Elton John performed a version of "Candle In The Wind" titled "Goodbye England's Rose" at Princess Diana's funeral in 1997. The song, which had modified lyrics about Diana's legacy in Britain, sold over 33 million copies worldwide. John won the "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance" Grammy Award at the 40th Annual Grammy Awards in 1998. The original song was written and released by John and Bernie Taupin in 1973 as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, whose real name was Norma Jean. In a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone magazine, songwriter Taupin shared that his fascination with Monroe's tragic life inspired the song. Taupin saw her as a symbol of life's fragility and fame's fleeting nature.