Australian singer Marty Rhone left fans devastated on Thursday when he revealed some shocking health news after undergoing open heart surgery.
The ’70s pop star, 77, best known for his hit single Denim and Lace, took to Facebook to share the news with his followers alongside a photo of himself in hospital.
Marty said he was rushed into surgery after his ascending aorta – ‘the main [artery] that carries blood to our entire body’ – expanded to ‘critical’ levels.
‘Thank you to so many for your kind words and thoughts in response to my previous post, saying I may be off these pages for a time,’ Marty began his message.
‘I apologise that I was somewhat guarded but I had my reasons because at the time I didn’t really know how things would turn out for me.
‘You see, for the past three years I have been walking around like a ticking time bomb while trying to maintain my level of activity that my career demanded.’
Australian singer Marty Rhone left fans devastated on Thursday when he revealed some shocking health news after undergoing open heart surgery
The singer, who also had a popular single in 1977 titled Mean Pair of Jeans, went on to say he had recently been very busy with his work, which has strained his health.
‘Eight separate trips to the US, two national tours and producing a 3rd while twice battling COVID. Last August, I was given a sobering warning,’ he continued.
‘Tests revealed that my ever-expanding, ascending aorta, the main vein that carries blood to our entire body, had reached a critical dimension of 5cm.
‘4cm is considered safe. I asked my doc: “What if I wait further?” His words: “Are you a gambler?”‘
Marty said his aorta was at risk of ‘erupting’ or ‘splitting’, which would have been fatal.
‘If my aorta erupted, even split, it would almost certainly be goodnight and good luck,’ he added.
‘I was under no illusions, it would be tough. Seven hours [of] open heart surgery to support the aorta plus one bypass at the same time. It was a biggy.
‘I spent the first three days in ICU while my condition stabilised and no exaggeration to say it was like being hit by a MAC truck [sic].’
The ’70s pop star, 77, best known for his hit single Denim and Lace, took to Facebook to share the news with his followers alongside a photo of himself in hospital
‘It’ll be a gradual recovery but with friends and support from those around me, such as yourselves, this is going to give me the strength to come back stronger than ever.’
Marty went on to thank his surgeon, cardiologist and their ‘large team’.
‘You gave me the confidence and strength to get through this,’ he finished.
Fans flocked to the comments of the post to wish Marty well in his recovery.
‘Best wishes for your recovery. Thinking of you. Take care Marty,’ one person wrote.
‘Marty – OMGosh take the time to recover from such major surgery and stay positive!!!! We love you and can’t wait to hear you singing again. XXX,’ added another.
‘Get better soon mate, your music and enthusiasm inspires so many, thank you for sharing your story and challenge ahead,’ wrote a third.
Marty is best known as a pop singer-songwriter, but has also dabbled in acting and talent management.
His 1975 single Denim and Lace peaked at No. 8 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart, while Mean Pair of Jeans reached No. 10 in 1977.
As an actor, he has performed on stage in Godspell and The King and I, and has also appeared in TV shows Number 96 and Class of ’75.
Marty shares two sons with his wife Rosa Merola, whom he married in January 1976.
Marty said he was rushed into surgery after his ascending aorta – ‘the main [artery] that carries blood to our entire body’ – expanded to ‘critical’ levels. Pictured in 2012
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