Jimmy Barnes shares devastating health update after being rushed to ER: ‘Unfortunately I got some bad news yesterday’

Jimmy Barnes has shared a devastating health update after being hospitalized with pneumonia two weeks ago.

The legendary Australian rocker, 66, took to Instagram on Wednesday to update fans on his condition and confirmed he will soon undergo open heart surgery after the bacterial infection spread to his heart.

“Unfortunately, I received some bad news late yesterday…despite everyone’s best efforts, the bacterial infection I have been battling for the past two weeks has apparently now spread to my heart,” he wrote.

‘It has infected an otherwise healthy valve that was replaced several years ago due to a birth defect, so I will be having open heart surgery in the next few hours to clear this infection and insert a clean valve.’

Barnes then expressed his frustration and shock over the diagnosis, writing, “Obviously this will sideline me for a while. I know a lot of other people are struggling with even worse things, but it still feels incredibly frustrating. Just a few weeks ago I was the fittest I’ve been in decades!

“Anyway, as I hope you can imagine, this has all happened very suddenly, so it will be a few days before everyone finds out what’s possible with my upcoming shows.”

He then apologized to his fans for “the inconvenience” his condition will cause. and asked them to remain patient while his “team works hard to figure things out.”

“A new plan will be announced as soon as possible,” he said.

Barnes then praised his wife Jane for caring for him during such a difficult time.

“In the meantime, I would like to thank my dear Jane for her round-the-clock love and care especially over the last few weeks – as always I would be lost without her,” he wrote.

‘I would also like to thank the doctors and nurse who have been wonderful, and all the people who have sent me ‘get well soon’ messages. You all have lifted my spirits and I am truly grateful,” he continued.

Before undergoing the surgery, Barnes added: “Given the serious nature of this surgery I probably won’t be posting again for the next few weeks, so all the best to you and yours this holiday season.

‘I hope 2024 is full of much better things! Love from Jimmy.”

Barnes’ son, Today Extra host David Campbell, has since reshared the Cold Chisel frontman’s post, adding the caption: “Sending love to my dad.”

Campbell also gave an update on his father’s health during a live segment on Today Extra to reassure fans.

“I’m here to allay everyone’s fears. He is in wonderful hands. I think he’s extremely frustrated. He feels bad about it,” Campbell said.

He noted that Barnes isn’t just frustrated because of his fans who looked forward to his shows — he’s also annoyed because of his band and crew who work hard to make his concerts possible.

Campbell continued: “He is very grateful to the nurses for taking this up. If he hadn’t gotten bacterial pneumonia, he never would have picked this up.

‘He is in the best hands and we have a lot of confidence in the doctors. He is going to make a great recovery, so please reach out to him on social media and send him all the love in the world,” he added.

Campbell reiterated that his father will “just be fine,” and clarified that he will know more once he comes out of the operating room.

The update comes two weeks after Barnes revealed he was hospitalized with a serious infection and had to cancel upcoming performances.

“I regret to inform you that for the past 36 hours I have been receiving intravenous antibiotics to treat bacterial pneumonia,” he wrote on Facebook at the time.

“Unfortunately, this has prevented me from traveling to Noumea as planned to participate in Rock The Boat 2023,” he continued.

“My band will still perform on board, along with my daughter Mahalia and other special guests.

‘I would like to sincerely apologize to everyone for the inconvenience and disappointment this has caused, but the doctors have confined me to bed for two days.

‘The timing couldn’t be worse. I am expected to make a full recovery in time to perform live at By The C in Torquay,” Jimmy concluded.

Jimmy was on bed rest for months earlier this year and had to cancel his summer tour due to emergency hip surgery.

In late 2022, he underwent major hip surgery to alleviate years of chronic pain.

“We had some (live) things planned, but they didn’t happen because of my surgery,” he said at the time.

Barnes spent time recovering at his second home in Thailand with his wife Jane and has been recovering for the past few months.

He had to regain his strength and required the aid of a cane to walk for several weeks, but by March he had fully recovered.