The power of a soulmate: What's getting Jimmy Barnes through the hardest time of his life

Jimmy and Jane Barnes are living, loving testament to a couple that is absolutely meant to be together.

As one of the country’s most loved and successful "celebrity couples" (they probably wouldn’t like that moniker), Jimmy had his share of wild days, particularly when he started Cold Chisel with fellow band members, including Ian Moss and Don Walker.

The band worked it. They partied. They drank. Did drugs. They were a quintessential pub band that took the 80s and 90s by storm.

They performed like they would never ever see another stage again.

That said, you’ve no doubt read that Jimmy, 67, hasn’t been well. After getting through a hip operation in 2022 (all that jumping around the stage and dive bombing off large speakers had taken its toll) late last year, Jimmy was faced with what was a potentially very dangerous condition, diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia, which was then followed by major heart surgery.

And for a performer who gives 1,000,000 per cent each time he performs, he HAS to be fit.

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Enter the love of his life, Jane, his girlfriend since 1979, wife for the past 42 years and their four hugely talented children. The pair are peas in a pod. To be honest, I am in awe of Jane Barnes.

She is a pocket rocket who miraculously keeps everything together. And boy, Jimmy got lucky landing Jane in his together-forever corner. Without her and the support of extended family, including Jimmy’s entertaining son David Campbell, who knows what could have happened to Jimmy’s health.

Jane’s constant affirmations, love, commitment, strength and inclusion of the entire family (in the pandemic-produced "Jane Barnes Band") is just another feather in the Barnes clan bow. The family have developed all their own careers but still go together like some kind of Brady Bunch grid post. They all know each other so well, and it all fits in beautifully.

Don’t know about you, but I just love seeing Jimmy and Jane’s life together – it’s like they can read each other’s minds. Flowers, fresh fruit, extraordinary food, music and a holistic life are the Barnes' mantra.

Jimmy and Jane are the perfect example of soulmates

While Jimmy and Jane appear to have it all, I reckon it’s their deep, deep requited love that really gets them through everything, every day. I know the term "soulmates" gets a bit overused, but in this case, they are the perfect example of exactly that.

And that is the best kind of relationship we could all hope to have.

I love them very much and know they are surrounded by so many industry friends, real friends and all of their fans who are kept on top of Barnes news through incredibly informative and always positive social media posts. Sure, what happens and is posted on social media is 1000th of what goes on for the rest of the day, but with the Barneses, there is an absolute underlying truth and authenticity to their posts.

Jimmy's surgery was in December, 2023. When we all look at post-op photos that Jane and Jimmy put up on social media, Jimmy’s face absolutely looks less stressed or pained than it appeared before the operation.

It’s always important to acknowledge the people who will stand by their husband, wife, lover, best friend and family member when they are cruelly ill, and that is something Jane was born to do and will continue to do forever. That is the kind of woman she is: happy to give, give, give, and that includes to their entire family.

The whole family just fits together like a Rubik’s cube, perhaps sometimes difficult to get together perfectly in one swoop but ultimately, they always get there.

All of Australia rooting for Jimmy's recovery

I’m pretty sure all of Australia is rooting for Jimmy‘s recovery, and this is where social media, in its own weird way, is a very important information tool.

Every detail comes from the horse's mouth - the Barneses - and that, my friends, is the most genuine way to provide important health updates, especially for public figures.

In the meantime, Jimmy, we’re rooting for you. There is no rush, as the most important thing is that one of Australia’s best and most loved performers slowly gets back into his health zone. Australia raises a glass of fresh carrot, apple, celery, plum & ginger juice to both you and Jane.

Go, Jimmy. You’ve got this.

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