John Farnham's family provide sad health update - revealing the iconic singer requires 'continuous oxygen support' and is in a wheelchair

John Farnham's family have provided a sad update, revealing the iconic singer's health has deteriorated and he now requires 'continuous oxygen support' and is in a wheelchair.

The singer's son James shared the update on social media on Saturday night, revealing that Farnham was not well enough to attend his tribute concert in Melbourne on Sunday.

'A statement from our family. John has been deeply moved by everything happening this weekend around the tribute concert at Rod Laver Arena,' James began.

'The extraordinary work of the producers over these past few months, the generosity of all the artists giving their time, and the dedication of the crew and production teams working so hard to deliver this special concert.

'None of it is taken for granted by John or any of us, as a family. On John's behalf, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.' 

He then revealed that his father's ongoing health battle meant that he would be unable to attend The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend concert, in which a host of Australian singers will pay tribute to the iconic star.

'Unfortunately, he will not be able to attend and, as a family, we feel it is important to provide an update on John's health to help explain why,' James began. 

'John's health has deteriorated in recent months. He now requires continuous oxygen support and uses a wheelchair for mobility. It has become necessary to receive 24-hour nursing care at home, ensuring trained support is always available when he needs it.'

He added that while the family had previously kept this private, they were sharing so people understood why Farnham was unable to attend the event. 

'We have kept these matters private while our family has adjusted to John's changing needs. However, we now feel it is important that John's fans and supporters understand his circumstances, why he cannot be there this weekend,' he said.

'If things were different, John would have loved nothing more than to attend. He would undoubtedly have been a little overwhelmed by all the fuss, but he would also have wanted to thank everyone involved in person.

'As a family, we have decided that it is best for John to remain at home, where he can be safe and comfortable.

'Thank you for your understanding and for the many messages of love and support John continues to receive. And to everyone involved in this weekend's celebration concert: chookas!'

The concert proceeds will support Head and Neck Cancer Australia.

The star-studded event will feature performances from an impressive line-up including Celine Dion, Hugh Jackman, Keith Urban, Tina Arena, Jimmy Barnes, Mahalia Barnes, Richard Marx, Kate Ceberano, Human Nature and Jessica Mauboy.

Demand for the event has been overwhelming, with tickets selling out within hours of going on sale earlier this year.

John initially resisted the idea of a tribute concert before changing his mind when organisers explained it would help raise funds for Australians battling head and neck cancers.

The beloved entertainer has described the support from fellow artists as 'truly humbling'.

The Australian icon's health battle began after his wife Jill urged him to have a persistent mouth ulcer examined.

Doctors discovered a cancerous tumour, leading to a gruelling 12-hour operation in which surgeons removed part of his jaw and reconstructed sections of his face.

He later endured eight weeks of radiation treatment before eventually being declared cancer-free.

In his memoir, The Voice Inside, John revealed the devastating toll the surgeries had taken on the voice that made him one of Australia's greatest performers.

He explained that the reconstruction left him unable to open his mouth properly and robbed him of the movement needed to produce the sounds required for singing, describing the experience as both painful and deeply confronting.