‘You smashed the hardest year’: Wishes flow for John Farnham on his 74th birthday after cancer

Birthday wishes have flowed for music legend John Farnham on his 74th birthday, after his shock cancer diagnosis last year.

Australian music legend John Farnham has celebrated his 74th birthday with his family as friends and fans took to social media to shower him with well wishes.

His sons James and Robert posted heartfelt messages and private photos of themselves with Farnham on social media on Saturday to express their love for their adored father.

“Happy birthday dad,” James wrote on Instagram..

“You just had one of the hardest 12 months and you smashed it!

John Farnham with his son James. Picture: Instagram

John Farnham with his son Robert. Picture: Instagram

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a concert stage or the stage of life, you always give it everything no matter what!

“I’m so thankful for that. You’re an inspiration to me and I’m sure many others.

“Thanks for everything. You’re the greatest and today is all about you!!

“Love ya heaps and heaps!!”

He added in a different post: “Life is one big rollercoaster but I’m glad you’re in it with me.”

Robert wrote: “Happiest of birthdays to my dad! Love you.”

Phil Burton from Human Nature responded to Robert’s post: “Happy birthday to your legendary old man. Hope he has a fantastic day and a great year. Sending you all lots of love.”

“Wishing you a very Happy Birthday John,” wrote Daryl Braithwaite.

Comedian Richard Stubbs posted: “Happy Birthday to John, finally got to see the doco - so good. Love and light to you and all the family.”

Singer Tania Doko wrote: “Happiest of birthdays dear John!!! Have the best day.”

Late on Saturday James posted a message from his mother Jill.

“John would like to say Thank You for all your well wishes,” it read.

Farnham was shockingly diagnosed with mouth cancer in August 2022 and underwent a 12-hour operation which saw part of his jaw removed followed by reconstructive surgery.

This message was posted by Jill Farnham. Picture: Instagram

In a statement in September last year the Farnham family acknowledged the incredible work of the medical team looking after John.

“Our family are so very grateful to all the remarkable teams of Victorian medical professionals who have taken such good care of John. These outcomes are a credit to your dedication, skills and compassion,” the statement read.