Sir Elton John's close pals are "seriously concerned" about his health

He was forced to overhaul his diet after suffering an infection this year that caused him to lose the sight in his right eye after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the early 2000s.

Elton has had many health battles over the years, having had prostate cancer in 2017, and hip replacement surgery in 2021, after suffering a nasty fall at his home in the South of France.

Despite retiring from touring last year following the conclusion of his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' run, Elton is still very much a workaholic and as well as promoting his musicals, the 'I'm Still Standing' hitmaker has been busy with the release of his Disney+ documentary 'Elton John: Never Too Late'.

The 'Rocket Hour' host also has his weekly Apple Music radio show, among other projects, but his nearest and dearest are said to have advised him to "slow down".

A source has told The Sun newspaper: "Elton's friends are seriously concerned about how much he has taken on and believe it is having a major impact on his health.

"Quite a few people who he is close to have now encouraged him to slow down because he has been busier than ever this year.

"As well as recording a new album, he has launched two theatre shows and a huge V+A exhibition, as well as continuing with his weekly Apple Music radio show.

"He isn't getting any younger and his health has been deteriorating in the past few years.

"The whole point of his farewell tour was that he would be home more once it finished, but he is still working to an intense schedule.

"Something has to give."

Elton explained that he was giving up touring so he could spend quality time with his sons, Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11, but that hasn't stopped him filling up his schedule with other work.

The 'Tiny Dancer' hitmaker himself confessed about his own mortality in his upcoming Disney doc: "I want to see our children married. But I don't think I'm going to be around for that."

Elton added: "So that's why I want to use the best of my time while I'm around. Time together is so wonderful and so precious."

His husband, David Furnish, 62 - whom he married in 2014, and described has "his rock" amid his health struggles - admitted: "That really upset me because in my mind I sort of think Elton is going to live forever - we all think that - and Elton is so vibrant that it's an easy thing to believe, but it forces you to confront that reality."