Elton John and his partner David Furnish becomes fathers of Christmas baby

Elton John and his partner David Furnish have become parents of a son born to a surrogate mother, it was disclosed today. The boy, who has been named Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John, was born on Christmas Day in the United States.

"We are overwhelmed with happiness and joy at this very special moment," they said in a statement issued to magazine Us Weekly. "Zachary is healthy and doing really well, and we are very proud and happy parents." The rock star's spokeswoman confirmed the report but said no details of the surrogacy arrangement would be disclosed and they intended to respect the privacy of the surrogate. The boy weighed 7 pounds 15 ounces and was 22 inches long, according to Telegraph.

The identity of their son's surrogate mother is being protected by the parents. It is not known whose sperm was used.

The US is one of the most popular destinations for UK citizens hoping to enter into surrogate arrangements. In California, unlike in Britain, surrogates can legally be paid a fee for their services. Sums of £25,000 or more per baby are common, The Guardian says.