‘Very happy man’: John Farnham confirms he is cancer free in emotional statement marking one year since shock diagnosis

John Farnham has broken his silence a month after being cleared of cancer to mark the one-year anniversary of his first major surgery.

The Australian music legend was diagnosed with throat cancer in August 2022 and immediately underwent a 12-hour surgery to remove the cancerous tumour.

What followed was a series of gruelling medical procedures including re-constructive plastic surgery, eight weeks of radiation and further surgeries to address arising complications.

However, Farnham was given the “all clear” from his medical team in July this year.

Marking the one-year anniversary of his first surgery, Whispering Jack released a heartfelt statement telling his devoted fans: “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,” Farnham said in a statement released by his management.

“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.”

Farnham’s family was updating the public during the 12-month medical ordeal, with thousands of “Farnsy’s” adoring fans passing on their heartfelt messages.

The King of Pop used the momentous occasion to thank the Australian public and those close to him for the extensive support and care.

“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 said.

“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.”

Farnham’s family joined the music legend in thanking the public for the “extraordinary amount of generous messages and well wishes”.

In the statement, they also extended their gratitude to the “remarkable” medical professionals in Melbourne.

In 1986, Farnham released his seminal comeback album Whispering Jack, which sold an astounding 1.68 million copies in Australia and became the third highest selling Australian record of all time.

The album included his signature song You’re The Voice, which remains one of the country’s most popular anthems.

The track became an international success and charted in the top 10 throughout Europe.

You’re The Voice also helped Farnham crack the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States for the first and only time, where it reached 82.

He had a slightly better run on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart, where his ballad Two Strong Hearts reached the top 40 in 1989.

Farnham supported his records with a busy touring schedule that saw him travelling nationally to sell-out crowds well into his seventh decade of life.

Perhaps his most famous duet partner was Olivia Newton John, who passed away following her own cancer battle last year.