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When John Farnham’s musician son Rob took to the stage at his celebration concert on September 20, he gave voice to just one reason why the legendary singer is just so adored.
“My dad, we all know he’s a little bit too humble for his own good sometimes, and to see all these people here would just absolutely warm his heart,” he told the assembled crowd at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena.
“So give yourselves a round of applause. Thank you so much. We feel the love and support.”
John’s humble approach to life is well known. He has always been a man who dislikes fuss. And yet, right now, the love and support of his family and fans has never been needed more.
Just hours before the eagerly-anticipated event to raise funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia, the singer’s family shared a sad update.
“John’s health has deteriorated in recent months,” the statement read, adding that John – who in 2022 underwent major surgery to remove cancer from his mouth – 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,” the statement by Rob, his brother James and their mother Jill continued.
“We have kept these matters private while our family has adjusted to John’s changing needs. However, we now feel it is important that John’s fans and supporters understand his circumstances and why he cannot be there this weekend.”
The family added that “if things were different” John would have “loved nothing more than to attend”.
“He would undoubtedly have been a little overwhelmed by all the fuss,” they admitted, “but he would also have wanted to thank everyone involved in person.”
They signed off by saying that as a family the decision had been made that it was “best for John to remain at home, where he can be safe and comfortable”.
Taking to his own Instagram page, James Farnham admitted it had been a “hard few weeks trying to keep it all inside and put on a smile”.
“It’s a relief now that it’s out there,” he added.
Of course, the night was a roaring success – and a poignant reminder of just what a special place John Farnham holds in the hearts of Australia.
And because of that, behind-the-scenes, sources tell Woman’s Day that the Farnham family had to think long and hard about how much to share about his personal struggle.
“The family has really rallied around John. They’re taking things day by day and, more than anything, trying to surround him with the people and the things that make him happiest. There’s a lot of love around him,” an industry insider shares.
“John has never been someone who wanted a fuss made over him, so speaking publicly about what the family is going through would not have been an easy decision.
“They’ve always been incredibly protective of his privacy, but they also felt people who have loved and supported John for so many years deserved to understand that things have become more difficult.”
Now, for the Farnhams, it is a case of making each day count.
“They’re trying not to look too far ahead,” the source goes on.
“The focus is on making each day as comfortable, peaceful and enjoyable as possible for John, whether that’s being surrounded by family, listening to music or simply having those precious moments with the grandchildren.
“There are obviously difficult days, and the family is very aware of how precious this time is,” the insider explains, adding that John’s grandson – James’ son Jett – brings him “an enormous amount of joy”.
“There’s also a lot of warmth and laughter, and those little moments together mean everything to the family,” they share.
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