When it comes to singing, John Farnham is focused on performing for a very special person – his grandson, Jett.
The singer’s son, James Farnham, and his partner, Dr Tessa Effendi, announced the birth of their son – John’s first grandchild – on July 1.
Now, he has shared more about being a grandfather in the illustrated edition of his best-selling memoir, The Voice Inside.
“It has given us (he and his wife Jill) both a huge lift,” he wrote of becoming grandparents.
“I am feeling very grateful to still be here and to have my family and friends around me. I am going to embrace this next chapter of my life.”
He revealed that he only planned to sing lullabies for his “special audience of one”, but said “never say never”.
As he’s gotten older, he said seeing his children happy has become more important to him.
“I find myself thinking of their happiness more and more,” he wrote.
The special family news
In a touching move, James and Tessa paid tribute to the You’re the Voice singer when naming their firstborn.
“Jett John Farnham was born at 5.26pm on Wednesday June 18th at St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Melbourne, weighing 3.176Kgs,” an announcement, released by the couple, read.
An elated John, who reportedly wants to be known as ‘Pa’ to the little one, and his wife of 52 years, Jill, shared their joy at becoming first-time grandparents.
“We are over the moon about the arrival of this perfectly beautiful little boy,” they shared at the time. “He’s already filled our hearts with so much love and we’re so proud and happy for James and Tessa. Welcome to the world, Jett!”
In an extra special move, James and Tessa shared the news of their son’s birth on John’s 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 schedule,” their statement continued. “Jett is our whole world in one tiny, noisy, perfect package. We’re smitten, we’re sleep-deprived, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Elsewhere, in February 2024, John and Jill’s eldest son, Robert Farnham, married his “best friend” and longtime partner, Melissa Kelly.
John attended his son’s wedding, with sources telling New Idea at the time that he was “the proudest dad ever”.
Difficult few years
Jett’s birth comes after a big few years for the Farnham clan.
In 2022, John was diagnosed with oral cancer. He underwent gruelling surgery to remove a tumour from his mouth and reconstruct his jaw.
In his memoir, he revealed that his health is “pretty stable now”, and enjoyed just “being”, and did not want to push himself.
Earlier this year James revealed his dad had received the all-clear.
“He’s doing great, he’s doing really well, walking around, kicking goals …. annoying mum,” he told Sunrise presenters Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington.
At the time, he revealed his excitement for John to step into the role of Pa to his son.
“I can’t wait to take him up to the farm and get dad to teach him everything he taught me,” James added.
A John Farnham book was also published during his cancer battle, the memoir, which was co-authored alongside Poppy Stockell, who had made the documentary.
