Elton John has expressed his heartbreak over the death of his mother, aged 92.
The Rocket Man singer, 70, took to Instagram this morning to announce to his fans that Sheila Farebrother had passed away.
And although the pair had only recently ended a long-running feud, Elton admitted that he was “in shock” over the news.
Alongside a picture of the two of them grinning together, Elton – whose real name is Reginald Dwight – wrote: “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.”
And Elton’s fans were quick to offer a hand of support at what must be a difficult time for the singer.
One wrote: “Very sorry to hear this. Our sincerest condolences. Our thoughts are with you and your family.”
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Another fan soothed: “Aw I’m so sorry for your loss. You made her proud, and I’m sure you were a wonderful son. May she rest in peace.”
And a third made a reference to Elton’s song Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word, writing: “Sorry… and that’s not hard to say.”
It’s been reported that Elton fell out with his mum in 2008, after she chose to remain friends with some of his former staff members.
And things are said to have gone from bad to worse after Elton failed to show up for his stepfather’s funeral in 2010.
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But Elton – who’s married to David Furnish – finally buried the hatchet with his mum on her 90th birthday, reportedly sending her a bunch of white orchids.
He told the Daily Mirror at the time: “Out of respect for my mother’s privacy, I have always shied away from speaking publicly about our relationship.
“However, I can say that we are now back in touch and have been so since my mother’s 90th birthday.”
And earlier this year, the singer posted a sweet tribute to Sheila on Mother’s Day.
Next to a photo of the two of them, he wrote: “Dear Mum, Happy Mother’s Day! So happy we are back in touch. Love, Elton.”