The legendary British singer hailed New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo at Wednesday night's 10th-annual Enduring Vision gala for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
John thanked Cuomo for "taking a stand in New York and making the dream of marriage equality a reality in the state." The governor was seated in the audience.
In July, New York became the sixth state to recognize same-sex nuptials.
The benefit raised $2 million for John's foundation.
Alec Baldwin, Jon Bon Jovi and Sarah Ferguson were among the celebrities in attendance. Smokey Robinson provided the evening's entertainment. Anderson Cooper served as the master of ceremonies.