Elton John has embraced a unique form of self-expression by transforming his kneecaps into a distinctive piece of jewelry following a double knee replacement in 2024. The 78-year-old music icon shared this unusual story in a recent documentary, where he also discussed the significance of gold throughout his life and career.
During the surgery, John requested to keep his kneecaps, a request that surprised his surgeon. In his own words, he stated, “When I had my kneecaps removed, the left one first and then the right, I asked my surgeon if I could keep the kneecaps.” This request set the stage for an innovative collaboration with jewelry designer Theo Fennell.
From Surgery to Stylish Statement
Fennell elaborated on the intricate process of converting bone into jewelry. “We had to bake them to dry them out,” he explained, adding that the bones resembled “pumice stone” and required treatment with acetate before being polished. The final product included a gold-framed necklace showcasing one of John’s kneecaps, which he described as looking like “an old artefact from Egypt.” He proudly declared, “That’s my right patella. My surgeon said I had the worst knees he’s ever operated on.”
In addition to the unique centerpiece, Fennell crafted the necklace chain from bones, enhancing its unconventional charm. John praised Fennell’s work, confidently asserting, “I honestly think these are timeless pieces that will last for centuries.” The back of the necklace features a Latin inscription, which translates to: “I will no longer bow to any man.” Fennell humorously noted, “Which of course you can’t do with a kneecap missing.”
Health Challenges and Triumphs
Elton John’s health journey has been marked by significant challenges. At the premiere of his biopic, It’s Never Too Late, he candidly discussed his medical history. “I don’t have tonsils, adenoids or an appendix. I don’t have a prostate. I don’t have a right hip or a left knee or a right knee,” he reflected. He emphasized his gratitude towards his supporters, saying, “But I’m still here. And I can’t thank you enough, you’re the people that made me.”
His health struggles have included a previous diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, which he has managed since the early 2000s. John has made considerable adjustments to his diet, sharing, “I can have an apple, I can eat a bit of melon. As long as you’re sensible about it, it doesn’t shoot your blood sugar up.” However, he lamented, “What I crave is chocolate and ice cream; I can’t have any ice cream.”
In 2017, he faced another significant health scare when diagnosed with prostate cancer. Choosing surgery over chemotherapy to shield his loved ones from emotional stress, John experienced severe complications post-operation. He later revealed in his autobiography, Me, Elton, that he was “24 hours from death” due to a rare infection. “In the hospital, alone at the dead of night, I’d prayed: please don’t let me die, please let me see my kids again, please give me a little longer,” he recounted.
Elton John’s journey from surgery to showcasing his unique jewelry exemplifies not only his resilience but also his creative spirit. As he continues to navigate his health challenges, his ability to find beauty and meaning in life’s experiences remains inspiring to many.
