Music legend John Farnham ‘over the moon’ after becoming a grandfather for the first time

After a legendary career spanning decades and cementing his place as one of Australia’s most beloved performers, John Farnham is celebrating a beautiful new milestone — becoming a grandfather for the first time.

The music icon’s son, James and his partner, Dr. Tessa Effendi, recently welcomed a baby boy into the world.

Jett John Farnham was born on Wednesday, June 18, with the couple announcing his arrival publicly on Tuesday, July 1 in a heartfelt statement.

“We thought we were excited to meet him—but turns out he was even more excited to meet us, arriving a little ahead of schedule,” the couple said.

“Jett is our whole world in one tiny, noisy, perfect package. We’re smitten, we’re sleep-deprived, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Sharing in the excitement, proud grandparents John and Jill Farnham said they were thrilled by the new addition to their family.

“We are over the moon about the arrival of this perfectly beautiful little boy. He’s already filled our hearts with so much love and we’re so proud and happy for James and Tessa. Welcome to the world, Jett!” the couple said.

The joyful announcement comes after a challenging period for Farnham and his family following his cancer battle.

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.

However, the beloved singer later 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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