NEW YORK — Documenting Sir Elton John’s impressive 50-year musical journey presents a formidable challenge, but his husband, David Furnish, along with filmmaker R.J. Cutler, have embraced the task with enthusiasm.

The new documentary, “Elton John: Never Too Late,” is among the top music documentaries highlighted for 2024. It draws inspiration from John’s final U.S. tour in 2022, transforming into a heartfelt tribute to his life and artistic contributions. The film delves into the intricacies of his music, explores his relationships—including a passionate friendship with John Lennon—and reveals the trials of his tumultuous early years and his battles with addiction. The narrative is framed by memorable performances at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in both 1975 and 2022.

For viewers, including John, the documentary proves to be enlightening. “I was amazed by the quality of the music from my early years, as I seldom revisit my work. I have a sense of pride for that,” John mentioned in a recent conversation. “It also reminded me of my arduous journey with fame, feeling unsupported beneath it all. I turned to alcohol and drugs but achieved redemption through sobriety.”

The film clearly illustrates that success does not equate to fulfillment; John experienced fame yet yearned for genuine connections. His perspective shifted significantly after becoming a parent. “My two kids and David are my greatest treasures. Music, for me, now takes a backseat to my family,” he expressed.

The title “Never Too Late” embodies a universal message about the possibility of change. John reflected, “This applies not only to my story but to everyone. Change is always within reach. I’m grateful I made the decision to get sober because it transformed my entire life.” He proudly celebrates 34 years of sobriety.

John described his past struggles with addiction as a tumultuous period that starkly contrasts with his current happiness. “Life has been wonderful compared to my earlier years battling drugs and alcohol. Music was my lifeline, though it almost claimed my life. I am proud to say that now I have a family,” he recalled.

“Never Too Late” serves not just as a recounting of his life’s experiences, but as a powerful advocacy piece. “It showcases that a fulfilling family life can exist for LGBTQ+ individuals. I am extremely happy,” he stated.

The documentary’s title also coincides with an encouraging theme song penned by Brandi Carlile, Andrew Watt, John, and his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, which is vying for recognition at the 2025 Oscars. Carlile, after visiting John and Furnish’s home in France and viewing a rough cut of the film, was inspired to create the song.

John reflected on the ease of writing the song, saying, “This song resonated with my own experiences, making it effortless to compose.” He added that its underlying message conveys resilience: “I’ve endured a lot, but I emerge strong on the other side.”

Though retirement from touring has come, John frames “Never Too Late” as a doorway to a new chapter of his life. “Fans can look forward to new music on the horizon. A new album is definitely in the works,” he revealed, showing enthusiasm for future projects.

This reflective endeavor invites contemplation about legacy. When asked about his legacy 50 to 100 years into the future, he straightforwardly stated his desire: “I want it to say on my tombstone, ‘He was a great dad.’ The musical legacy will take care of itself, but the human aspect—‘He was a great father and husband’—is what truly matters to me.”

Recently, John shared that he has faced some vision loss due to an infection. “My eyesight is currently an issue, but I remain optimistic. I’ve temporarily lost sight in my right eye, and my left is not perfect either,” he disclosed.

Adjusting to this new reality has fostered a deeper empathy in him for those with similar challenges. “Experiencing this has given me a newfound understanding of sight-impaired individuals and those who are fully blind. I consider myself lucky to see as much as I do,” he shared.

John’s upbeat demeanor is palpable throughout “Never Too Late.” He maintains a forward-thinking perspective, focusing on what lies ahead while acknowledging his record-breaking past. “For me, it’s all about the future, not dwelling on the past. This documentary is a step towards moving forward,” he concluded.

“Elton John: Never Too Late” can currently be streamed on Disney+.