Richard ‘Dickie’ Wilkins has shared a sombre update on longtime friend John Farnham after the singer’s family revealed he now requires around-the-clock care.
The 77-year-old Australian music legend was honoured on Sunday night at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena during The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend, a star-studded tribute concert raising funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia.
Keith Urban, Richard Marx, Jimmy Barnes and Tina Arena were among some of the performers who took to the stage, while Farnham’s eldest son, Rob, delivered an emotional performance in honour of his father.
International superstars Celine Dion and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin also appeared via satellite, alongside Australian Hollywood and Broadway star Hugh Jackman.
However, Farnham was unable to attend the concert himself after his family revealed his health had deteriorated in recent months.
Wilkins, who hosted the tribute, spoke about Farnham’s condition on Nova 100 Melbourne’s Jase, Lauren & Clint on Monday after spending time with the singer’s family during rehearsals the previous day.
The 72-year-old Today Show entertainment reporter said Farnham’s wife, Jill, and sons James and Robert had addressed those involved in the concert ahead of the show.
“Jill Farnham with James and Robert, their two sons, said, ‘Hey, we just want to clarify something. John’s not going to be here tomorrow night,’ and Jill is, Jill’s pretty forthright, she doesn’t mince her words,” Wilkins said.
“She said, ‘Look, his condition has deteriorated, he’s on permanent oxygen, he’s got 24-hour care.’
“I mean, they’ve been gilding the lily, if I can put it that way, a little bit. But it was a sort of warts and all revelation which they subsequently posted, which everyone would have seen online.”
Wilkins said the candid update added another emotional dimension to the concert.
“And it wasn’t the news anyone wanted to hear but it was real, and it added a layer of poignancy to the to the show last night that’s for sure.
“But John’s not great but as Jill said last night, and I won’t say exactly what she said, but she said, ‘You know, he’s still alive and he’s okay, you know, but he’s just not great and he ain’t going to be here,’ you know, sort of thing.”
Ahead of the concert, Farnham’s family issued a statement on the singer’s official Instagram account explaining why he would not be able to attend.
“John has been deeply moved by everything happening this weekend around the tribute concert at Rod Laver Arena,” the statement began.
“The extraordinary work of the producers over these past few months, the generosity of all the artists giving their time, and the dedication of the crew and production teams working so hard to deliver this special concert- none of it is taken for granted by John or any of us, as a family.”
The family said they had received numerous questions about whether Farnham would appear at the concert and felt it was “important to provide an update” explaining his absence.
“John’s health has deteriorated in recent months. He now requires continuous oxygen support and uses a wheelchair for mobility,” the Farnham family said.
“It has also become necessary for John to receive 24-hour nursing care at home, ensuring trained support is always available when he needs it.”
The family explained they had initially chosen to keep the changes to Farnham’s health private while they adjusted to his increased care needs.
“If things were different, John would have loved nothing more than to attend the concert,” the statement continued.
“He would undoubtedly have been a little overwhelmed by all the fuss, but he would also have wanted to thank everyone involved in person… Thank you for your understanding and for the many messages of love and support John continues to receive.”
Farnham was diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2022 and underwent a marathon 12-hour operation to remove a cancerous tumour.
The extensive surgery also involved the removal of his lower teeth and part of his jaw, and was followed by radiation treatment.
His recovery was further complicated when he suffered a serious fall and fractured his back, requiring another stint in hospital.
Farnham was declared cancer-free in 2023, but has continued to deal with the lasting effects of his treatment and surgeries.
He opened up about his extraordinary career and health ordeal in his 2024 autobiography, The Voice Inside.
In May, Farnham confirmed it was “just not possible” for him to sing or perform publicly anymore following the extensive surgery to his mouth.
His youngest son, James, later shared a rare photograph of the singer to mark his 77th birthday on July 1, writing: “Happy Birthday Grandpa! We love you so much! Thank you for everything and being who you are!”
Farnham remains one of Australia’s most celebrated performers, with his landmark 1986 album Whispering Jack selling more than 1.6 million copies.
In 1987, he was named Australian of the Year for his ‘for his outstanding contribution to the Australian music industry’.