’Loved getting to know her’: Jimmy’s relationship with long lost daughter

The Australian rock legend said he had welcomed his daughter into his extended clan.

Jimmy Barnes has publicly acknowledged the existence of a long lost daughter after the woman was harassed by a relentless campaign of anonymous phone calls over several days.

Barnes discovered his daughter Katy Lee Carroll about five years ago and the family welcomed her into the extended clan.

“Christmas is all about family and we would like to introduce my daughter Katy Lee, who has been in our lives for the past five years,” Barnes said in a statement from Thailand where the family is on a break.

“Katy is a wonderful woman and since discovering that I was her biological father, our family and extended family have loved getting to know her. It’s been heartwarming to see good relationships growing with her sisters and brothers.

“We have always respected her very strong desire to keep her family life private and will continue to support her.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas. I look forward to bringing you all more music in the New Year.”

Jimmy Barnes is pictured with long lost daughter Katy Lee Carroll.

Carroll has spent time getting to know her family and siblings including David Campbell, Mahalia, Jackie, Eliza-Jane and Elly-May Barnes at his gigs and other gatherings.

The rocker discovered two daughters, Amanda Bennett and Megan Torzyn, in 2010, who were in their mid-30s at the time.

After they contacted Barnes, he took a paternity test that confirmed he was their father and they were also readily welcome into the family.

Carroll wishes to keep the details of the discovery of her father private.

“Five years ago, I discovered that my biological father is Jimmy Barnes,” she said in a statement.

“Since that moment, I’ve been embraced by the Barnes family with love, warmth and incredible understanding.

Jimmy Barnes with daughter Katy Lee Carroll

Katy Lee Carroll with her sister Elly May Barnes

“Over these years we’ve slowly, carefully gotten to know one another and this journey has been one of patience, respect and tenderness.

“It’s been a deeply meaningful process and I am truly grateful for the bonds we are building together.”

Mahalia Barnes with Katy Lee Carroll and child

It is understood Carroll was subject to hundreds of phone calls from an anonymous caller over several days who repeatedly asked if she was Barnes’ daughter.

The Coffs Harbour-based real estate agent issued a plea for privacy from further media attention to protect herself and the wellbeing of her children.

“I want to be open about something very personal,” she said.

“This journey of discovering my family has brought up a lot of complex emotions and I ask for your understanding as I navigate this alongside the joy of reconnecting with my father and his family.

Jimmy and Jane Barnes with their Christmas tree in Thailand

The Barnes family with Katy Lee Carroll and her family

“My hope is that my privacy will be respected during this time, as I continue to work through these challenges.”

She also expressed her gratitude to the Barnes family for the love and care they had shown her after the shock of the discovery.

“While the details of my relationship with Jimmy and the Barnes family are private, I feel compelled to share my gratitude for the love and care they have shown me,” she said.

Mahalia Barnes with sister Katy Lee Carroll

“It has been an extraordinary gift to be welcomed into such a talented and kind family and I am thankful every day for their support.

“This discovery, though exciting, has been approached with great thoughtfulness, not only for me, but also for my children and all of our extended families.

“As we continue to nurture these relationships, I remain committed to protecting our privacy, allowing each of us to grow and heal in our own time.

“Thank you for your understanding, compassion, and respect during this deeply personal chapter of my life. Your support means more than words can express.”

Originally published as ’Loved getting to know her’: Jimmy’s relationship with long lost daughter