Johnny Ruffo pays emotional tribute to long-term girlfriend Tahnee Sims for her support during cancer journey

Singer Johnny Ruffo has paid tribute to his “amazing” girlfriend, praising her for her “incredible support” while he undergoes chemotherapy for terminal brain cancer.

The WA-born finalist from The X-Factor Australia opened up during an interview on local radio station Youth Jam, describing his chemotherapy journey as “horrible”.

“At the moment (treatment is) every two weeks, which is pretty gruelling,” he said.

“And it makes you feel like death, like it’s horrid, it’s really horrible.”

Ruffo said he was getting through his days by staying as busy as he could.

“I think I’ve seen every episode of everything on every streaming site possible,” he joked.

The former Home and Away actor said he wouldn’t have been able to get through everything without the support of his long-term girlfriend Tahnee Sims.

“She’s remarkable. I can’t give her enough kudos for how amazing she’s been and how much I’ve been able to lean on her for support,” he said.

Camera IconRuffo said his girlfriend Tahnee was an “incredible support”. Credit: Instagram/TheWest

“I honestly do not know how she’s done it. Sometimes I feel like she’s gone through a harder time than me because she’s had to go through everything with me — minus the actual chemo — but she’s also had to deal with me, my ups and downs and being a dickhead.”

Ruffo was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2017. He had surgery to remove it but the cancer returned in 2020.

The singer said doctors warned him before he started chemotherapy that his mood would be affected.

“She’s had to put up with all that on top of having to go through it with me,” he said.

Camera IconJohnny Ruffo on the Home and Away set with Lynne McGranger. Credit: johnny_ruffo/Instagram

“She’s been so strong, stronger than I have through all of this. She’s helped me pick myself up when I’m done and I can’t thank her enough.

“I’m sorry, I’m at a loss for words over how incredible she has been. To me and for me.”

The loved-up couple shared a series of snaps from a romantic getaway to New Zealand in June. Ruffo also shared a pic of himself in the treatment chair.

Ruffo said he “couldn’t thank Tahnee enough” for everything she had done.

“She’s definitely been one to lean on. She’s unbelievable,” he said.