Sheila Eileen Dwight is the mother of Elton John, one of the most famous and influential musicians of all time.
She was born in London, England and lived a tumultuous life with two marriages, one divorce, and a strained relationship with her son.
She witnessed the rise of Elton John’s career but was also affected by his fame and fortune. She died in 2017 at the age of 92.
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- Full Name: Sheila Eileen Dwight
- Date of birth: March 12, 1925
- Date of death: December 4, 2017
- Age: 92 years old (at time of death)
- Gender: Female
- Place of birth: Camberwell, Southwark District, London, Greater London, England
- Nationality: British
- Occupation: None
- Height: 1.66 cm
- Parents: Frederick George Harris and Ivy White
- Siblings: None
- Spouse: Stanley Dwight (1945-1962), Fred Farebrother (1963-2007)
- Children: Elton John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight)
- Relationship status: Widowed
- Net worth: $350,000
Early life and education
Sheila Eileen Dwight, who died aged 92, was born on 12 March 1925 in Camberwell, Southwark, London, England.
She was the daughter of Frederick George Harris and Ivy White, both laborers. She grew up in a modest family with her parents and had no siblings.
She attended a local school and had a normal childhood. She became interested in music and dance and often went to the movies and theater. She also enjoyed reading and writing.
Personal life
Sheila Eileen Dwight married Stanley Dwight in 1945 when she was 20 years old. Stanley was a flight lieutenant in the Royal Air Force and had served in World War II.
He was handsome, charming, ambitious, aloof, cold and unfaithful. They had one son, Reginald Kenneth Dwight, born on 25 March 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex.
Reginald, who later changed his name to Elton John, showed musical talent from an early age. He learned to play the piano by ear and began performing in pubs and clubs as a teenager.
Sheila encouraged and supported her son’s musical aspirations, but Stanley disagreed and wanted him to pursue a conventional career, such as banking.
Stanley did not care for his son and was often absent from home, so Sheila and her mother raised Elton. Sheila was strict with her son and expected him to be obedient and respectful.
Sheila Eileen Dwight and Stanley Dwight’s marriage is falling apart. They have been arguing and finally don’t want to continue the marriage.
They divorced in 1962 when Sheila was 37 and Elton was 15. Sheila married Fred Farebrother in 1963, a local artist. He became a good stepfather to Sheila’s son Elton and treated him as his own son.
He was kind, warm and supportive of Elton’s career. Sheila and Fred had a happy and stable marriage, living in a comfortable home in Northwood Hills, London. They also had a dog called Arthur, who was Elton’s constant companion.
Sheila Eileen Dwight’s relationship with her son Elton deteriorated over the years. They disagreed and clashed over many issues, such as Elton’s sexuality, his drug addiction, his marriage to Renate Blauel, his divorce, his adoption of his two children with David Furnish, and his friendships with his former employees.
Sheila felt that Elton had changed and become arrogant, selfish and ungrateful. She also felt that he had neglected her and Fred and did not visit or call them often enough.
She said: “I think he just thought Elton would come see him, but he never did.”They had a falling out in 2008 when Sheila hired an Elton John impersonator to attend her 90th birthday party, which Elton found disrespectful and insulting.
They did not speak for seven years until Elton contacted her in 2015 after he suffered health problems. They reconciled and mended their relationship, and Elton apologised for his behaviour. They remained in touch until Sheila’s death in 2017.
Career
Sheila Eileen Dwight had no professional career. She was a housewife and mother who devoted her life to her family.
She helped her son Elton develop his career by buying his first piano, attending auditions and managing his finances.
She also attended his concerts and events and celebrated his achievements. She was proud of her son but also worried about his health. She said: “I’m happy he’s successful, but I want him to be happy.”
Net worth
Sheila Eileen Dwight’s net worth was estimated to be around $350 thousand at the time of her lifetime.
However, she has no source of income and has to rely on her husband’s income.
Death
Sheila Eileen Dwight passed away on 4 December 2017, aged 92. She passed away peacefully at her home in Northwood Hills, London, surrounded by family and friends.
She suffered from a long illness and had to be in and out of hospital constantly.
She was cremated and her ashes scattered in a private ceremony. Her son Elton paid tribute to her on social media and dedicated a song to her at his concert.
He said: “I only saw her last Monday, and I’m in shock. Drive safely, Mom. Thanks for everything. I’ll miss you so much.”
Argumentative
Sheila Eileen Dwight has been embroiled in a number of controversies over her son, Elton. She has been criticised for being too controlling and demanding of her son, as well as interfering in his personal and professional life.
She was also accused of being jealous and resentful of his fame and fortune and of using him for her own gain.
Elton sued her in 2000 for breaching a confidentiality agreement and selling her personal belongings to a souvenir seller.
She denied the allegations and said she was only trying to help her son. She said, “I love him so much and always will. But he has hurt me so much over the years.”
Social media
- Instagram Name: None
- Twitter Username: None
