Flamboyant superstar SIR ELTON JOHN has forgiven his celebrity pal MARY J BLIGE for missing his 'wedding' to DAVID FURNISH.

The FAMILY AFFAIR singer, 35, was preparing for Christmas (25DEC05) with her husband KENDU ISSACS in America and unable to fly to England to attend John's civil partnership ceremony with the Canadian film-maker on 21 December (05).

Blige tells gay magazine Attitude, "(When we duetted) I had no idea he was such a beautiful person. He's very realistic. He's straight up.

"I was at home in New York when the wedding was on. It's not about presents, though. It's about sending your love and congratulations and he knows that I send them both.

"They just passed the law about that here (in England), right? He's a great person. I'm glad he did it and set an example."
femalefirst.co.uk