Australian music icon John Farnham has opened up about how stepping into the role of a grandfather has given his spirits a “huge lift.”
“I am going to completely embrace this next chapter of my life,” the legendary singer declared.
When it comes to his iconic singing voice these days, John Farnham is strictly focused on performing for one very special person – his newborn grandson, Jett.
The singer’s youngest son, James Farnham, alongside his partner, Dr Tessa Effendi, officially announced the arrival of their baby boy – marking John’s very first grandchild. Now, the music legend has expressed his deep emotions about being a grandfather in the newly illustrated edition of his best-selling memoir, The Voice Inside.
“It has given us both a massive lift,” John wrote, speaking on behalf of himself and his wife, Jill.
“I am feeling incredibly grateful to still be here on this earth, and to have my beautiful family and close friends surrounding me. I am absolutely going to embrace this next chapter of my life.”
The singer further revealed that he currently only intends to sing gentle lullabies for his “special audience of one”, though he teasingly added, “never say never.”
As the years have rolled on, John admitted that witnessing his children’s personal happiness has become the single most vital thing to him.
“I find myself thinking deeply about their happiness more and more each day,” he penned.
John and his wife Jill are excited to welcome their family’s newest addition (Credit: Instagram)
The Special Family News
In a deeply moving gesture, James and Tessa paid a direct tribute to the You’re the Voice hitmaker when deciding on the name for their firstborn child.
“Jett John Farnham was born at 5.26pm on Wednesday June 18th at St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Melbourne, weighing 3.176Kgs,” a formal birth announcement released by the family detailed.
An incredibly elated John, who reportedly wishes to be called ‘Pa’ by the little one, and his devoted wife of 52 years, Jill, could not hide their immense pride at becoming first-time grandparents.
“We are completely over the moon about the arrival of this perfectly beautiful little boy,” the grandparents shared collectively. “He’s already filled our entire hearts with so much pure love, and we’re so incredibly proud and happy for James and Tessa. Welcome to the world, Jett!”
Making the milestone even more memorable, James and Tessa purposely chose to break the news of their son’s safe arrival on John’s actual 76th birthday.
“We thought we were excited to meet him—but turns out he was even more excited to meet us, arriving a little ahead of his official schedule,” their family statement continued. “Jett is our entire world packaged into one tiny, noisy, perfect bundle. We’re utterly smitten, we’re deeply sleep-deprived, and we honestly wouldn’t have it any other way.”
This joyous baby news follows another major milestone for the Farnham clan. In February 2024, John and Jill’s eldest son, Robert Farnham, officially tied the knot with his longtime partner and best friend, Melissa Kelly.
John was healthy enough to attend his son’s wedding in person, with close sources noting at the time that he looked like “the proudest dad ever.”
Difficult Few Years
Baby Jett’s long-awaited birth brings a wave of much-needed celebration after a turbulent few years for the Farnham household.
Back in 2022, John faced a devastating diagnosis of oral cancer. The legendary performer had to endure a grueling, marathon surgery to successfully extract a tumor from his mouth, followed by extensive reconstructive jaw procedures.
In his official memoir, John shared with readers that his current health status is “pretty stable now.” He explained that he is thoroughly enjoying the simple act of just “being”, and has no desire to push his physical limits too hard.
Earlier this year, his son James went on breakfast television to share the wonderful news that his dad had officially received the medical all-clear from his doctors.
“He’s doing great, he’s doing really well, walking around, kicking goals …. annoying mum,” James jokingly told Sunrise hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington.
James and Tessa just came back from a babymoon to Fiji! (Credit: Instagram)
At that time, James also expressed his immense excitement at watching his father step into the long-awaited role of Pa to his future child.
“I can’t wait to take him up to the family farm and get dad to teach him absolutely everything he taught me growing up,” James added warmly.
John’s triumphant memoir, which hit shelves during his intense cancer recovery, was co-authored alongside filmmaker Poppy Stockell, who originally directed the definitive documentary on the singer’s historic life.