Aussie icon celebrates 75th birthday

Australian music legend John Farnham has been pictured celebrating his birthday with his family.

The rock star turned 75 on Monday and enjoyed a dinner with wife Jillian Billman, son Robert Farnham and Robert’s wife, Melissa.

Farnham announced he was cancer free in August last year after having a tumour removed from his mouth during a 12-hour surgical procedure in 2022.

He has made few public appearances since then, but photos of him were shared on Instagram showing the family having a celebration.

The group were seen eating dinner at an outdoor restaurant with Farnham wearing a blue plaid shirt.

Robert posted a loving message to his father on Instagram.

“Happy birthday, Dad. Love you,” the caption read.

In another photo posted to Instagram, Robert wrote “Birthday boy” alongside an image showing his father relaxed.

Robert’s wife Melissa also shared a touching tribute to the 75-year-old.

“Happy birthday Papa J. Looking forward to making many more happy memories with you guys,” she wrote.

Farnham was last seen in February when he attended the wedding of Robert and Melissa.

He appeared happy and in good health alongside his son in images shared to social media following the wedding.

The music legend wore a black suit paired with a bronze tie and matching pocket square, while his son chose a white tux with black trimming.

The wedding was held at Hopewood House in the NSW town of Bowral in February.

In August 2023, Farnham told fans he was “the luckiest man I know”, having undergone his cancer surgery and rehabilitation and being cancer-free.

He underwent a 12-hour surgery in 2022, removing a tumour from his mouth.

“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,” he said in the statement last year.

“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.

“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. 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.”