Elton John pays emotional tribute to ex-wife

Elton John has paid emotional tribute to his ex-wife – as well as his husband, David Furnish.

The star made the comments in a heartfelt plea to fans ahead of the Australian vote on marriage equality.

Rocket Man singer Elton was briefly married to German recording engineer Renate Blauel in the 80s.

Elton wed Renate on Valentine’s Day 1984. They divorced in 1988.

‘I denied who I really was, which caused my wife sadness’

He said on Instagram: ‘I’m so excited to be back in Australia for a series of shows. Many years ago, I chose Australia for my wedding to a wonderful woman for whom I have so much love and admiration.

‘I wanted more than anything to be a good husband, but I denied who I really was, which caused my wife sadness, and caused me huge guilt and regret.

‘To be worthy of someone’s love, you have to be brave enough and clear eyed enough to be honest with yourself and your partner. Almost 24 years ago, I met the person with whom I could be fully myself.

‘When we married in 2014 [above], it felt like that fact was accepted by the world. For David and I, being able to openly love and commit to one another, and for that to be recognised and celebrated is what makes life truly worth living.

‘That acceptance and support makes us want to be as kind, responsible and productive members of society, as well as the best parents, that we can be.’

He furthermore added: ‘I love Australia. I love its spirit, it’s lack of pretence, it’s passion. I hope it can embrace the honesty and courage that seeks gay marriage as an expression not of desire but of love. #loveislove #marriageequality @davidfurnish.’

Bless!

Writing for The Guardian in 2006, Elton’s former in-house PR Caroline Boucher offered an insight into Elton and Renate’s relationship.

She wrote: ‘Renate Blauel has to be the most honourable ex-wife in the music business. There have been no interviews, no kiss and tell, no TV outpourings, indeed no sightings.

‘Mrs Elton John slipped quietly away from the Windsor house after her divorce in 1988 and never dished the dirt. She settled into a house in the Home Counties and immersed herself in her musical studies. She went as quietly as she arrived.’

She furthermore added: ‘Elton later told a friend that Renate walking down the aisle at St Mark’s church was the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen. He was totally committed to this relationship, which was always going to be tough on Renate – the gossip, the male ex-lovers, moving from a £34-a-week flat in Kilburn into the opulent Woodside.

‘It lasted four years. There was no pre-nup but Elton will have been generous. Loyalty is a quality he’s always appreciated.’

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