Jimmy Barnes announces Covid diagnosis after death of his sister

Less than a week after announcing the loss of his sister, Jimmy Barnes has shared a fresh battle which has cancelled his upcoming shows.

Less than a week after announcing the loss of his sister, Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes is facing another struggle.

Sharing the news on Instagram and Twitter on Tuesday morning, the 66-year-old confirmed his Covid diagnosis and shared an image of two positive rapid antigen tests.

“Sorry to advise that I’ve returned two positive RATs for Covid-19,” he wrote.

“I’m not feeling too bad so far, but I need to isolate for seven days. I will not be able to perform this weekend.”

It’s a family thing. 😬 pic.twitter.com/NIq6e7L772

— David Campbell OAM (@DavidCampbell73) May 16, 2022

His son and television presenter, David Campbell, seems to have also contracted Covid. Responding to Barnes’ Twitter post, the Today Extra host wrote: “It’s a family thing”.

Barnes’ health concerns mean he’s been forced to cancel his Mackay show for this Saturday, as well as his performance alongside Darryl Braithwaite and Richard Clapton at the Music in Paradise event on the Whitsunday Islands.

Instead, The Black Sorrows and Diesel will be stepping in for him.

“Believe me, If I wasn’t contagious and could get out of bed, I’d be there singing to you,” he wrote on Instagram.

“Sincere apologies to everyone who’s been inconvenienced by this. I know you’ve all travelled and planned your holidays around it.

“I’ll make it up to everyone before too long. Have a great weekend up there.”

“I know where I’d rather be.”

Aussie rock legend Jimmy Barnes gets his jab. For Sat Extra's Faces of the future

The diagnosis comes after Barnes’ family announced the death of his sister, Linda Barnes on May 12.

While it’s not known how she died, the musician thanked fans for their support on Sunday.

“Thank you for all your messages of condolence for my beautiful sister Linda’s passing,” he shared on Instagram and Twitter.

“This week has been tough and overwhelming. Your support is appreciated.”

On Thursday, the rock legend shared a childhood photo of him and Linda.

“I remember when I was small and my big sister looked out for me. I love you Linda,” he wrote alongside the black and white image.

I remember when I was small and my big sister looked out for me. I love you Linda pic.twitter.com/aWb0Yv7RPY

— Jimmy Barnes (@JimmyBarnes) May 12, 2022

In lieu of his sister’s death, Barnes’ brother John Swan shared a tribute to his “warrior” sister. In a Facebook post shared on Friday, the singer said she had only recently told her family she was sick with multiple sclerosis. The disease can cause nerve damage and can lead to vision loss, pain, fatigue and impaired co-ordination.

John Swan shared a tribute to his sister. Picture: Facebook/ John Swan.

Her brother shared a photo of Linda doing backing vocals for Stevie Wright and Jimmy Barnes’ first solo brand. Picture: Facebook/ John Swan.

Swan said Linda began using a wheelchair as a result of her symptoms, however the mobility aid “never slowed her down”.

“It is with great sadness I have to tell you my little sister Linda passed away this morning, she fought so hard,” he wrote.

“God I love her … rest in the knowledge she is at peace”.

Originally published as Jimmy Barnes announces Covid diagnosis after death of his sister