Elton John doesn't let the sun go down on any icon without first paying proper tribute.
Though he released a touching statement on Elizabeth Taylor's passing shortly after her death was announced yesterday, the singer, an icon in his own right, took time out from his concert in Pittsburgh last night to honor the late legend—both in words and song.
"Today I lost a friend and you lost a hero named Elizabeth Taylor," he told the crowd of the star he described as "possibly the most beautiful woman that ever lived."
"She was not just a movie star, although she was a huge movie star and there will never be anyone like her again…She was without a doubt one of the greatest people I've ever met in my life. She stood up when no one was prepared to stand up and be counted against AIDS. She supported everybody in that with 1,000 percent of her body and her fiber. But most of all she loved people. She fought for the underdog. She was an incredible woman and I was privileged to have known her."
Before launching into a touching rendition of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me," John paid one final tribute to the irreplaceable screen legend.
"God bless you, Elizabeth. God knows how we're going to replace you. This is for you and your beautiful memory and for all the people you helped and saved."