‘John suffers from that man thing’: John Farnham’s shock cancer discovery came after wife forced him to see doctors

Australia was rocked this week by the news of beloved singer John Farnham’s cancer diagnosis, resulting in a marathon surgery to remove a tumour from his mouth.

Now, it seems we have his wife Jill to thank for saving the 73-year-old legend’s life.

Close friend of the Farnham family, Gaynor Wheatley, has revealed on the Today show that Farnham’s cancer was discovered a couple of weeks ago when Jill forced the star to see a doctor.

“I think John suffers from that man thing that says ‘I’m fine’ and was lucky and we have Jill to thank to take him to the doctor and found this lesion in his mouth which has now been taken out and addressed,” Wheatley said.

Wheatley said Jill was a “remarkable” woman, holding strong during the family’s trying time.

“She is a remarkable woman. She has held us all together and I would include my family in that as well as her two beautiful boys and of course has given John the word to get over this,” she said.

The You’re The Voice singer has received widespread support following news of his health battle, with the nation rallying around him to send their good wishes.

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

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

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

Speaking on A Current Affair, Wheatley said Farnham would be humbled by the outpouring of support.

“John would be so chuffed that there was so much goodwill for him. He would (be) surprised, which is bizarre,” she said.

“He does not see himself as a legend or anything too special and today, I just can’t wait to show him and in such high regard he is held.”

On August 23, Farnham’s family announced that “a cancerous growth” had been found, saying the singer had been admitted to hospital for surgery.

Farnham is currently in ICU recovering from his 11-and-a-half-hour surgery, which successfully removed a tumour from his mouth.

“John will remain in hospital for a period of time for recovery and post operative treatment,” the family said in statement.