Australian music legend John Farnham\u2019s health has \u201cdeteriorated\u201d to the extent that he now needs around-the-clock medical care at home, his family has revealed in a candid statement issued overnight.
The Farnham family said they were moved to give an update on the singer\u2019s condition because of questions as to whether Farnham, 77, would attend the tribute concert happening this weekend in his honour at Melbourne\u2019s Rod Laver Arena.<\/p>\n
Be the first to know when news breaks. Download our new app<\/a><\/p>\n The all-star event will pay tribute to Farnham and his decades-long musical career, which came to an end in 2022 after he had the first of several surgeries to treat oral cancer. <\/p>\n MORE: John Farnham hides $25m after sad quitting<\/a><\/p>\n John\u2019s son Rob had insisted<\/a> on A Current Affair on Friday that, while his father wasn\u2019t well enough to attend the concert, he was \u201cso good \u2026 he\u2019s back to his old self.\u201d <\/p>\n But the statement<\/a> posted by the Farnham family later that night painted a more serious picture of the ailing Aussie legend\u2019s condition. <\/p>\n \u201cMany people have been asking whether John will be involved in the concert or attending tomorrow night to watch it all happen. Unfortunately, he will not be able to attend and, as a family, we feel it is important to provide an update on John\u2019s health to help explain why,\u201d the statement read. <\/p>\n \u201cJohn\u2019s health has deteriorated in recent months. He now requires continuous oxygen support and uses a wheelchair for mobility. 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. <\/p>\n \u201cWe have kept these matters private while our family has adjusted to John\u2019s changing needs. However, we now feel it is important that John\u2019s fans and supporters understand his circumstances and why he cannot be there this weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n The family said that Farnham would have loved to attend the concert \u201cif things were different,\u201d and thanked those organising the event, noting that their efforts were greatly appreciated by the star and his loved ones. <\/p>\n But ultimately, they said that \u201cas a family, we have decided that it is best for John to remain at home, where he can be safe and comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n The message was attributed to Farnham\u2019s wife of more than 50 years, Jill, and their sons Robert and James. <\/p>\n The family\u2019s statement was met with an outpouring of support from Farnham\u2019s friends and fans.<\/p>\n \u201cAll our love and understanding is being sent to John and his family,\u201d wrote Yellow Wiggle, Greg Page. <\/p>\n \u201cSuch a sad update to read \u2026 I hope John can enjoy the music tonight in his honour,\u201d commented one fan. <\/p>\n Farnham\u2019s oral cancer treatment involved several facial surgeries, including a jaw reconstruction after the cancer had been successfully removed.<\/p>\n In May this year he issued a statement confirming that those health issues had forced an end to his singing career. <\/p>\n \u201cBecause of the surgeries to my mouth and face over the past few years, singing on stage is not something I can consider again,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just not possible. We can rule that out.\u201d <\/p>\n Read related topics:Melbourne<\/a>