Australians were no doubt left in a state of shock when it was revealed that legendary Australian singer John Farnham was admitted to hospital for surgery and treatment after the You’re the Voice hitmaker was diagnosed with cancer.
The singer’s family released a statement on August 23 announcing that “a cancerous growth” had been discovered and he had been admitted to hospital in Victoria “for surgery and ongoing treatment”.
Farnham, 73, also issued a statement where he expressed 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.”
Following a marathon surgery, Farnham’s wife, Jill Farnham, revealed that he “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,” she said.
“We are genuinely overwhelmed by the incredible wave of support, love and messages we have received today from so many people around Australia.
“This means so much to us as a family. Thank you to everyone for this. John will be blown away.”
Farnham is widely considered one of Australia’s most popular performers so it came as no surprise when fans and entertainment figures alike came together to wish Farnham a speedy recovery and offer their support following news of his cancer diagnosis and surgery.
As Farnham begins his road to recovery, fellow entertainment figures took to social media to not only convey how “absolutely shocked” they were at the news of his diagnosis but also to deliver their best wishes to the iconic Australian singer.
Australian rock musician Jon Stevens wished his “dear friend” a “speedy recovery”.
Wishing my dear friend John Farnham a full and speedy recovery. Sending my love and strength to Jill, the boys, family, and friends. We all love you mate. Rangi ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/86UvsXwAJB
— Jon Stevens (@JonStevensMusic) August 24, 2022
Politician Bill Shorten wished Farnham “all the best” for his recovery.
Thinking of @johnfarnham and his family and friends. John, wishing you all the best for your surgery today and for your recovery.
— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) August 22, 2022
Fellow musician Kate Ceberano encouraged Farnham to “stay strong”.
Sending my most fervent best wishes to @johnfarnham “sleep and shall sooth you, calm you and Anoint you, myrrh for your hot forehead….don’t you know everything’s alright yes, everything’s fine. And we want you to sleep well tonight” Stay strong, we love you john xx pic.twitter.com/IIvAI7cUfU
— Kate Ceberano (@KateCeberano) August 23, 2022
The well wishes were not just confined to Australia with KISS’s Paul Stanley sending “prayers, energy and light for a full recovery”.
John… You ARE the voice!!! We are all sending you our prayers, energy and light for a full recovery.
John Farnham in hospital after cancer diagnosis https://t.co/thzxd1Bcsp— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) August 23, 2022
Closer to home, the “human headline”, Derryn Hinch was among the first to convey his shock while sending his love to Farnham and his family.
Shocked by John Farnham’s cancer news. Thoughts are with you and Jill, mate. Jacki sends love.
— Derryn Hinch (@HumanHeadline) August 22, 2022
Australian television icon John ‘Burgo’ Burgess, who experienced his own health scare earlier this year when he battled a bacterial infection and blood poisoning, sent “love & light during this stressful time”.
Absolutely shocked by the news of John Farnham’s health scare.I have been in awe of his talent & the way he’s always conducted himself & humbly handled his fame..You’re a strong bloke Jack,we send you love & light during this stressful time.Fight on,you can beat this!Jan & Burgo.
— John Burgess (@thejohnburgess) August 24, 2022
Fans of the Pressure Down singer joined public figures in expressing their “love and best wishes” for both Farnham and his family.
Thinking of John Farnham ❤️ Sending John all our Love & best wishes on his recovery. John, You are a National Treasure & We all love you❤️ pic.twitter.com/bKbAQiIcfk
— Mary (@marydever8) August 23, 2022
Mine and I’m sure all Australian’s thoughts and prayers are with John Farnham today. ????????
This duet with Tom Jones is still one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard. pic.twitter.com/U7OSCYlRep— Sharon Hepworth (@SharonHepworth3) August 23, 2022
Sending much love & support to John & his family following his cancer diagnosis. John said in a statement.
“The one thing I know for sure is that we have the very best specialist healthcare professionals in Victoria, & we can all be grateful for that. I know I am.”#johnfarnham— John Farnham (@JacksPlaceJF) August 22, 2022
John Farnham obviously has a very difficult time ahead with recovery after his Cancer surgery. He has been a great Australian entertainer and obviously a great family man. Im sure we all wish him the very best for his full recovery.????
— Dorothy Wilson (@Dorothy23897725) August 25, 2022
Very glad John Farnham had a successful surgery.. Hopefully they got all the cancer and it doesn’t return.. Also selfishly sad that we’ll probably never see him on stage again 🙁 #johnfarnham pic.twitter.com/lcnigo8q2H
— Gary Landis (@GaryLandis58) August 25, 2022
Hope all goes well for you John Farnham ❤️
— Barry Mulligan (@BazzaCC) August 23, 2022
Among his many hits, Farnham is well known for his highly successful 1986 album Whispering Jack which became the biggest-selling Australian album of all time by a local artist and held the top spot on the charts for 25 weeks. In the same year his solo single You’re the Voice also reached the number one spot.
Farnham’s talent and musical success have seen him recognised with 19 ARIA awards, and an induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2003. He also spent five years in a row as the King of Pop as voted by TV Week readers.
Farnham is expected to remain in hospital for an extended period of time for recovery and post-operative treatment.