Shortly after a British tabloid announced that Sir Elton John was ready to call time on his career, he has issued a denial, and also revealed that he has special plans lined up for next year.

“Don't believe what you read in the papers today,” he wrote on his Instagram account. “There is no truth to the rumours that I am planning to retire. In fact, I am looking forward to celebrating 50 years of collaborating with my partner-in-song, Bernie Taupin, next year.” Accompanying the news was a picture of he and Taupin in much younger days.

Yesterday, the Daily Mail published a story saying that John had told friends that his retirement would coincide with his 70th birthday in March 2017, with him devoting the rest of his time to the Elton John AIDS Foundation and raising the two children he has with his husband, David Furnish.

“Elton has seen and done it all, and has nothing left to prove,” the unnamed friend is reported to have told the newspaper, adding that John had originally slated 2018 as the end of his career. However, he decided to hasten the retirement due to the poor sales of his most recent album, Wonderful Crazy Night.

According to the Tour section of his website, John has concert dates booked through July 20, 2017.

Still, the Daily Mail also noted that, while appearing at a benefit earlier this week, the wonderful, crazy knight looked considerably slimmer, estimating that he had lost approximately 20 pounds. This is due to playing tennis several times a week and hiring three full-time chefs.

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