Reginald Dwight's maternal grandmother, Ivy Sewell, whom he called Nan, played a crucial role in his upbringing, providing the support that was often lacking from his parents. Her influence was profound, and she fostered an environment in which Reginald's art could flourish early on, when she sat the three-year-old down to play the piano.

The family learned that young Reggie had a gift when he picked out the melody of Winifred Atwell's "The Skater's Waltz" without sheet music, and Ivy became instrumental in nurturing his talent, laying the foundation for his future music career.

Later in her life, she moved into Woodside, Elton John's estate in Old Windsor, where she lived until she died in 1995 at the age of 95.