Beloved Australian musician John Farnham is on the road to recovery and in a stable condition following a “successful” surgery that took just shy of 12 hours.

A statement from the 73-year-old’s family revealed doctors had found a tumour in Farnham’s mouth, leading to the emergency surgery.

The Aussie icon had only given up smoking three years prior.

“We are genuinely overwhelmed by the incredible wave of support, love and messages we have received today from so many people around Australia,” the statement read.

“This means so much to us as a family. Thank you to everyone for this. John will be blown away.

“Jill Farnham has provided this update statement, ‘John has been through an eleven and a half hour surgery in Melbourne yesterday and is now in a stable condition in ICU. The cancer tumour was located in his mouth and it has been successfully removed. There is still a long road of recovery and healing ahead of us, but we know John is up for that task.’

“Jill, Rob and James added, ‘We are in awe of the Incredible teams of health care professionals who have guided us through this very challenging time with such compassion. All of you undertook this big job today and have given us a magnificent outcome. To all the surgeons, doctors, nurses and consultants – thank you one and all so very much.’

“John will remain in hospital for a period of time for recovery and post operative treatment.”

Dear friend of the You’re the Voice singer, Richard Wilkins, shared a tribute to Farnham on social media along with a throwback image of the pair.

“Spent a fair percentage of the last 24 hours thinking about this bloke and sending him all the love in the world …with prayers for a successful outcome … and plenty more happy days ahead!,” the Australian TV presenter wrote.

“Stay strong Mate … the nation is holding it’s breath … and wishing you all the best … you deserve that !! … now where did I put that belt ??!!”

News of Farnham’s cancer was announced by the singer’s family on Tuesday, August 23, saying that Farnham had “a cancerous growth” he had been admitted to hospital in Victoria “for surgery and ongoing treatment”.

Farnham also issued a statement expressng his gratitude for having “the best specialist healthcare professionals in Victoria”.

“Cancer diagnosis is something that so many people face every single day, and countless others have walked this path before me,” he said.

“The one thing I know for sure is that we have the best specialist healthcare professionals in Victoria, and we can all be grateful for that. I know I am.”