Elton John kept cardboard cut-outs of husband and sons in dressing room

Sir Elton John wanted to feel close to his husband and sons so he had a cardboard cut-out of each of them backstage.

Elton John

Sir Elton John used to have a cardboard cut-out of his husband and sons in his dressing room.

Country star Kacey Musgraves, 35, has claimed the 76-year-old music legend missed David Furnish and their boys, Zachary, 13, and Elijah, 11 so much when he was touring that he kept the sweet memento backstage.

In an interview with The Times newspaper, she said: “I’ll never forget Elton playing in Nashville and getting to catch up with him in his dressing room after with all the Gucci and sunglasses lying around. And a big cardboard cut-out of his husband and kids.”

Elton wrapped up his 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour and retired from performing after more than 50 years but insiders recently claimed that the 'Candle in the Wind' singer has been working on a "top secret" new album that could be released later this year.

A source told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: "It’s all been very top secret, but Elton is back in the studio working on a new album.

“Time frames are always movable, but the fourth quarter has been pencilled in terms of a release date.

“He adores music and that will never change but the desire to be as busy as he was has waned."

The insider added that Elton will continue with his other ventures but just wants to spend more time with his family after such a mammoth world tour.

The source added: "Elton will still have a Rocket Hour radio show on Apple Music and his finger is very much still on the pulse; he just wants to slow down a bit and spend the time with his family but the new album is coming."

The 'Crocodile Rock' signer has released a total of 31 studio albums since beginning his career in the late 1960s and his latest record came in the form of 'The Lockdown Sessions' in 2021, on which he collaborated with Miley Cyrus, Stevie Wonder, Nicki Minaj and Brandi Carlile.

That same year, he duetted with Dua Lipa on 'Cold Heart' and wrapped up the year by joining Ed Sheeran for the festive track 'Merry Christmas' before collaborating with Britney Spears on 'Hold Me Closer' in 2022.

Elsewhere, Kacey - who releases her album 'Deeper Well' on March 15 - praised Beyonce for going country on her next record and pointed out that many before her have crossed over.

She said: “The more the merrier.

“Ray Charles made a country record and was friends with Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton crossed over with 9 to 5."