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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Elton Aims to Adopt 'Heart-Stealing' Ukraine Orphan

Singer changes his mind about starting a family

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(Newser) – Pop king Elton John has fallen in love with a 14-month-old orphan and wants to adopt the little Ukrainian boy, reports BBC.The music man's partner, David Furnish, has long wanted a family, but John, 62, feared his age and their rock-'n-roll lifestyle would be unfair to a child. But after meeting Lev while playing at a Ukrainian orphanage for HIV-positive children, John said the boy "has stolen my heart."

The singer was shaken last month when his 52-year-old keyboardist Guy Babylon died suddenly of a heart attack, John told a press conference after he met Lev. "What better opportunity to replace someone I lost than to replace him with someone I can give a future to?" he asked.  

Pop singer Elton John kisses baby Lev during a news conference at a orphanage for HIV-positive children in the town of Makeyevka outside Donetsk yesterday.
Pop singer Elton John kisses baby Lev during a news conference at a orphanage for HIV-positive children in the town of Makeyevka outside Donetsk yesterday.   (AP Photo/HO)
Pop singer Elton John visits and performs in the orphanage for HIV-positive children in the town of Makeyevka outside Donetsk in the Ukraine yesterday.
Pop singer Elton John visits and performs in the orphanage for HIV-positive children in the town of Makeyevka outside Donetsk in the Ukraine yesterday.   (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)
David Furnish, Trustee of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and partner of the music man, holds baby Lev during a news conference yesterday.
David Furnish, Trustee of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and partner of the music man, holds baby Lev during a news conference yesterday.   (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)
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Having seen Lev today, I would love to adopt him. I don't know how we do that but he has stolen my heart. And he has stolen David's heart and it would be wonderful if we can
have a home. - Elton John

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11 comments
VIEWING:
 
cochiserocks
Sep 13, 09 6:21 AM CDT
er......ok. Controversial and I have feeling this thread could get ugly. Just please don't go there......you know what I mean.. THERE. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+6
IN RESPONSE:
Robert_Dada
Sep 13, 09 10:57 AM CDT
If he can provide a peaceful, loving, safe and secure life than this child would otherwise have, then I say, go forward Elton.
Vote up! Vote down!
+8
IN RESPONSE:
maryz
Sep 13, 09 10:59 AM CDT
so far, so good ... fingers crossed, Cochiserocks! Seems to me anyone who is willing to devote the time and change their lives to accept a child in their home (and to boot, has the resources to share), should be given the chance to help a child who otherwise would face a sad and lonely road ahead.
Vote up! Vote down!
+3
justleaveme
Sep 13, 09 6:35 AM CDT
I am happy that the child will have a home. I just hope that this doesn't become some sort of big political issue. I mean can't we all just have a heart every once in a while and keep our negative opinions to ourselves? Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+9
schmidtkoff
Sep 13, 09 8:31 AM CDT
what's important for a child, whether that child is adopted or biological, is to be blessed with two loving parents. there are enough horror stories of parents who aren't loving. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+8

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