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Elton John: "He was a great dad" on his gravestone, tied to his kids

2024-12-15

Elton John, at the age of 77, has given much thought to how he wishes to be remembered. In an interview with TIME as their Icon of the Year, he revealed that on his gravestone, he simply wants it to say, "He was a great dad." Alongside his husband David Furnish, he shared this sentiment. The couple, who have been together for over three decades and have two sons, Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11, hold family close to their hearts.

Music and Career vs. Family

John emphasized that while his music and career have been fantastic, with a mind-blowing and groundbreaking impact, the most important thing to him is his family. In an interview with Good Morning America's Robin Roberts, he stated, "My music speaks for itself. My legacy is that I was a great husband and an even better father. The music is great, but making sure my children are happy and have a wonderful life is what truly matters."The family's presence on stage during John's final performance at Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium in 2022 was a deliberate move. As Furnish told GMA, "Elton wanted the world to really see and feel why he made the decision to stop touring."In November, while promoting Tammy Faye on Broadway on Radio Andy, John spoke about becoming a father later in life and called it "the greatest thing I've ever done." He said, "For me personally, I've had an amazing life with great career achievements, but our sons and David are the most important things to me."

Dealing with Mortality

John is aware of his advanced age compared to most parents with young kids. In the new documentary Elton John: Never Too Late, based on his life, he detailed how his two children express fears about his death. In the film that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) earlier this year, he said, "They think about my mortality. They worry about my mortality."In their joint interview with TIME, Furnish also explained why they chose not to homeschool their sons. He said, "We deliberately didn't homeschool our children because we want them to be their own people and to define life as they want to be defined."John's story shows the importance he places on family and how it shapes his life and legacy. His music will continue to be remembered, but his role as a father and husband is what truly defines him.

The Last Showgirl director Gia Coppola took a significant step by sending Pamela Anderson's then-agent the script for her new movie. The hope was that the former Baywatch star would seize the lead role. However, fate had a different plan as the agent never passed along the project to his client.

"Pamela Anderson's Comeback in The Last Showgirl"

Director's Initiative

Gia Coppola, with a vision in mind, sent the script to Pamela Anderson's agent. It was a chance for Anderson to showcase her talent on the big screen once again. But as fate would have it, the agent's decision led to a different path.This incident highlights the importance of timely communication and the impact it can have on an actor's career. Anderson, with her undeniable charm and talent, was ready to take on the challenge.

Pamela's Reaction

When 57-year-old Anderson was informed about the script being sent and then promptly turned down, she was left puzzled. "I don't know if it was the money or the role or whatever. He thought I wouldn't do it," she shares.But little did the agent know that Anderson was about to make a decision that would change her career. Her son Brandon Lee brought the script to her while she was gardening at home in Canada. This unexpected encounter set in motion a series of events that would lead to her acceptance of the role.

The Role and Its Significance

In The Last Showgirl, Anderson plays Shelly, a dancer who has spent decades performing in a show called Les Razzle Dazzle. The show is suddenly canceled by the higher-ups at the Las Vegas resort where it takes place.Faced with an uncertain future, Shelly must navigate through the challenges and figure out her next steps. Along the way, she tries to build a relationship with her estranged adult daughter, played by Billie Lourd.This role is not just a comeback for Anderson but a chance to prove her versatility as an actress. The film, which has been receiving glowing reviews, also stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Kiernan Shipka, Brenda Song, and Dave Bautista.The Last Showgirl is currently in select theaters, with a wider release planned on Jan. 10. It is a story that showcases Anderson's talent and determination in the face of adversity.

Ray Romano, a renowned figure in comedy, has witnessed remarkable achievements within his family. His daughter Ally stands out as a true overachiever, while his sons are on their own paths of self-discovery. This article delves into the lives and aspirations of the Romano clan.

Discovering Passion and Purpose in the Romano Family

Ally Romano: The Academic and Professional Success Story

Ally Romano graduated from the University of Southern California and now holds a senior director position at a public relations agency. From a young age, she had an unwavering drive to excel academically, aiming for nothing less than A's and A-pluses. Her parents, Ray and Anna, both recall their own struggles with school, yet Ally's passion for learning was evident. "Everything had to be perfect for her," Ray says. "She took those traits from us and ran with them." This determination has led her to great heights in her career.

The Romano Twins: Navigating Mid-Twenties at Home

Matt and Greg, the Romano twins, are in their mid-twenties and still living at home. In their new documentary, they explore the search for meaning in life. Ray, now 66, reflects on his own youth and how his passion for stand-up comedy sparked his drive. "I was horrible in school, but once I found something I loved, it changed everything," he says. The twins are following in their dad's footsteps, taking their time to find their footing and hoping to discover their own passions along the way. Joe, the youngest brother at 26, shares their mindset. "I'm exactly where Matt and Greg were when they started this documentary," he says.

The Romano Brothers' Collaborative Endeavor

Now, the three Romano brothers are coming together over a shared passion. Greg mentions, "We're starting to write something. We don't have a regular 9-to-5 job right now, but we're working on a movie script and seeing where it takes us." This collaborative effort shows their unity and determination to pursue their creative dreams.

Ray Romano's Advice to His Kids

Ray Romano, the Emmy-winning star of "Everybody Loves Raymond," emphasizes the importance of finding something one loves. "It doesn't matter what you do. The key is to discover something you enjoy and pursue it," he says. He also encourages his kids to take advantage of their privileges and use the time to find their passion, knowing that not everyone has that opportunity. "Don't be afraid to fail," he adds. "I failed so many times, but it led me to where I am today."Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.