Elton John's Near Death Experiences Made Him Aware Of His Mortality

"Candle in the Wind" singer Elton John contracted a potentially deadly bacterial infection while on tour in South America. The 70-year-old singer was rushed to a hospital in the U.K. due to an intense illness while on board a flight back to Britain from Santiago Chile.

He stayed in the intensive care unit for two days and has stayed in the hospital for 10 more days before he was released. The doctors were so efficient that they were able to treat his infection before it intensified.

For health reasons, the "Written in the Stars" hitmaker has canceled a series of shows in Las Vegas in order to recuperate according to Daily Mail. His assistant informed that John's infections were rare and potentially deadly. The medical team that cared for him were so efficient that they were able to find a cure at the proper time.

According to the father of two, "I am so fortunate to have the most incredible and loyal fans and apologize for disappointing them. I am extremely grateful to the medical team for their excellence in looking after me so well."

He canceled eight shows between April 28 and May 6 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace according to People. He will be back to perform at Twickenham stadium in England on June 3. The singer has been performing at the hotel in Sin City with his specially-created Million Dollar Piano show since 2011. His gig in this venue was the latest that he has to cancel due to his hospital confinement.

Princess Diana's friend, Elton John was operated for appendicitis in 2016 which caused him to cancel a string of concerts also. He considered the operation as a wake-up call that he has to slow down and spend more time with his loved ones.

Whether he will be retiring soon and live a laid back life with his 54-year-old husband David Furnish and their two sons Zachary, 6, and Elijah, 4, he said that he will not be touring until his dying days. He also said that he will not be working for long as he wants to see his boys grow up.

It can be recalled that Elton John said two years ago that he will be phasing out his career as a musician in a few years time. With his recent declarations that he will stop touring, the probability is he will.