When it comes to success in the music industry, Elton John remains in a category by himself as the singer sold over 300 million albums and received a Knight Bachelor due to his contributions to music and charity. He is also one of the few singers to hold an Emmy, Grammy, Academy Award, and a Tony. Although an icon, John recently opened up about an eye infection that shockingly left him blind in his right eye.

1,500 × 1,000

Appearing on Good Morning America to discuss his new song with Brandi Carlile, John offered fans an update about his health. Currently 77 years old, the singer said,  “I unfortunately lost my eyesight in my right eye in July because I had an infection in the South of France, and it’s been four months now since I haven’t been able to see. My left eye is not the greatest.”

Although John focused on his treatment and hoped to recover from the infection, he only felt comfortable doing interviews. “I can do something like this. But going into the studio and recording, I don’t know. Because I can’t see a lyric for start. … It kind of floored me, and I can’t see anything. I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything.”