Australian Singer John Farnham Hospitalized After Cancer Diagnosis

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty

Australian singer John Farnham is in the hospital after being diagnosed with cancer.

On Tuesday, the “You’re the Voice” singer’s family announced that he is hospitalized after receiving the diagnosis and is set to undergo surgery, perABC News' Monique Hore,The Guardian, andThe Sydney Morning Herald.

“Cancer diagnosis is something that so many people face every single day, and countless others have walked this path before me,” Farnhamsaidin the statement.

He added, “The one thing I know for sure is that we have the very best specialist healthcare professionals in Victoria, and we can all be grateful for that. I know I am.”

A representative for Farnham did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

News of his condition comes more than two years after he opened up about another health scare.

He toldThe Daily Telegraphin 2019 that he abruptly ended his tour in Australia following a “severe” kidney infection that left him in the hospital. The infection occurred after he underwent surgery, and caused him to be dehydrated and “very unwell.” He did not explain why he had the operation at the time.

“I didn’t realize until too late,” he told the publication of his condition, adding that his wife Jill Billman urged him to see a doctor. “I’d been feeling uncomfortable. My wife Jill had been telling me to go to the doctor.”

The legendary singer credited the incident as a “wake-up call to look after myself a bit more.”

RELATED VIDEO: Remembering Olivia Newton-John After Her Death at 73

Earlier this month, Farnham paid tribute to actress and singerOlivia Newton-Johnaftershe died of breast cancer.

“The Farnham family send love and sympathies to Olivia’s family,” aposton his official Facebook page read alongside a photo of him and Newton-John performing together. “Behind that iconic smile was a tenacious fighter. A beautiful voice and a loyal friend. She will be greatly missed.”

Farnham first signed a record deal in September 1967, per hiswebsite. He was 18 years old at the time. His career took off that December when he released “Sadie the Cleaning Lady,” which quickly became the best-selling song in Australia at the time.

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He also notably performed in the musicalsDick Whittington & His Cat, Charlie Girl, andPippin. Farnham was also the lead singer of Little River Band from 1982 to 1985.

After facing the realities and uncertainties of the music industry, Farnham released his infamous song “You’re the Voice,” marking his first No. 1 song in 17 years. It sold 1 million copies in Europe and made it to the top 10 in the U.K.

source: people.com