I agree with Frank from the Swamps about the sincerity of the mourning masses. Maybe its just a public display of guilt.

I don't question Elton John's sorrow or sincerity in this case but he does have a way of feeding off tragedy. I think "Candle in the Wind" is a good example. At one point in the song he self righteously condemns the press for reporting that Marilyn was found naked. Why is it better for him to sing it? Not being obsessed with Marilyn, I had never heard that part of the story before Elton John. He uses this holier-than-thou device often, eg: "Spanish Harlem is not just pretty words to sing", he sings prettily.