The ‘dose of magic’ helping Jimmy Barnes on his road to recovery
Aussie rock icon Jimmy Barnes recently took to social media to share the silver lining of his challenging health journey, the unwavering support and uplifting energy of his grandson, Teddy.
The legendary singer, who underwent open-heart surgery and battled a serious infection recently, revealed how the pint-sized bundle of joy has been instrumental in lifting his spirits and aiding his recovery.
“Last day with Teddy for a while. He’s been a dose of magic during these tough times, I can’t thank you enough @squeejie & @jimmymetherell for coming over and helping to look after me,” he wrote.
“We watched the cricket and had a lesson about the heart. The Dr let Teddy listen to my heart beat. He said it sounded like drums. That means I’m going to be ok.”
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Fans and well-wishers flooded social media with messages of encouragement, commending Teddy for his crucial role in Barnes’ recovery.
“He is such a blessing for you all – keep improving Jimmy,” one fan wrote.
“Grandchildren are our biggest thank you for raising good children. Bless you all.”
“You doing well mate, keep up the good work and u’ll feel like a new man in no time.”
“That brought a tear to my eye. Wishing you a speedy recovery Mr Barnes,” commented another.
“Your beautiful big family is your best recovery medicine in the world.”
While it seems that Barnes is now on the road to recovery, it has been a long and challenging road for the beloved performer.
After being admitted to hospital in late November with bacterial pneumonia, Barnes shocked fans when he announced that he was to undergo open heart surgery after the infection spread.
“Unfortunately I got some bad news late yesterday … despite everyone’s best efforts the bacterial infection I’ve been battling over the last fortnight has apparently now spread to my heart,” he said at the time
“It’s infected an otherwise healthy valve that was replaced some years ago due to a congenital defect, so I’ll be getting open-heart surgery over the next few hours to clear out this infection and put in a clean valve.
“Obviously this is going to take me out of action for a while. I know lots of other people are battling even worse things but it still feels hugely frustrating.
“Just a few weeks ago I was the fittest I’ve been in decades!”
Despite concerns from fans, Barnes made massive strides in his recovery in no time with regular updates showing the Working Class Man hitmaker all smiles from his hospital bed and others in which he was up and about and walking around the hospital.
Fans were overjoyed when it was revealed that Barnes had made it home for Christmas after Barnes’ wife shared heartwarming pictures of the 67 year old finally in the comfort of his own bed, smiling with his excited grandson by his side.
“Every test you can have under the sun. Bacterial pneumonia, back surgery, staph in his bloodstream, open heart surgery. Now, Jimmy is home, grateful, and happy,” she wrote.
“Everyone cheering him on has helped our family get through. As for the entire medical team, doctors & nurses at SVPH, you are the best in the world. Scottish genes are tough. Teddy is ready for Christmas.”
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Most recently Barnes hinted at a much-anticipated return to the stage in the new year following his recent health battle.
Taking to social media to reflect on 2023 and welcome in the new year, Barnes conveyed his eagerness to return to performing.
“I just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. The last year has been challenging for me at times but it has also been filled with love, family, food and of course music,” he began.
“The difficult times have made me realize how lucky I am to be surrounded by my beautiful family and as I sit here in my bed recovering from surgery I am thankful to all the amazing people who have been a part of our lives and to everyone who has sent well wishes and cheered me on throughout the year.
“2024 will bring more challenges I’m sure but I am excited to see what else is on the horizon. Thank you to all who came out in support of Australian music over the last 12 months. And I look forward to seeing you on the road ahead.
“In a few months I will be ready to rock so dust of your dancing shoes we’ve got a hell of a year ahead of us.”
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