John Farnham’s close friend provides health update months after singer’s cancer all-clear

A close friend of legendary Aussie singer John Farnham has given an insight into his life now that he is cancer-free.

A close friend of John Farnham has shared an update on his health two months after he announced he is cancer-free.

Gaynor Wheatley – who is the widow of the Aussie singer’s long-time manager, Glenn Wheatley – said the 74-year-old is “rebuilding” following his health ordeal, which saw him undergo a mammoth 12-hour surgery in 2022 to remove a tumour from his mouth amid his cancer battle.

“He’s in the rebuild side of the battle and he’s good and he’s funny and his eyes are sparkling blue and it’s wonderful. It’s a f***ing miracle,” Gaynor told the Daily Telegraph.

Gaynor, who also oversees Farnham’s music catalogue, said he is “chuffed” by the outpouring of love from fans and the support they’ve given his recently released documentary, Finding The Voice – an Australian-made doco about his life from humble beginnings in Melbourne to chart-topping success.

John Farnham is in the process of rebuilding his health after being given the all-clear from cancer. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“He was quite the reluctant traveller on the film, he said no one would want to see him, they already knew everything, but he’s chuffed at the response,” she said.

“He just can’t really believe there’s that amount of love out there and that he’s relevant.”

The singer spent the last 12 months recovering form throat surgery to remove a tumour from his mouth. Picture: Cole Bennetts/Getty Images

It was back in August that Farnham revealed he is cancer-free, sharing the happy news in his first personal statement since undergoing mouth surgery a year ago and being “in and out of rehabilitation care”.

“I am the luckiest man I know right now. It’s been a year since my first surgery and to be honest I’ve lost count as to how many other procedures there’s been since then,” he said in his statement.

Farnham’s late manager Glen Wheatley with his wife Gaynor Wheatley. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“I’m sure someone’s kept track of them all – let’s just say, there’s been a few. But, I’m home now and I’m a very grateful and happy man. I’m sitting here in my living room lapping up the attention from my beautiful wife, Jill, my boys Rob and James and my mini Schnauzer, Edmund.”

“It’s only now that I can start to appreciate and comprehend, for myself, how many messages of love and support have been sent to me over the past year,” he added.

“I don’t know what to say, other than thank you so very much. It honestly means the world to me. Thank you to everyone who took the time to write and send a message.

“Today is a special day. And I’m going to mark it by having a pizza – because I can! I can’t wait to see what might be next on the menu. Bring on 2024.”

Originally published as John Farnham’s close friend provides health update months after singer’s cancer all-clear