At a glance…
- Legendary singer John Farnham AO retired from performing in 2026, and his family has since released a statement on his health.
- The statement came ahead of a celebrity tribute concert for John Farnham, with big-name artists like Celine Dion, Jimmy Barnes, Jess Mauboy and more.
- John Farnham was previously diagnosed with and recovered from oral cancer. However, in recent years, his health has deteriorated.
John Farnham AO is a legendary singer and performer, but he is also an incredible family man. Ahead of a tribute concert to the retired singer, John’s family released a statement regarding his health.
What is John Farnham’s health update?
In August 2022, John announced he had oral cancer and underwent life-saving surgery. He confirmed he was cancer-free a year later.
“It’s been a year since my first surgery and to be honest I’ve lost count as to how many other procedures there’s been since then,” John said in a statement.
“I’m sure someone’s kept track of them all – let’s just say, there’s been a few. But I’m home now, and I’m a very grateful and happy man. I’m sitting here in my living room lapping up the attention from my beautiful wife, Jill, my boys Rob and James and my mini Schnauzer, Edmund,” he continued before thanking his fans for their support.
In his documentary, John Farnham: Finding The Voice, his son Robert mentioned that John was free of cancer and had a “super positive” attitude concerning his recovery.
However, his health took a downturn in 2026. In May of this year, John Farnham announced his retirement from singing due to his health and battle with mouth cancer.
A tribute concert was organised in his name to raise funds for Neck and Head Cancer Australia. Over 120 musicians performed at the concert, including Tina Arena, Jimmy Barnes, Kate Ceberano, Human Nature, Richard Marx, Jessica Mauboy and Keith Urban, Celine Dion and Hugh Jackman.
Ahead of the concert, John Farnham’s family confirmed he wouldn’t be in attendance as he now “requires continuous oxygen support and uses a wheelchair for mobility” as well as 24-hour nursing care.
“We have kept these matters private while our family has adjusted to John’s changing needs,” the family explained in their statement. “However, we now feel it is important that John’s fans and supporters understand his circumstances and why he cannot be there this weekend.”
Following the tribute concert, media personality Richard Wilkins went on Nova’s 100 Melbourne’s Jase, Lauren & Clint to share an update from John’s family:
“It wasn’t the news anyone wanted to hear but it was real, and it added a layer of poignancy to the show last night that’s for sure,” he shared. “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.”
John Farnham’s family statement on his health
John has been deeply moved by everything happening this weekend around the tribute concert at Rod Laver Arena.
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. On John’s behalf, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Many 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’s health to help explain why.
John’s 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.
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.
If things were different, John would have loved nothing more than to attend the concert. He would undoubtedly have been a little overwhelmed by all the fuss, but he would also have wanted to thank everyone involved in person.
As a family, we have decided that it is best for John to remain at home, where he can be safe and comfortable.
Thank you for your understanding and for the many messages of love and support John continues to receive.
And to everyone involved in this weekend’s celebration concert: chookas!
Much love,
Jill, Robert and James Farnham
Who is John Farnham’s wife?
John Farnham was just 22 when he first laid eyes on the woman who would become his wife of over 50 years.
Jillian Billman, 17, was a dancer; John was the King of Pop. The pair were performing in the 1971 musical Charlie Girl and from the second he spotted her, he recalled, “I was history.”
Not that she was equally as besotted as her future husband.
“It took me about three months to get a kiss,”John would tell 60 Minutes in 1993. “We started to go out together, and it naturally happened. It was just something that happened.”
It didn’t take long for John to propose.
“A lot of people don’t believe in marriage,” John told a reporter at the time. “I personally do.
“I look forward to married life. I’ve always fancied myself as a family man. I always wanted to get married, and I love kids. So I look forward to having children and a family and someone to go home to. Someone who I love and who loves me.”When the pair tied the knot in April 1973, there was a swarm of fans and press on hand to witness the event. “I’ve never been happier in my life,” the beaming groom declared.
Jill is notoriously private, rarely accompanying her husband on red carpets. However, her sons have often taken to social media to share images of their family life.
How many children does John Farnham have?
John and Jill Farnham have two sons. Robert and James.
Robert Farnham was four years old when You’re The Voice was released in 1986, so he was a witness to his father’s meteoric rise to the world stage. James came along two years later.
Today, Robert is a singer in the band Rival Fire. In addition, he has also dabbled in acting. He also appeared on the 2026 season of The Traitors Australia.
Robert married his long-term girlfriend Melissa Kelly in February 2024. Both Jill and John were proudly in attendance, as was their younger brother James.
James is also in the music industry. The younger Farnham works as a concert audio technician and has been on tour for several of his dad’s concerts over the years.
Does John Farnham have grandchildren?
Yes! John Farnham became a first-time grandfather on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. And in a touching nod, the newborn bears the middle name “John.”
Born at 5.26am at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne, weighing 3.176kg, Jett John Farnham is the first child for the singer’s youngest son, James Farnham and his partner, Dr Tessa Effendi.
The news was publicly announced on July 1, 2025, to mark John’s 76th birthday.
“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 happy couple announced in a statement.
“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.”
“He’s already filled our hearts with so much love, and we’re so proud and happy for James and Tessa,” John and Jill said in their own statement. “Welcome to the world, Jett!”
