.
A Legacy of Love
Despite their ups and downs, John and his mother shared a bond of love and admiration. John’s mother was a supportive and proud parent, who encouraged his musical talent from an early age and attended many of his concerts.
She also had a sense of humor and a zest for life, as evidenced by her hiring an Elton John impersonator for her 90th birthday party. She was a devoted grandmother to John’s sons, who called her “Gaga” and sent her cards and flowers.
Sheila Eileen Dwight will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who left a lasting impact on her son’s life and career. As John wrote in his tribute to her, “Thank you for bringing me into the world and for all that you have done for me.”
