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”.
Politician Bill Shorten wished Farnham “all the best” for his recovery.
Fellow musician Kate Ceberano encouraged Farnham to “stay strong”.
The well wishes were not just confined to Australia with KISS’s Paul Stanley sending “prayers, energy and light for a full recovery”.
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.
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”.
Fans of the Pressure Down singer joined public figures in expressing their “love and best wishes” for both Farnham and his family.
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.