This exclusive photograph, revealed for the first time today, captures the love and hope of Aussie rock icon Jimmy Barnes and his daughter Elly-May after one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
The beautiful moment was captured for the April edition of The Australian Women's Weekly, following Jimmy’s recent brush with death when a serious infection led to open-heart surgery. For a time, the family feared he wouldn’t pull through.
“If he’s not OK, I’m not OK,” Elly-May says during the in-depth interview with The Weekly to promote the release of her first album, No Good, which includes songs co-written with a stellar lineup of collaborators, including her uncle Mark, Neil Finn, Don Walker, and Shane Nicholson.
Also featured in the gorgeous family photoshoot are Elly-May’s mum, Jane, and her 10-year-old son, Dylan. The 34-year-old musician describes her relationship with her father as like two twin stars. “We’re similar in a lot of ways,” she smiles.
And proud dad Jimmy says he was astonished when he heard her album of mostly original material.
“The fact Elly-May has had to overcome so many obstacles relating to her disability along this journey makes me even more amazed and proud,” he says. “When she played the record to me, I was stunned. It’s exceptional. I don’t know why I was surprised; she has always been talented and very creative. Elly-May wanted to do it on her own, her own way, and I think she shines so bright.”
Elly May was given only a 50:50 chance of surviving when she was born 14 weeks premature. At three, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and has lived her whole life with chronic pain.
“They saved my life,” Elly-May says of her parents. “They were there from the beginning, making sure I stayed alive in that hospital, and every time I’ve been in hospital since. I wouldn’t be here today without them.”
Her mum and dad were there for her during a difficult pregnancy and birth, with Dylan born a few weeks prematurely after Elly-May’s heart rate was dangerously high.
“I learnt from that experience that I was a bit stronger than I thought I was,” she says. “And that maybe I was capable of a little bit more than I thought. “I’d been scared I couldn’t do it. There’s no information about what pregnancy looks like for disabled people, so you’re just learning on the go.
“Dylan saved me. He helped me look after myself and value myself more. He’s the best person in my life, the sweetest, funniest little goofball. He’s my little buddy ... I do everything I do because of him.”
Despite her health conditions, she’s remained strong and optimistic about the future.
“I’ve had medical procedures since I was a baby so it’s always been uncomfortable and painful, but I still felt pretty happy and lucky my whole childhood. I’ve always been in this little bubble. I’ve felt happy, knowing I have this great family and this great life, even though I’ve had chronic pain.”
Please include a link to womensweekly.com.au / Elly-May also featured in the April issue of the Australian Woman’s Weekly, on sale March 21. Elly-May Barnes’ new album No Good is available from April 12.
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Marlene Richardson | GasbagPR
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