Linda Hannon, an 81-year-old woman, has recently disclosed the intimate details of her engagement to music icon Elton John, then known as Reg Dwight, shedding light on a pivotal moment in his life just weeks before his ascent to global stardom. Her poignant account offers a unique perspective on the pre-fame life of one of Britain’s most celebrated musicians, revealing a deeply personal story of love, betrayal, and an abrupt end to their shared future.
The former fiancée recounts the devastating moment in 1970 when their wedding plans were suddenly called off, a mere month before the scheduled ceremony. According to Hannon, the breakup occurred during a late-night incident where a “drunken” Elton John woke her to declare their engagement over, subsequently having his stepfather pick him up. This dramatic exit marked the complete and immediate cessation of all communication between the two, leaving Hannon in profound shock and heartbreak.
Hannon further elaborates on the circumstances surrounding the abrupt termination of their nuptials, attributing external influences to the decision. She suggests that close associates, specifically John Baldry and Bernie Taupin, intervened during a night out, encouraging a heavily intoxicated Elton John to call off the wedding. Their argument was that the marriage would detrimentally impact both his life and hers, ultimately leading to the painful rupture of their relationship.
Years later, Elton John released the critically acclaimed song “Someone Saved My Life Tonight,” with lyrics penned by Bernie Taupin. Hannon perceives the song’s lyrics, particularly lines such as “You almost had your hooks in me, didn’t you dear? You nearly had me roped and tied, altar-bound, hypnotised,” as a direct and painful reference to their failed relationship. She admits the song remains a challenging listen, highlighting the depth of her unrequited affection at the time.
Recalling their initial encounter in a Sheffield club in 1968, Hannon describes a humble beginning to their romance. She offered to show the then-unknown Elton John around the city, leading to a relationship characterized by shared financial struggles and reliance on public transport. Despite their modest circumstances, Hannon believed they were content, making plans for a small, intimate wedding with family and close friends, a stark contrast to the opulence of his later life.
Following the breakup, all ties between Linda Hannon and Reg Dwight were severed instantly and irrevocably. Hannon firmly refutes any claims of receiving financial compensation from Elton John, stating she “never received a dime from him.” She speculates that if their marriage had proceeded, her life trajectory, currently as a doctor’s office manager in Dallas at 75, might have been significantly different.
The article notes Elton John’s subsequent marriages, including his union with Renate Blauel and later his long-term partner David Furnish, a journey contrasting with Hannon’s solitary path. Despite her attempts to reach out through the press, including attending one of his concerts in 2010, Hannon has received no direct communication from the legendary musician since their separation, indicating a deliberate and enduring silence on his part.
Linda Hannon concludes her narrative with a sense of peace, asserting that she holds “no bitterness now” towards her former fiancé. While acknowledging reports that Elton John regretted the manner of their breakup, she prefers to cherish the positive memories of their time together. To her, despite his global fame and iconic status, he remains simply “Reg,” a poignant reminder of a past chapter in both their lives.
