Elton John and David Furnish say they want to adopt a Ukranian child named Lev (below)they met while on a recent orphanage tour in the town of Makeyevka outside Donetsk:
"The singer told reporters in Ukraine on Saturday that Furnish has
long wanted to adopt a child but that he was reluctant until he met Lev
at an orphanage where many of the children's parents have died from
AIDS. 'David always wanted to adopt a child and I always said
'no' because I am 62 and I think because of the traveling I do and the
life I have, maybe it wouldn't be fair for the child,' John said. 'But
having seen Lev today, I would love to adopt him. I don't know how we
do that but he has stolen my heart. And he has stolen David's heart and
it would be wonderful if we can have a home. I've changed my mind
today.' He acknowledged bureaucratic hurdles may make adoption of a Ukrainian child impossible."
Elton was visiting and performing at the orphanage as part of the work he does for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Beautiful child.
I'm not overly fond of "celebrity" adoptions but Elton John has donated a significant chunk of his life, energy, and financial resources into very selflessly helping others. I believe his heart is in the right place and he'd act in the child's best interest.
Posted by: sparks | Sep 13, 2009 5:27:04 PM
I would have to agree with SPARKS in this particular matter. Elton has done way more than his fair share to any cause and I wish him and his venture best wishes. God bless.
Posted by: Luv Me N E way | Sep 13, 2009 6:58:27 PM
I love Elton too but a sixty year old man (in less than tip-top physical condition no less) has no business having a child, much less adopting one. That's true for straight men who impregnate their trophy wives, and it's true for aging gay icons. (David Furnish is no spring chicken either.)
Posted by: wes | Sep 13, 2009 8:00:44 PM
Just what every small child needs, a 62 year old absentee father.
Elton is one of the good guys, but this is an incredibly selfish and bad idea.
Posted by: JMDRWAC | Sep 13, 2009 8:11:04 PM
Reinas Stupidas!!! Don't you see what a great thing this is?? The Ukrane is notoriously homophobic. They will deny the adoption, an international frenzy will erupt in favor of the adoption. More rights will result. Remember kids: When one "queen or dyke" is lifted, we all are.
Posted by: ty | Sep 13, 2009 11:33:57 PM
Elton can afford the best healthcare money can buy. He could easily live long enough to see that kid graduate high school (what is that anyhow, 17 more years?). He's 62 now, so he only needs to make it to, what, 79? Statistically, at 62 he's likely to live a several years longer than that (I think the expected lifespan for a 62 year old here in the West is something like 85).
And if he kicks it there's always the partner and several hundred million dollars to look after the kid with.
As for being "absentee", you can bet Elton's schedule will grow less and less hectic as he grows older. My guess is he'll opt to do shows in one place - like Vegas - and let the fans come to him, before retiring completely at some point in the next decade.
I say go for it, Rocket Man!
Posted by: JACKNASTY | Sep 14, 2009 12:29:12 AM
Larry King had kids at 65 and 66. Hugh Hefner is 82 and has a 16 year old daughter. David Letterman became a dad at 56 years old, after he had a heart attack even though his dad died at age 57. If old straight guys can get away with it, why shouldn't old gay guys?
Posted by: Wheezy | Sep 14, 2009 12:59:42 AM
"I love Elton too but a sixty year old man (in less than tip-top physical condition no less) has no business having a child, much less adopting one."
Yes, that's why that kid should stay in a Ukrainian orphanage where he'll be lucky to get 3 meals a day, much less a hug from anyone. In a perfect world, no, he shouldn't adopt a kid at 60-whatever, but the world's not perfect and life in an eastern European orphanage is incredibly grim.
Posted by: DaveB | Sep 14, 2009 6:25:09 AM
This is a private matter for Elton and his partner and they both deserve the right to adopt and take care of this child as their own. They are responsible and would provide the child with a stable and loving environment.
Len Pasek
Photographer
Snapshot In Time, Inc.
Tel: 770.231.4373
Posted by: Snapshot In Time, Inc. | Sep 14, 2009 12:06:27 PM
I am absolutely ecstatic that Ukranian officials have denied that fat,ugly queer Elton John the chance to adopt that poor little orphan.Him and his ilk should never,ever, be able to adopt a puppy dog never mind a 18 month old human being.God bless The Ukraine.
Posted by: David Millar | Sep 14, 2009 1:42:54 PM
Funny, I can actually see the resemblance.
Posted by: AG | Sep 14, 2009 3:14:23 PM
David Millar me undestands you have problems with words. Me thinks you may be wanted to say something positive. If not, me thinks you deserve to look like a fool.
Posted by: Lexxvs | Sep 14, 2009 7:29:00 PM