John Farnham in hospital with respiratory infection

While he was in hospital for a respiratory infection, he was comfortable and receiving the best care, they said.

"He's always been a strong and determined person with everything he's ever done and we are all so very proud of him," the singer's wife Jill Farnham said.

"He is responding well to the specialist care he's receiving."

Farnham's family reiterated their appreciation for medical staff who have attended to the singer, as well for the kind messages received from Australia and abroad.

Farnham underwent a 12-hour operation in August to remove a cancerous growth from his mouth.

The now 73-year-old shot to the top of the charts with his 1986 album Whispering Jack.

It produced one of the nation's best-known anthems, You're the Voice, and propelled Farnham to hero status.