‘Wonderful’ news gives John Farnham and family big reason to celebrate amid cancer recovery

While legendary Australian singer John Farnham is on the hard road to recovery, this heartwarming announcement is one cause for his family to celebrate after the tough year they’ve had.

There’s no doubt that it’s been a difficult time for Farnham, 73, who is still recovering from major reconstructive jaw surgery following his diagnosis of mouth cancer in August, but his eldest son Robert has given his dad something to look forward to.

Taking to social media on Tuesday, November 15, the 43-year-old musician announced that he was engaged to his beautiful girlfriend Mel.

Posting a series of romantic photos on Facebook, Robert wrote: “My best friend and love of my life said yes to marrying me.”

“I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

News of the couple’s happy engagement drew in a plethora of sweet messages and congratulatory comments online.

“Such a beautiful couple. Wishing you both a long and happy life together filled with lots of love, happiness and prosperity,” one person wrote.

“Congratulations to you both. Wishing you lots of happiness. Wonderful news which the family needed.”

“Congratulations to you both. May all your dreams come true together …bet mom and dad are thrilled too..best wishes for the future. love and hugs to you both.”

“Such wonderful news! All the happiness in the world to you both! I bet John, Jill and family are over the moon!”

Since news of his father’s cancer diagnosis broke, Robert and his younger brother James, and their mum, Jill, have been ever-present pillars of support for Farnham.

Just last month, the boys appeared on A Current Affair and reassured their father’s fans that the “future looks bright and not dreary” for the entertainment icon.

Farnham was admitted to a hospital in Victoria on August 23 for “surgery and ongoing treatment” after doctors discovered “a cancerous growth”.

At the time, Farnham 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 wrote.

It’s not the first time Farnham has faced serious health concerns, in 2019 the singer was forced to cancel a number of performances after contracting an infection.

Farnham’s manager, the late Glenn Wheatley, told The Herald Sun at the time that the singer’s health was “100 per cent” but “we just have to make sure he’s ready to get back on the stage”.

Farnham is widely considered one of Australia’s most popular performers and is 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.