John Farnham’s son reveals his dad is ‘kicking goals’ following health battle

Feb 04, 2025
John Farnham's son has shared a welcomed update on his father's well-being while revealing what the singing sensation wants his first grandchild to call him. Source: Getty Images.

As the nation continues to be inspired by John Farnham’s triumph over cancer, his son has shared an uplifting update on the legendary singer’s health and well-being.

In August 2022, Farnham underwent surgery and treatment for mouth cancer. After enduring multiple surgeries, eight weeks of radiation therapy, and overcoming several challenges, Farnham received the “all-clear” from doctors in July 2023 and was declared cancer free.

Now, during a recent appearance on Sunrise, son James Farnham has offered an update to fans regarding his father’s health.

“He’s doing great, he’s doing really well, walking around, kicking goals, annoying mum,” James revealed.

James also shared that his father has landed on what he wants his first grandchild to call him, revealing he has gone with “Pa”.

James, recently announced that he and his partner, Tessa Effendi, are expecting a baby boy. James shared the happy news on Instagram recently with a short video, in which he lights a cake that burns away to reveal the message, “Boy”.

“We’re all really excited, another little Farnham on the way,” James said.

“I can’t wait to take him up to the farm and get dad to teach him everything he taught me.”

In addition to updating fans on his father’s health, James spoke about the importance of Cancer Research Giving Day on February 6, a cause close to the Farnham family after John’s battle with cancer.

James’ update comes after his father recently shared that the surgery that saved his life has unfortunately left him unable to sing.

“My facial disfigurement from the surgery means I can’t open my mouth wide enough for a strip of spaghetti, let alone to sing,” Farnham revealed in an excerpt from his memoir published by the Sydney Morning Herald.

“I can’t get the movement to make the sounds I want to make, that’s where the vibrations and my voice come from. It’s a very disconcerting thing. And trying hurts.”

Despite the challenges he is currently faced with, Farnham is holding on to hope that he will be able to perform again one day.

“I was given a gift and to be able to get out there and affect people in some way was special, I would like to continue doing that,” he said.

“Though I am not putting all my hopes into it, we’ll see.”

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