Jimmy Barnes shares devastating health update after being rushed to the 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, confirming that the bacterial infection he had been battling had spread to his heart.

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

“It has infected a healthy valve that was replaced several years ago due to a birth defect, so I am having open heart surgery in the next few hours to remove this infection and install a clean valve.”

Barnes went on to express his disappointment and shock over the diagnosis, writing, “Obviously this will keep me out of action for a while. I know a lot of other people are struggling with worse things, but it’s still very frustrating. Just a few weeks ago I was in the best shape I’ve been in decades!”

Jimmy Barnes (pictured), 66, shared devastating health news after being hospitalized with pneumonia two weeks ago.

Jimmy Barnes (pictured), 66, shared devastating health news after being hospitalized with pneumonia two weeks ago.

The legendary Australian rocker took to Instagram on Wednesday to update fans on his condition, confirming that the bacterial infection he was battling had spread to his heart.

The legendary Australian rocker took to Instagram on Wednesday to update fans on his condition, confirming that the bacterial infection he was battling had spread to his heart.

Barnes maintains a close relationship with his son Campbell (right), who, like his father, is a talented singer.

Barnes maintains a close relationship with his son Campbell (right), who, like his father, is a talented singer.

“Anyway, as I hope you understand, this all happened very suddenly, so it will take a few days for everyone to figure out what can be done about my upcoming performances.”

He went on to apologize to his fans for the “inconvenience” his condition would cause. and asked them to remain patient as his “team works hard to figure this out.”

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

Barnes then praised his wife Jane (left) for taking care of him during such a difficult time.  “In the meantime, I would like to thank my dear Jane for her 24/7 love and care, especially over the last few weeks - without her I would have been lost as always,” he wrote.

Barnes then praised his wife Jane (left) for taking care of him during such a difficult time. “In the meantime, I would like to thank my dear Jane for her 24/7 love and care, especially over the last few weeks – without her I would have been lost as always,” he wrote.

Barnes then praised his wife Jane for taking care of him during such a difficult time.

“In the meantime, I would like to thank my dear Jane for her 24/7 love and care, especially over the last few weeks – without her I would have been lost as always,” he wrote.

“I would also like to thank the doctors and nurses who were amazing and all the people who sent me get well messages.” You all lifted my spirits and I am truly grateful,” he continued.

Immy's son, Today Extra presenter David Campbell, has since re-shared Barnes' post, adding the caption:

Immy’s son, Today Extra presenter David Campbell, has since re-shared Barnes’ post, adding the caption: “Sending love to my dad.”

Before heading into surgery, Barnes added: “Given the serious nature of this surgery, I probably won’t be posting again for the next few weeks, so best wishes to you and yours over the holidays.”

“We hope 2024 is filled with much better things!” With love from Jimmy,” he concluded.

Jimmy’s son, Today Extra presenter David Campbell, has since re-shared Barnes’ post, adding the caption: “Sending love to my dad.”

The update comes two weeks after Barnes revealed he was hospitalized with a severe infection and was forced to cancel upcoming shows.

The update comes two weeks after Barnes revealed he was hospitalized with a severe infection and was forced to cancel upcoming shows.

The update comes two weeks after Barnes revealed he was hospitalized with a severe infection and was forced to cancel upcoming shows.

“I’m sorry to tell you that for the last 36 hours I have been receiving intravenous antibiotics to treat bacterial pneumonia,” he wrote on Facebook at the time.

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

“My band will still be performing 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 have been worse. I’m expected to be fully recovered in time to perform live at By The C in Torquay,” Jimmy concluded.

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

He underwent major hip surgery in late 2022 to relieve years of chronic pain.

“We had some shows scheduled, but they fell through because of my surgery,” he said at the time.

Barnes has been recovering at his second home in Thailand with his wife Jane and has been on the mend in recent months.

He had to recuperate and needed a cane to walk for several weeks, but by March he had made a full recovery.