Benji Madden and Cameron Diaz have been married for over nine years at this point. They welcomed their daughter four years ago and have kept the little girl out of the public eye since then.
Now, it seems they have welcomed their second child together. Keep reading to learn more about the latest addition to their family.
51-year-old actress Cameron Diaz and her husband, 45-year-old musician Benji Madden, welcomed their second child together on Friday. The couple took to Instagram to jointly announce the birth of their son Cardinal.
The couple shared the news with the help of a photo of a piece of artwork that read, “A little bird whispered to me.” The announcement came as a surprise for most people because no one had known the couple was expecting a child.
In the caption, Madden wrote, “We are blessed and excited to announce the birth of our Son, Cardinal Madden.” He went on, “He is awesome and we are all so happy he is here!”
“For the kids safety and privacy we won’t be posting any pictures- but he’s a really cute,” the caption continued. “We are feeling so blessed and grateful. Sending much love from our fam to yours. Best wishes and Good Afternoon!!”
The couple usually keeps their lives incredibly private. They tied the knot in 2015 and welcomed their daughter Raddix in 2019. Before her birth, they kept quiet about her arrival, only revealing it on social media after her birth.
“We are so happy, blessed and grateful to begin this new decade by announcing the birth of our daughter, Raddix Madden,” Cameron Diaz wrote in the birth announcement for her daughter. “She has instantly captured our hearts and completed our family.”
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“While we are overjoyed to share this news, we also feel a strong instinct to protect our little one’s privacy,” the caption went on. “So we won’t be posting pictures or sharing any more details, other than the fact that she is really really cute!! Some would even say RAD :)”
According to a source close to the couple, they went through a lot to have their daughter. ” They went through so much to get to this point.” The source added, “Cameron feels like this baby is truly a miracle.” The source shared that Raddix was born through surrogacy, a fact that the couple has never commented upon.
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Once the news of the second baby came out, it seems some people were not too happy. One Instagram user commented, “Who the heck wants to become a parent at 51 yrs old?” while another wrote, “Omg. She is so old, I hope they have a surrogate.”
It seems not everyone agrees with their decision to have a child at this point in their lives. But of course, there are differences of opinion on everything!
Kate Middleton‘s public video announcing her cancer diagnosis to the world is under heavy scrutiny. With the concerned public still reeling from finding out that Kensington Palace altered photos of the Princess of Wales and her family, a new detail has emerged in the recent video that is leading conspiracy theorists to believe that her latest video was also altered by AI: the so-called “ring glitch.”
Kate Middleton’s ring glitch
A slowed version of the original cancer reveal video seems to show her sapphire ring disappearing in several frames and then re-appearing. The video has amassed over 2.5 million views on Twitter/X as users try to disseminate whether or not the ring actually changes in the video.
The ring is just one piece of evidence making internet detectives believe that the video could have been edited, altered, or at least not recorded live. Middleton’s sweater, the background of the video and the coloring are among other elements of the video being analyzed as evidence of some kind of Royal “deep fake.”
Kate Middleton deep fake is unlikely
It is important to note that none of these theories have been founded.
In fact, one digital AI artist struck back at the numerous social media theories about the ring in a post on X.
“take into account the fact that the angle you are viewing the ring at changes and the effects of motion blur are present as she moves her hands – the ring is still clearly there,” Garry Walker wrote. “The conspiracy theorists are wrong about this one.”
For some, it brought relief to finally hear the truth about Middleton’s health. For others, it raised understandable concern for the future Queen. And still, as has been the case through her entire health ordeal, a select group are insistent on stoking rumors, given legs by Kensington Palace’s questionable PR moves from the start.
A 12-year-old foster child finally found his forever home. After his second adoption did not materialize, his best friend’s family decided to adopt him.
In 2018, a Tennessee family opened their home to Andrew, a 12-year-old foster boy who had lived in foster care for about six years.
In an interview with Today, the generous couple, Kevin and Dominique Gill explained that when Andrew’s parents’ parental rights were terminated, the young boy’s four siblings were adopted.
After his siblings were adopted, Andrew was left alone to wait for his forever home. After spending several years in foster care, the little boy finally had a chance at happiness, as Kevin and Dominique fostered the child.
While the couple expected Andrew to be overjoyed, his first week was quite the opposite. Dominique explained that the boy, who was ten, was reclusive and would always sit in his room with the door closed.
Andrew would always shout and push the couple away. However, Kevin and Dominique knew what the child had been through and decided not to give up on him. They showed him all the love and care he needed to be comfortable.
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In addition to the love and care he received from the couple, Andrew established a good relationship with the pair’s son, Joc. The two boys had various things in common, including their love of playing video games, especially Minecraft.
Andrew and Joc also loved snacks like Pop-Tarts. That ignited the friendship that would lead to the foster boy finding his forever home and new family.
After spending more than a year with the Gills family, Andrew left, but he and Joc remained friends. Dominique and Kevin did not have plans of adopting a child, so they decided on helping Andrew find his new family.
Andrew and Joc talk about being brothers. | Photo: youtube.com/WBIR10
However, when the boy’s second adoption did not work out, Kevin and Dominique knew Andrew belonged to them. One day, Andrew got the surprise of his life.
He was walking through the park with Youth Villages Counselor Molly Parker when he turned around and saw familiar faces, holding signs and balloons.
Then, the Gills family asked him if he wanted to become part of the family, and without hesitation, Andrew replied in the affirmative.
Kevin and Dominique Gill talk about adopting Andrew | Photo: youtube.com/WBIR10
The boy remained grateful to the Gills family, who accepted him rather than giving upon him. Dominique told Today that people often got scared away when they read Andrew’s file, but she knew he was a good child who had experienced a lot of trauma.
In addition, the woman said, “love doesn’t have a color.” According to Dominique, Andrew was their son just like Joc was theirs. He had become a full member of the family.
Cher is one of the most iconic and successful pop stars of all time, with a career spanning almost six decades and countless awards and accolades. She is also known for her ageless beauty and style, often defying the expectations and norms set for women her age.
Cher poses during a recording session in April 1966 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
In November 2023, the singer’s groundbreaking dance album, “Believe,” marked its 25th anniversary, but surprisingly, this was not a cause for celebration. In a candid interview with Today, Cher shared her sentiments about aging and reaching milestones in her music career.
Cher poses for a portrait session in October 1964 | Source: Getty Images
The anniversary of the hit song and its album of the same title, which debuted in 1998 and sold over 11 million copies globally, was a source of irritation for her. When asked about the supposedly joyous milestone and the album’s “amazing” success, Cher responded with a quick retort, “It’s not that amazing, ok?”
Cher poses for a portrait on March 9, 1978 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
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Cher, who celebrated her 77th birthday in May 2023, has been outspoken about her dislike of aging. In a 2020 interview, she stated, “I hate it.” She keeps up with trends and has a circle of young friends, but she does not strive to feel or be young. She embraces her identity, stating, “I am who I am. I’m just getting along.”
Cher poses for a portrait in July 1979 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Cher admitted, “When I was working on the road, we used to work two shows a night and then go out dancing all night long.” It bothers her that now, at her age, she doesn’t have the same energy anymore.
However, she has maintained her signature look and fashion choices, refusing to let her hair turn gray or alter her style. Her career and personal life have not slowed down due to her age.
Cher poses for a portrait in June 1981 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Though she tires easily now, she asserts that her voice is in its prime and her physical strength surpasses that of many younger individuals. She has been refreshingly transparent about her use of cosmetic surgery to maintain her looks, even referring to herself as the “poster girl for plastic surgery.” She confirmed having had a facelift but added, “Who hasn’t?”
Cher attends the 55th Academy Awards on April 11, 1983 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
In a previous interview with People, Cher made it clear that she wasn’t ready to embrace the natural aging process just yet. She stated, “Going gray is fine for other girls. I’m just not doing it!” Cher has been the subject of much speculation regarding cosmetic surgery. While she admits to having had some procedures, she insists it’s not as extensive as many believe.
Cher during her book signing on November 13, 1998 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
She admitted to undergoing a breast augmentation procedure, but it did not go well. She revealed, “I’ve had my breasts done. But my breast operations were a nightmare. They were really botched in every way. If anything, they were worse after than before.” She has previously discussed the pressure to stay young in her line of work.
Cher during her album signing on November 24, 1998 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Due to her openness about her cosmetic procedures, there are people who recognize her as the face of cosmetic surgery. When asked if she believes she has normalized cosmetic procedures, she responded with surprise, questioning the need for young girls to drastically change their appearance through surgery.
Cher on September 27, 2023 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
She expressed confusion over this trend, stating that she never desired to alter her natural features. Cher believes that talent, not appearance, is what truly matters in her profession. She stated, “You don’t pay bucks to stand and look at someone. They’ve got to deliver something.”
Cher at Free The Wild presentation on July 18, 2018 in London | Source: Getty Images
In 2018, at the age of 72, the singer took on the role of a glamorous grandmother in the “Mamma Mia!” sequel, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.” Despite not having any grandchildren of her own, a fact she wishes were different, Cher shared her belief that grandparents are more fun than parents.
Cher performing on October 24, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images
She recalled a childhood memory of pouring her grandmother’s perfume down the toilet, to which her grandmother simply laughed and found it adorable. In the film “Here We Go Again,” Cher portrays Ruby, the mother of Meryl Streep’s character Donna. Interestingly, Streep is only three years younger than Cher in real life.
Cher on October 25, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images
So, what if Cher never had a facelift or dyed her hair black? How would she look at different ages if she aged naturally? To try and answer this question, we used AI-generated images to create a hypothetical scenario of the pop icon’s appearance without any cosmetic enhancements. The results are fascinating and surprising.
In her 40s: Cher’s face is lovely, and her skin is flawless, with a few lines around her eyes and mouth. Her cheekbones are prominent, and her lips are full and shapely. Her hair is voluminous and is starting to gray.
Cher in her 40s via AI | Source: Midjourney
In her 50s: Cher’s face has aged more noticeably now, with deeper lines around her eyes and mouth. Her cheekbones are still prominent, but her jawline is less defined. Her eyes are still bright, but they have a hint of fatigue to them. Her lips are thinner than before, but still full and shapely. Her voluminous hair has patches of gray.
Cher in her 50s via AI | Source: Midjourney
In her 60s: Cher’s face has aged gracefully, with subtle lines around her eyes and mouth. Her cheekbones are still prominent, but her jawline is softer now. Her eyes are still bright, but they have a hint of wisdom to them. Her lips are thinner than before, but still full and shapely. Her hair is voluminous and gray at the roots.
Cher in her 60s via AI | Source: Midjourney
In her 70s: Cher’s face has aged gracefully, with deep lines around her eyes and mouth. Her cheekbones are still prominent, but her jawline is softer now. Her eyes are still bright and expressive. Her lips are thinner than before, but still full and shapely. Her hair is still voluminous and gray, but the tips are still black.
Cher in her 70s via AI | Source: Midjourney
In her 80s: Cher’s face has aged more noticeably now, with deeper lines around her eyes and mouth. Her cheekbones are still prominent, but her jawline is less defined. Her eyes are still bright, with no hint of fatigue to them. Her lips are thinner than before, but still full and shapely. Her hair is hair is still long and completely gray.
Cher in her 80s via AI | Source: Midjourney
The AI-generated images reveal a more natural and realistic appearance of the star, who still looks beautiful and elegant. They also show how her facial features and expressions change over time, reflecting her personality and emotions. The images are not meant to be accurate or definitive but rather a creative and fun experiment.
They are not intended to criticize or mock Cher’s choices or looks but rather to celebrate her as a legend and an icon. Cher is a remarkable woman who has achieved success and fame in the entertainment industry. She has a unique and iconic look and style, which she has preserved with the help of cosmetic surgery and hair dye.
Instead of being praised for getting through such a horrific attack this sweet little boy now has to endure cruel comments from children and adults.
His teaching assistant said when Ryder first started school even the adults would stare at him.
“When we go to the park, there’s a child who points and screams ‘monster’ at him before running away.” mom Brittany said, according to The Mirror newspaper.
“Out shopping the other day someone shouted ‘ew’ at him. It’s hard and it breaks my heart as a parent that after everything he’s been through, people aren’t always nice over something he can’t help.
“But he is such a fighter, he doesn’t let anything hold him back.”
Ryder’s survival is described as a ‘miracle,’ as even doctors didn’t expect him to make it.
Now the 31-year-old mom from Granite Falls is scared of her son starting school.
“He wears glasses and a cap and sometimes he’ll hang his head to hide his face. But I just tell him every day that he’s beautiful, different is beautiful and it’s ok to be different.
“I just reassure him as much as I can but I’m absolutely terrified about when he goes to school. There are always going to be a couple of kids who aren’t kind.”
Now she wants to raise awareness about the effects bullying can have on someone with a facial disfigurement and hopes Ryder’s story will make people think twice about how they treat those who look different.
When a 4-year-old boy disappeared in the dense forest of New Jersey, the state police immediately launched a search.
But when the boy was finally found, the officers were in for a surprise.
So, it’s no wonder the parents of this young boy were terrified when they couldn’t find him during the early evening of March 28, 2023.
When the New Jersey state police arrived at the house, they learned that the child had ventured off with his black Labrador. After searching for a while, the rescue team received word from a neighbor who heard cries for help in the woods, which heightened the sense of urgency.
An hour filled with worry passed before the police and the boy’s mother made a wonderful discovery. Emerging from the forest were the 4-year-old boy and his dog.
The sobbing child then rushed with outstretched arms towards the trooper and his mother. The Labrador had stayed faithfully by the boy’s side the entire time – what a loyal and wonderful companion!
The heartwarming moment was captured by the police officers’ body cameras:
“We are thankful to report that due to the quick response of the troopers and his mother, the terrified child was safely located and in good health,” New Jersey State Police wrote.
Besides the relief of finding the child safe and sound, the most heartwarming aspect of this story was that the family dog never strayed from the boy’s side.
After posting the video online, many praised the black Labrador.
“This beautiful dog protected him and stayed by his side,” one commenter said.
Carrie Bradshaw once said, “I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes.”But Sarah Jessica parker, the woman behind the sassy fashionista in the hit TV show Sex and the City, isn’t Jimmy Choo-obsessed, nor does she have a wardrobe filled with playful tutus and strappy slip dresses.
Still, the confident 58-year-old actor is fielding hateful comments from the online population who can’t understand why her real-life persona is contrary to the modish character she plays.
In her role as the beloved Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, Sarah Jessica Parker served some iconic, oftentimes controversial, looks.
While her character was considered a trendsetter by women across the globe, Parker in real life, has never been an urban chic fashionista.
“It’s not the way I perceive myself, I’m so low on my priority list,” said Parker, who raised three children while she was at the height of her career. “I love beautiful clothes and am privileged enough to have access to a lot them…but they also are returned the next day. They are not mine.”
In real life, the star admits that she prefers a practical style, which isn’t always popular with the demanding public.
Unsexiest woman alive
In fact, in 2008, she was named in a Maxim poll as the “Unsexiest Woman Alive.”
Shortly after she earned the unflattering title, Parker spoke with Grazia (through Daily Mail) and said, “Do I have big fake boobs, Botox and big lips? No. Do I fit some ideals and standards of some men writing in a men’s magazine? Maybe not.” The star of And Just Like That continues, “Am I really the unsexiest woman in the world? Wow! It’s kind of shocking when men…It’s so brutal in a way…”
Years later, the Family Stone star appeared at the Met Gala wearing a golden Dolce & Gabbana gown that she paired with an ornate nativity headpiece.
Credit: Shutterstock
Though she was serving an incredibly unique and smashing look, the public only commented on her aging.
“Aye real quick, how old is Sarah Jessica Parker because [her] skin look like tree bark and I’m confused,” said one. A second writes, “Is that Sarah Jessica Parker? Oh gosh she looks so old and worn out.”
Then, in 2021, the Hocus Pocus star was lunching with Bravo star Andy Cohen. Parker was makeup free, her silvery hair tied back in a braided ponytail.
It didn’t take long for the online population to start spitting hate over her appearance. But, Cohen, who also has a head of grey hair, defended his friend.
“We were at lunch and there was a paparazzi, and she’s sitting next to me, white hair,” said Cohen, 55, of his own white hair. Speaking on The Drew Barrymore Show, he continued, “All the articles were ‘Sarah Jessica Parker, she’s going gray’ and ‘She looks old,’ and it was insanity.
Here she is sitting next to me, who’s gray, and people just missed the mark totally. It was so misogynistic.”
Following that, Parker spoke with Vogue and had a lot to say about unforgiving people and their unrealistic standards of beauty.
“There’s so much misogynist chatter… I’m sitting with Andy Cohen, and he has a full head of gray hair, and he’s exquisite. Why is it okay for him?” Parker continues, “‘She has too many wrinkles, she doesn’t have enough wrinkles.’ It almost feels as if people don’t want us to be perfectly okay with where we are, as if they almost enjoy us being pained by who we are today, whether we choose to age naturally and not look perfect, or whether you do something if that makes you feel better.”
She adds, “I know what I look like. I have no choice. What am I going to do about it? Stop aging? Disappear?”
Influential woman
The title of “unsexist woman alive” was upstaged in 2022 when the Golden Globe winning actor was named by Time as one of its “100 most influential people in the world.”
Though she may not dress the part of Carrie, who’s the star of the TV series, two films and the reboot And Just Like That, Parker does own her own designer brand, SJP, which – not surprisingly – started as shoes.
The star of Honeymoon in Vegas is also a TV producer, the co-founder of the spirit “The Perfect Cosmo by SJP” (Carrie’s favorite drink), is involved with publishing, fragrances and has a wine label – to name a few.
And just like that
Also unlike Carrie and her hapless search for romance, the star of Footloose found love in the early 1990s with Matthew Broderick, the star of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
The adorable couple – who starred on Broadway together – married on May 19, 1997, and have been together ever since.
When Broderick was asked to reveal his secret for a successful marriage, he answered: “I don’t know the secret at all, but I, you know, I’m very grateful and I love her. It’s amazing. I mean, I can’t believe that it’s been that long. It doesn’t feel like it.”
The couple share three kids, son James Wilkie (born 2002), along with twins Tabitha Hodge and Marion Loretta Elwell, who joined the family in 2009, via surrogate.
The woman leads a busy life and should be applauded for her accomplishments, not criticized.
Speaking natural in real life, the actor said, “It’s not how I think of myself, and I think it’s probably the healthier approach.”
She continues, “It’s just not a reality – not when you have three kids, and you go to the market, and there are hungry people at home. You have a limited time to do it. There’s just no time to let vanity enter into that.”
Users of the social media platform X decided to revive an unpleasant video of the famous American singer Jennifer Lopez.
The viral clip shows the singer “spitting her used chewing gum into her assistant’s hand” on the streets of New York City, with many calling the behaviour “rude” and “disgusting”.
The video that went viral six years ago has been circulating again.
Some try to defend JLo
In it, JLo can be seen being accompanied through the streets of the Big Apple, while her assistant appeared to run into the shot to catch the gum: “Here’s JLO spitting gum into her assistant’s hand in the middle of New York City. What rude and disgusting behaviour. There is no reason to treat your employees this way,” the tweet on X reads.
Criticizm of the singer was aplenty: “This woman has always been this disgusting, no new evidence,” said one, while others claimed that “The more I hear about JLO, the worse it gets.”
But there were also many fans who came to her defence and replied to the post, claiming that she was filming a scene for a movie in the video and that this is normal for actors on set, as they are often asked to chew gum to clear their throats for lines or have minty breath for kissing scenes.
ARNOLD Schwarzenegger has had a pacemaker fitted after scar tissue from previous heart operations left him with an irregular heartbeat.
The Terminator actor had the secret procedure last week and is currently in recovery.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed he had a secret surgery last week to have a pacemaker implantedCredit: Getty
Arnold, 76, previously underwent three surgeries on his heart after being born with a congenital heart condition, a bicuspid aortic valve.
“Last Monday, I had surgery to become a little bit more of a machine: I got a pacemaker,” he revealed on his Arnold’s Pump Club podcast.
“I had my surgery on Monday, and by Friday, I was already at a big environmental event with my friend and fellow fitness crusader Jane Fonda.
“Nobody would ever have thought I started the week with a surgery.”
Schwarzenegger’s lookalike son Joseph shows off ‘best genes on planet’
The former California governor underwent the procedure on the advice of his doctors who said his three previous heart surgeries had affected his body.
“They also advised me that it was time to go through with this because some scar tissue from my previous surgery had made my heartbeat irregular,” he explained.
“It had been like that for a few years, so I stayed in touch with my medical team and visited in person at least once a year to get a full check up and see how my heart was doing.
“That’s life with a genetic heart issue.
“My mother and her mother’s bicuspid valves killed them. I’m still here because of medical innovation and being very diligent about staying in touch with my doctors and listening to them.”
ARNOLD’S SURGERIES
Arnold first had open heart surgery in 1997 to replace a defective, congenital aortic valve.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, 76, spotted with bandaged arm in concerning pics in LA days after having ‘secret surgery’
Then, in 2018, he had another open heart surgery to replace a pulmonary valve.
The surgery did not go as planned, however, as it was supposed to be a non-invasive procedure.
However, the doctor accidentally poked through the heart wall and had to open him up in order to save his life quickly.
Since only one valve was replaced, he headed in for another surgery four years ago – this time a non-invasive Transcatheter valve replacement.
Arnold further opened up about his decision to speak publicly about his procedures.
ARNOLD’S HEART SURGERIES
The bodybuilder turned actor has undergone four procedures since the 90s. (Getty)
1997 – Open heart surgery to replace a defective, congenital aortic valve
2018 – Open heart surgery to replace a pulmonary valve
“I’ve gotten so many messages and emails from people who were born with a bicuspid aortic valve, like me, telling me that talking about my valve replacement surgeries has given them courage and hope to deal with their own,” he explained.
“So, since I know that going against my secretive instinct and being transparent helps people, what choice do I have?”
Arnold said he wanted his listeners to know that they “aren’t alone.”
“And if you’re putting something off out of fear, I hope I inspire you to listen to your doctors and take care of yourself,” he added.
Sir Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, have been together for over two decades. The couple also share two sons, Zackary and Elijah, who they are trying to raise to be humble and appreciative of the value of money.
Sir Elton John is a critically acclaimed musician with 32 albums and no signs of stopping. At 73 years old, the singer still gets booked for many gigs.
Sir Elton John and David Furnish in London in 2001 | Source: Getty Images
Even though the musician still has a thriving career after over three decades, he is looking to focus on different aspects of his life, like his marriage with David Furnish and their two sons, Zachary and Elijah.
Before life became about raising their sons, John and Furnish had a whirlwind romance that started in 1993. The “Sacrifice” singer said he had returned to his house in Windsor and wanted to meet new people.
Sir Elton John and David Furnish in London in 2001 | Source: Getty Images
So he asked a friend to get people together for dinner, and among those people was Furnish, with whom John said he shared an instant connection. John loved that he was a bit shy and dressed well.
The day after, the two went on a date, which began their long-term relationship. They were in a civil partnership for nine years and eventually decided to get married in 2014
The couple sent out invites on Instagram. The whole day was special, especially sharing it with their sons, who had the big job of ring bearers.
Sharing their union with their kids was heartwarming for Furnish and John, especially since their journey to becoming parents was not easy. It started in 2009 when they built a connection with a Ukrainian boy named Lev at an orphanage for children with HIV.
The couple wanted to help him as he came from a broken family, but the government did not permit it because Lev was considered too old. However, the couple still talked to Lev and helped him.
The encounter with Lev made John realize that he could be a father. He confessed that he never thought he would have kids because he was too old. Soon after, they welcomed their first son, Zachary, in 2010, via surrogate, and Elijah in 2013.
Raising Kids Out of the Spotlight
Despite their busy lifestyle, the couple wanted to be hands-on with their children. “We don’t want to put the raising of children into the hands of nannies and housekeepers,” said Furnish. Becoming parents was the best decision for the couple, and moving forward, their main goal is to raise their sons to be happy and healthy.
John wrote a heartwarming letter to his sons, expressing how much they have changed his life. “Zachary and Elijah, you two are the greatest gifts I have ever been given. You have filled my heart with love and my life with purpose and meaning in ways I didn’t think were possible,” wrote the singer.
John and Furnish are happy with the beautiful family they have built. One thing they do not want their children to forget as they grow is the love and support they will always receive from their parents.
Elton John and son Zachary in France in 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Since becoming a parent, John opened up about how his perspective on life changed and some of the integral things he and his husband would like to instill in their children. John spoke about how becoming a parent changed his relationship with money. Now that he is a father of two, he finds quality time with Zachary and Elijah more valuable than a hit song or a painting.
The singer confessed that he and Furnish spent a lot of money before they had kids because they were accustomed to a life where they were at the center. But since the arrival of their sons, John said they have significantly reduced their spending.
Now, the couple is focused on making sure they only have what they need. The two have also been teaching their children the value of money and the work needed to earn it.
John is aware that his children already live a comfortable life, but he would love for them to still have humility. Therefore, the singer has said that he does not plan on leaving them his entire estate. Instead, he wants to balance giving his children a good life and keeping them grounded. He reasoned:
”Of course, I want to leave my boys in a very sound financial state. But it’s terrible to give kids a silver spoon. It ruins their life.
From when the boys were toddlers, John has tried to teach them the value of money. At five and three years old, Zachary and Elijah might not have understood how famous their parents were, but one thing John and Furnish did was teach them about spending and saving money.
The singer said back in 2016 that they would get £3 ($ 3.74) pocket money from working in the kitchen or garden. Then, each coin would be allocated to charity, savings, and spending. Their chores added up to cleaning up their rooms as they got older, and they got a star for every chore they accomplished.
Sir Elton John and David Furnish with their sons Elijah and Zachary in England in 2011 | Source: Getty Imagesin
The couple also understands that their kids will not have a regular childhood, but they still try to maintain a bit of normalcy in their lives. John revealed that his kids live like locals who are “not stuck behind the gates of a mansion.”
David Furnish and ,Elton John with their children Elijah and Zachary AIDS Foundation Academy Awards in Los Angeles in 2015 | Source: Getty Images
When asked if he feared raising his children in the spotlight, he says he is aware of the downsides but he thinks the public is “brilliant” and “not hostile,” especially when asking for photographs with his family, so he doesn’t mind at all.
The singer and his husband want their children to enjoy family time outside of their mansion, so they would go out for pizza or catch a movie.
David Furnish and Elton John with their son Zachary in New York in 2011 | Source: Getty Images
John does not want to miss out on moments with his children because of his fame. Another thing the singer is quick to do is pick up and drop off his sons at school.
Elton John andhis son Zachary in Hawaii in 2021 | Source: Getty Images
John and his husband usually keep their sons out of social media, but the “Rocket Man” singer shared a rare photo of Furnish, their sons, and their godmother, Lady Gaga. The singer expressed how he was sad to have missed out on the moment to pose with them but still sent his love.
Fans in the comment section were shocked at how much Zachary and Elijah had grown. “My goodness, the boys are getting tall. Such Handsome little gentlemen.” said a commenter. “Look at these gorgeous boys and their pappa and Godma!” added another fan.
John wrote a heartwarming letter to his sons, expressing how much they have changed his life. “Zachary and Elijah, you two are the greatest gifts I have ever been given. You have filled my heart with love and my life with purpose and meaning in ways I didn’t think were possible,” wrote the singer.
Lady Gaga with David Furnish and his sons Zachary and Elijah in California in 2022 | Source: Getty Images
John and Furnish are happy with the beautiful family they have built. One thing they do not want their children to forget as they grow is the love and support they will always receive from their parents.
John and his partner just celebrated Elijah’s 11th birthday and commemorated the special event with a picture on Instagram. “You fill our hearts with so much love and laughter. We love you. Papa and Daddy xo” wrote the singer. John is also set to be celebrating his 77th birthday on March 25, 2024!