Sir Elton John is mourning the loss of his mother, Sheila Farebrother, just months after ending their nearly decade-long estrangement.
Taking to Instagram on Monday, the “Candle in the Wind” singer shared a photo of the pair smiling in their finest.
He captioned the emotional upload: “So sad to say that my mother passed away this morning. I only saw her last Monday and I am in shock. Travel safe Mum. Thank you for everything. I will miss you so much. Love, Elton.”
The 70-year-old singer-songwriter did not explain the circumstances surrounding his mother’s death.
Elton only recently announced that he had rekindled his relationship with his mother after close to nine years of not speaking to each other.
He revealed the happy news on social media with a throwback picture of himself alongside his mum, writing: “Dear Mum, Happy Mother’s Day! So happy we are back in touch. Love, Elton xo #MothersDay.”
It’s understood the duo hadn’t spoken to each other since an explosive argument back in June 2008.
The estrangement was sparked by Sheila’s refusal to cut ties with two of Elton’s oldest friends — Bob Halley and John Reid — after he fell out with them.
Speaking with The Daily Mail back in 2015, Shelia opened up about the bitter feud.
“‘I told him: ‘I’m not about to do that and drop them. Bob is like a son to me. He has always been marvellous to me and he lives nearby and keeps an eye on me’,” she said.
“Then to my utter amazement, [Elton] told me he hated me. And he then banged the phone down. Imagine! To me, his mother!”
Elton went on to further their separation by failing to attend his stepfather’s funeral in 2010. Sheila then added insult to injury by hiring an Elton John tribute act to perform at her 90th birthday party.
Our thoughts are with Elton and his family during this difficult time.
