Jimmy Barnes has shared a devastating health update after being hospitalised with pneumonia two weeks ago.
The legendary Australian rocker, 66, took to Instagram on Wednesday to update fans on his condition, confirming that the bacterial infection he has been battling has spread to his heart.
‘Unfortunately I got some bad news late yesterday… despite everyone’s best efforts the bacterial infection I’ve been battling over the last fortnight has apparently now spread to my heart,’ he wrote.
‘It’s infected an otherwise healthy valve that was replaced some years ago due to a congenital defect, so I’ll be getting open heart surgery over the next few hours to clear this infection and put in a clean valve.’
‘Obviously this is going to take me out of action for a while. I know lots of other people are battling even worse things but it still feel hugely frustrating. Just a few weeks ago I was the fittest I’ve been in decades!’
Jimmy Barnes, 66, (pictured) has shared a devastating health update after being hospitalised with pneumonia two weeks ago
‘Anyway, as you can hopefully appreciate, this has all happened very suddenly so it’s going to take a few days for everyone to figure out what is going to be doable with my upcoming shows. I’m really sorry for all of the inconvenience this will cause but please be patient while my team works hard to figure things out. A new plan will be announced as soon as possible.’
‘In the meantime I’d like to thank my darling Jane for her around the clock love and care over the last few weeks in particular – as always I’d be lost without her.’
‘I’d also like to thank the doctors and nurse who’ve been amazing and all the people who have sent me ‘get well’ messages. You’ve all lifted my spirits and I’m sincerely grateful.’
‘Given the serious nature of this operation I probably won’t be posting again for the new few weeks so all the best to you and yours for the holidays. Here’s hoping 2024 is full of much better things! Love from Jimmy.’
The update comes two weeks after Barnes revealed he was hospitalised with a severe infection and forced to cancel upcoming gigs.
‘I’m sorry to let you know that I’ve been receiving intravenous antibiotics over the last 36 hours to treat bacterial pneumonia,’ he wrote on Facebook at the time.
‘Unfortunately, this has stopped me travelling to Noumea to join Rock The Boat 2023 as planned,’ he continued.
‘My band will still perform on board, together with my daughter Mahalia and other special guests.
‘I’d like to apologise sincerely to everyone for the inconvenience and disappointment this has caused, but the doctors have confined me to bed for two days.
‘The timing couldn’t be worse. I’m expected to make a full recovery in time to perform live at By The C in Torquay,’ Jimmy concluded.
Jimmy was on bed rest for months earlier this year and was forced to cancel his summer tour to receive emergency hip surgery.
He underwent a major hip operation in late 2022 to ease years of chronic pain.
‘We had some (live) things planned, but they fell through because of my surgery,’ he said at the time.
Barnes spent time recovering in his second home in Thailand with his wife Jane and was on the mend in recent months.
He had to regain his strength and for some weeks required the aid of a cane to walk, but had made a full recovery by March.
READ MORE: Jimmy Barnes updates fans on his recovery journey following major operation
