Sad news for Sir Elton John who performed the second of his Toronto concerts last night as part of his world tour.

Elton’s mother-in-law Gladys Furnish has died.

Sir Elton’s husband, Toronto-born David Furnish announced Thursday evening, his mother had passed away peacefully in the middle of the night.

Here is his posted statement with a picture of his parents on their wedding day:

“Today I lost my beautiful, angelic Mother. She passed away peacefully in the middle of the night, with me and my brothers by her side.

Mum radiated gentle kindness. She was utterly devoted to her family. We all richly benefitted from her patient wisdom and bountiful love.

I treasure this photo of Mum and Dad on their wedding day – bursting with joy and fresh-faced optimism over their union and the life they planned to build together. They shared the greatest love I have ever known; A rock-solid foundation from which my brothers and I flourished.

Rest in peace Mum. You lived your life impeccably. I will never forget you. I promise to do my best to pass the gifts you gave to me on to my own beautiful sons.”

Furnish was born and raised in Scarborough, attended Western University and worked in advertising before his career as a filmmaker.