“I can’t stop smiling”: Jimmy Barnes’ rock legacy is celebrated as he receives an honorary doctorate

Legendary rocker Jimmy Barnes has received an honorary doctorate from the University of South Australia.

The Working Class Man hitmaker was recognised for his contribution to the “unstoppable career” on Wednesday in Adelaide as part of the university’s September graduations.

Jimmy, who joined Cold Chisel in 1973, couldn’t hide his pride as he shared photos from the ceremony to social media.

“I am both humbled and proud to be receiving an Honorary Doctorate awarded to me by the @universitysa. What an Honour,” he penned.

The Scottish-born star shared a series of photos of himself and wife Jane, and their children and grandkids.

“The magnitude of this occasion has only just sunk in. You can see I can’t stop smiling,” Jimmy’s post continued.

University of South Australia’s vice chancellor David Lloyd said Jimmy’s tenacity and and perseverance was an inspiration.

“From working-class boy to working-class man to working-class hero, Jimmy has had to overcome adversity and countless setbacks, bouncing back stronger each time,” Professor Lloyd told the audience.

“If you want a gold standard for the unstoppable career, then Jimmy Barnes is it.”

Jimmy’s honorary doctorate comes as little surprise, as the 66-year-old is considered by many as one of Australia’s most iconic rockers.

In May 1977, Jimmy announced that he was going to join a band called Feather, but his farewell performance with Cold Chisel was such a success he decided to stay.

From there, Cold Chisel really found its groove. They released five studio albums and won multiple Countdown awards.

In 1983, the band finally shut up shop, and Jimmy launched his solo career in December that year.

Of course, his second project, For The Working Class Man, released in 1985, skyrocketed his star and solidified him as an Aussie icon.

Jimmy and Jane share seven children – Mahalia, Elly-May, Eliza-Jane, Jackie, David, Amanda Bennett, and Megan Torzyn.