TORONTO – At 77 years old, Elton John expresses that he’s “having the best time of my life,” although he’s dealing with a bothersome eye infection.

“I wish I could see you, but I can’t,” the legendary musician shared during a Q&A session after the premiere of his new documentary “Elton John: Never Too Late” at the Toronto International Film Festival. This film will be available for streaming on Disney+ starting December 13. “Life is a lesson, and I thank God I began to learn it when I turned 43; it has been wonderful ever since.”

John joined filmmakers R.J. Cutler and his husband David Furnish to discuss his life and music in the newly released film. “Never Too Late” highlights his incredible career from 1970 to 1975, showcasing the hits that catapulted him to global fame while he battled with personal challenges, including sadness and addiction. The documentary also depicts the 10 months he spent preparing for his final tour in 2022 alongside Furnish and their two sons.

“The film illustrates a transformative journey and how one can rise from adversity,” Furnish commented about the documentary. “Having all the success in the world doesn’t mean anything without family and love.”

A significant portion of “Never Too Late” draws from personal discussions captured for John’s 2019 memoir “Me,” described by Cutler as “the backbone of the film.” The documentary also incorporates audio from a 1976 interview with Rolling Stone writer Cliff Jahr, marking the moment John publicly discussed his sexuality for the first time and identified as bisexual.

“I felt closed off, but was exhausted from hiding,” John recalled. “In the music industry, it was widely known that I was gay, but it was still challenging for me. It wasn’t until Cliff asked me directly about my sexuality that I felt compelled to confront it. That period was also liberating because it lifted a burden from me.”

John emphasized that the essence of the documentary is about “telling the truth.” He remarked on how the years lost from living in denial negatively impacted him. “When I stopped pretending, my life took a positive turn.”

The documentary also features John reminiscing about his friendship with John Lennon and recounts how he invited the former Beatle to perform at a famous Madison Square Garden concert in November 1974, which would be Lennon’s final live show.

Throughout his career, John has collaborated with artists like Dua Lipa, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Leonard Cohen, all of whom are featured in the film.

“Working with others is always a joy, as you always learn something new,” John shared, recalling a funny moment while recording “Born to Lose” with Ray Charles when he chuckled as Cohen sang the opening line. “He asked me what was funny, and I replied, ‘Nothing’s wrong, Leonard. It just sounds like a ship leaving port.’”

John touched on a range of topics, including his favorite films. While he considers “The Godfather Part II” his top choice, he also has a soft spot for “Field of Dreams” because of its father-son theme. He also shared his desired epitaph: “He was a great dad and a great husband.”

Before that epitaph is inscribed, John hopes to continue making music and, more importantly, cherish every moment with Furnish and their children.

“This is the most incredible feeling I’ve ever experienced, more so than when my first album hit No. 1 on Billboard,” John reflected. “That was nice for a short while, but this love I have for David’s family, my family, my kids, and my friends is immeasurably better.”