John Farnham likely to spend ‘weeks’ in hospital, will have tube put in windpipe

John Farnham will spend “weeks” in a Melbourne hospital following his marathon surgery on Tuesday to have a tumour removed.

John Farnham will spend “weeks” in hospital and may have to have a tube inserted into his windpipe.

The legendary Australian singer, 73, underwent a 12-hour surgery to have a tumour removed at a Melbourne hospital on Tuesday, shortly after being diagnosed with mouth cancer.

Sydney 2GB host Ben Fordham revealed the update on Farnham’s recovery on Thursday morning’s show.

“Doctors may have to insert a tube into his windpipe as part of his recovery, he’ll need a feeding tube and he’ll need rehab to help him chew and swallow again, he’ll spend weeks in hospital recovering,” Fordham said on-air.

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The Farnham family have said the surgery was successful. Pictured is Rob, Jill, James and John Farnham. Picture: Supplied

The You’re The Voice singer went in for surgery at 8am on Tuesday until 7.30pm, his family said in a statement, adding he was recovering in ICU in a stable condition.

Farnham’s son Rob has since said the beloved singing legend was “strong” and will ”smash” his road to recovery.

“It’s been a tough couple of week,” Rob, a singer-songwriter and frontman of rock band Rival Fire said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

“We are very proud of Dad, he is strong and will smash this. Dad and the family are feeling the love from everyone. The support from friends, family, Australia and OS [overseas] has been massive.

“Huge shout out to the hospital staff for being so amazing, we couldn’t do this without your honesty and support.”

Farnham, who also had part of his jaw removed during the marathon operation, earlier provided a statement prior to going under, in which he shared his gratitude to the Victorian health system.

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

“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.”

John Farnham is recovering in ICU. Picture: Joel Carrett/AAP

News of Farnham’s cancer diagnosis sent shockwaves around Australia on Tuesday, following the death of fellow Aussie entertainer Olivia Newton-John earlier this month after a lengthy battle with breast cancer.

The pair, who were friends for many years, recently performed together at the bushfire relief fundraising concert, Fire Fight Australia, at ANZ Stadium in February 2020.

John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John performed during Fire Fight Australia.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews earlier said his thoughts were with Farnham and his family.

“I think everybody loves John Farnham, he’s such a big part of our story, such a wonderful person and we wish him and his family well at what is surely a very difficult time,” he said.

“I’m sure he’s getting first class care and our thoughts and prayers are with him and we wish him all the best.”

There are fears Farnham won’t be able to perform again.

Entertainment reporter Peter Ford said on Wednesday it was unlikely Farnham will be able to perform again.

“Certainly now you have to say there’s even a lesser chance (of him performing),” Ford said.

“The first was the removal of the tumour, the second was a reconstructive surgery because John has had part of his jaw removed.

“But as we’ve heard all along from the statement from the family again, and the statement that came out earlier (Wednesday) morning, they have twice used the word ‘successful’, so that gives reason for optimism and hope.’”