Elton John Ends Eight-Year Rift With His Mother

British singer-songwriter Elton John, 68, revealed that he is back in touch with his 90-year-old mother, Sheila Farebrother. The mother and son had a long-running feud that started in 2008.

In an interview with the Mirror, the iconic musician confirmed that he and his estranged mother have put their eight-year row behind them. "We are now back in touch," Elton disclosed.

However, out of respect to his mother's privacy, Elton refused to give further details on how he and his mother patched things up. "However, I can say that we are now back in touch and have been so since my mother's 90th birthday," he revealed.

The Daily Mail reported that Elton spent £30,000 for Sheila's double hip replacement operation last month, a sign that the hatchet between the two has been finally buried. Speculations of the mother and son reunion spurred when Sheila booked an Elton impersonator to perform for her 90th birthday party celebration last year. According to the report, it was Elton who made the first move to reconcile with his mother when he sent a large bouquet of flowers on her milestone birthday.

The highly publicized mother and son fall-out escalated in June 2008 after Elton fired his long-time friends, John Reid and Bob Halley, from his entourage. Bob was Elton's driver turned personal assistant for 30 years. On the other hand, John was a former manager and lover of the music superstar.

Reports said that Elton demanded Sheila to cut all ties from John and Bob. Sheila, who valued the service and loyalty of the two, denied her son's demands. The refusal has reportedly angered the singer.

Aside from putting an end to the rift with his mother, Elton has also recently reconciled with another music superstar, Madonna.  The two had a long-running feud which stemmed in 2002 when Elton made harsh remarks on Madonna's music style.