“Unfortunately I got some bad news late yesterday … despite everyone’s best efforts the bacterial infection I’ve been battling over the last fortnight has apparently now spread to my heart. 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.
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. Just a few weeks ago I was the fittest I’ve been in decades! Anyway, as you can hopefully appreciate, this has all happened very suddenly so it’s going to take a few days for everyone to figure out what’s going to be doable with my upcoming shows. I’m really sorry for all the inconvenience this will cause but please be patient while my team works hard to figure things out. A new plan will be announced as soon as possible.
In the meantime I’d like to thank my darling Jane for her around the clock love and care over the last few weeks in particular – as always I’d be lost without her. I’d also like to thank the Doctors and Nurses who’ve been amazing and all the people who have sent me ‘get well’ messages. You’ve all lifted my spirits and I’m sincerely grateful.
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. Here’s hoping 2024 is full of much better things!
Love from Jimmy.”