Australian music legend Marty Rhone has left his devoted fanbase deeply concerned after revealing he recently underwent emergency open heart surgery. The 1970s pop star, now 77 years old, shared the shocking health update via a heartfelt Facebook post on Thursday, accompanied by a photograph showing him recovering in hospital.
A 'Ticking Time Bomb' Diagnosis
Rhone, best remembered for his classic hits Denim and Lace and Mean Pair of Jeans, explained that he had been living with a dangerous medical condition for three years without realising its severity. The singer described himself as "walking around like a ticking time bomb" while continuing to maintain the demanding schedule his career required.
"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," Rhone wrote in his emotional social media message to followers.
Critical Aortic Expansion
The medical emergency centred on Rhone's ascending aorta, which he described as "the main artery that carries blood to our entire body." Tests conducted last August revealed this crucial vessel had expanded to a critical dimension of 5 centimetres, significantly beyond the 4cm mark considered medically safe.
"I asked my doctor: 'What if I wait further?' His words: 'Are you a gambler?'" Rhone recounted, highlighting the life-threatening nature of his condition. The singer explained that his aorta was at imminent risk of either erupting or splitting, either scenario likely proving fatal.
Emergency Surgical Intervention
Faced with this sobering prognosis, Rhone underwent a seven-hour open heart surgery procedure to reinforce his weakened aorta, with surgeons simultaneously performing a bypass operation. "It was a biggy," the singer acknowledged with characteristic understatement.
Rhone spent his first three post-operative days in intensive care while his condition stabilised. He described the experience as "like being hit by a MAC truck," emphasising the physical toll of such major cardiac surgery.
Demanding Schedule Contributed to Strain
The veteran performer attributed part of his health crisis to an exceptionally busy period in his professional life. In recent years, Rhone had undertaken eight separate trips to the United States, completed two national tours, and was producing a third while twice battling COVID-19 infections.
This relentless schedule placed considerable strain on his cardiovascular system, potentially exacerbating the underlying aortic condition that had been developing unnoticed.
Road to Recovery
Despite the ordeal, Rhone remains optimistic about his rehabilitation prospects. "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," he assured his concerned followers.
The singer expressed profound gratitude to his surgical team, including his surgeon, cardiologist and their supporting medical staff. "You gave me the confidence and strength to get through this," he acknowledged in his public message.
Fan Support Floods In
Rhone's announcement prompted an outpouring of supportive messages from fans across social media platforms. Followers expressed their shock at the news while offering heartfelt wishes for his complete recovery.
"Best wishes for your recovery. Thinking of you. Take care Marty," wrote one concerned supporter, while another added: "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."
A third fan commented: "Get better soon mate, your music and enthusiasm inspires so many, thank you for sharing your story and challenge ahead."
Enduring Musical Legacy
Marty Rhone first rose to prominence in the mid-1970s Australian music scene. His signature single Denim and Lace peaked at number eight on the Kent Music Report Singles Chart in 1975, while Mean Pair of Jeans reached number ten two years later.
Beyond his recording career, Rhone has enjoyed success as an actor, appearing in stage productions including Godspell and The King and I, alongside television roles in Number 96 and Class of '75. He has also worked as a talent manager within the entertainment industry.
The singer has been married to Rosa Merola since January 1976, and the couple share two sons together. Rhone's health revelation has highlighted both the physical demands of a lifelong entertainment career and the importance of cardiovascular health monitoring, particularly for individuals in their later decades.
