The iconic British musician, Sir Elton John was awarded the highest civilian honour of France – the Legion d’Honneur. He was bestowed with the honour by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, at a ceremony at Elysee Palace.
Elton John, 72, was presented the prestigious award a day after his farewell concert in Paris. The pop legend announced recently that he would not be performing tours and that he would be bidding goodbye to his fans by means of his final global tour – Farewell Yellow Brick Road. This tour, which will last for a period of three years, would include around 300 concerts in nations across five continents.
The tour started off in September last year in Pennsylvania, United States of America.
He took the award ceremony as an opportunity to promote his charitable work. He spoke about his passion for fighting the deadly AIDS. His philanthropic organization, The Elton John Aids Foundation, has raised millions of dollars towards the prevention of HIV.
The French President, Emmanuel Macron, also called for international mobilization towards combating AIDS. Calling John an “icon,” Macron also praised John as one of the first gay artists who highlighted and gave voice to the LGBT community.
Who is Elton John?
Born in Middlesex in England in 1947, Sir Elton John is a world-renowned singer, pianist, composer, and writer. One of the most celebrated and best-selling artists of all time, he has won five Grammy Awards, one Academy Award, and a Golden Globe Award.
Since the 1980s, he has actively been involved in combating AIDS through his the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
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