Jimmy Barnes recovering after open heart surgery

"I'm happy to let you know that our Jimmy has made it through his surgery and is now recovering in the ICU," Barnes' wife Jane said on social media.

"We are so grateful for the incredible medical team looking after him."

The 67-year-old singer had earlier shared that a bacterial infection he had been battling for a fortnight had spread to his heart, requiring surgery.

"It's infected an otherwise healthy valve that was replaced some years ago due to a congenital defect, so I'll be getting open heart surgery over the next few hours to clear out this infection and put in a clean valve," he said in a social media post.

"Obviously this is going to take me out of action for a while. I know lots of other people are battling even worse things but it still feels hugely frustrating."

Barnes said his team would be working out what to do about his upcoming Red Hot Summer Tour, which was set to kick off in early January.

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

The announcement also leaves his debut appearance at Summernats in Canberra on January 5 in limbo.

Barnes expressed his gratitude for his wife, "darling Jane for her around the clock love and care", as well as the doctors and nurses caring for him.

"Given the serious nature of this operation I probably won't be posting again for the next few weeks so all the best to you and yours for the holidays," he said.

"Here's hoping 2024 is full of much better things!

"Love from Jimmy."

Barnes first revealed he was unwell on November 28 after receiving intravenous antibiotics to treat bacterial pneumonia.

He was forced to withdraw from his Rock The Boat performance and later his appearance at By The C Torquay on December 2.

It follows the cancellation of his scheduled summer tour in 2022/23 after the singer underwent urgent back and hip surgery to address "constant and severe pain".