Elton John Shares Emotional Tribute to Close Friend Princess Diana, Saying He 'Misses Her' on 22nd Anniversary of Her Death
On the 22nd anniversary of Princess Diana’s tragic passing, Sir Elton John took to social media to honor the memory of his close friend with a heartfelt message that resonated with fans around the world.
Diana, Princess of Wales, died on August 31, 1997, in a car crash in Paris. Her death sent shockwaves across the globe, leaving millions grieving — including Elton John, who had shared a special bond with the beloved royal. Now, over two decades later, the legendary singer says her absence is still deeply felt.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t think of Diana and miss her laugh, her warmth, and her unwavering kindness,” Elton wrote in a moving Instagram post. “She was a light in this world, and on this day each year, I feel that loss all over again.”
Accompanying the tribute was a touching photo of the pair from the early 1990s, both smiling warmly at a charity event. Dressed in elegant attire and clearly enjoying each other’s company, the image captured the genuine affection that defined their friendship.
A Friendship Built on Compassion
Elton and Diana’s bond extended far beyond their celebrity status. Both were passionate advocates for humanitarian causes, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS. At a time when the disease carried enormous stigma, Diana made headlines for visiting AIDS patients in hospitals, often hugging them and challenging public fear. Elton admired her courage and compassion, and they often partnered at high-profile fundraisers.
In interviews and in his 2019 memoir Me, Elton described Diana as someone who made everyone feel like the most important person in the room. “She had this amazing ability to make you feel completely seen. It was never about her — she always made it about you.”
A Tribute That Touched the World
Following Diana’s untimely death, Elton paid tribute in the most unforgettable way — by performing a reworked version of his 1973 hit “Candle in the Wind” at her funeral. The rewritten lyrics, which began with “Goodbye England’s rose,” captured the grief of a nation. The single went on to sell over 33 million copies worldwide, with all proceeds going to Diana’s charities.
Elton has only performed the song once since, out of respect for Diana’s memory. “It was for her, and only her,” he has said.