Aussies rejoice as beloved rocker Jimmy Barnes triumphs over surgery and begins recovery

Much to the relief of fans across the country, Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes has “made it through his surgery” and is now on the path to recovery, igniting a nationwide celebration.

Barnes shocked fans on Wednesday, December 13 when he announced that he was to undergo open heart surgery after a bacterial infection spread to his heart.

“Unfortunately I got some bad news late yesterday … despite everyone’s best efforts the bacterial infection I’ve been battling over the last fortnight has apparently now spread to my heart,” he wrote at the time.

“It’s infected an otherwise healthy valve that was replaced some years ago due to a congenital defect, so I’ll be getting open-heart surgery over the next few hours to clear out this infection and put in a clean valve.

“Obviously this is going to take me out of action for a while. I know lots of other people are battling even worse things but it still feels hugely frustrating.

“Just a few weeks ago I was the fittest I’ve been in decades!”

Now in a reassuring update, his wife Jane shared on social media the welcome news that he successfully underwent surgery and is now in recovery in the ICU.

“Hi it’s @jane13barnes here. Sharing a couple pics from earlier this morning… I’m happy to let you know that our Jimmy has made it through his surgery and is now recovering in the ICU,” she wrote.

“We are so grateful for the incredible medical team looking after him. Thank you for all the love and support. I will keep you all posted.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jimmy Barnes (@jimmybarnesofficial)

The welcomed announcement sparked an outpouring of support on social media, with fans and public figures alike expressing their elation and sending heartfelt messages to the beloved artist.

“Such great news xx,” Jurassic Park star Sam Neill wrote.

Australian comedian and writer Magda Szubanski revealed that she was “so happy to hear this” while sending “big love” to the Barnes family.

Entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins said he was keeping Barnes in his thoughts.

“Thinking of you Pal … Much love to you and your’s from me and mine! Anything Anytime!” Wilkins wrote.

“Such great news! Wishing Jimmy the best recovery and sending love to the whole family,” one fan said.

“Such a relief. Love you Jimmy and Jane. Here’s to a speedy recovery,” another shared.

“Get well Jimmy, the world still needs you,” shared one loyal fan.

Barnes’ prior announcement that he was being rushed into surgery no doubt came as a surprise to many after the Working Class Man hitmaker appeared to be on the road to recovery.

In a previous Instagram post, Barnes was seen sitting up and enjoying a meal with a big smile on his face as he expressed gratitude to his legion of fans for the outpouring of support and well-wishes he had received during his health battle, assuring everyone that he was on the road to recovery.

“Bangers & sweet potato mash, peas and onion gravy,” he wrote at the time.

“Thank you my darling @squeejie for making me one of my favourite meals. I’m being well looked after, very grateful for all your wishes.”

With surgery now successfully behind him, Barnes is hopefully well and truly on the road to recovery.