Doctors have given Jimmy Barnes’ loved ones the best Christmas present they could hope for after the singer had open-heart surgery.

The 66-year-old underwent the procedure last Wednesday to combat a bacterial infection that had spread to his heart.

He currently remains in hospital and has been making good progress with his recovery after spending time in the intensive care unit.

Fans were provided with another positive update on Barnes’ Facebook page on Tuesday night.

“On the 6th Day of Christmas my true love said to me … ‘the doctor says I can go home on Friday’,” said the post, seemingly written by his wife Jane.

“Jimmy will be home for Christmas, that’s the best present I could ever wish for.”

Before his health scare, the solo artist gave ABC News Breakfast a glimpse into a “chaotic” Christmas at the Barnes household for up to 50 people.

“It’s a big day, we’re up all night getting it all set up on the tree and all that … There’s a lot of prep to do,” he told Lisa Millar.

“Jane does a fantastic turkey stuffed with pine nuts and fresh peaches and I sort of specialise in outdoor smoking and barbecuing; there’s lots of salads, there’s lots of vegetables.

“There’s a huge centrepiece, is always massive trifles. I’m a Scotsman so trifle’s the best thing in the world.”

Barnes said he “drives everyone crazy” on Christmas morning playing loud music from six o’clock and “turning it up really loud to wake them all up”.

“Then it’s busy and catching up and pitching in; it’s sort of chaotic until the last hour and then we just eat and sing.”

A smiling Jimmy Barnes with wife Jane at the weekend.

Barnes has battled a series of health concerns in recent years and cancelled his summer tour in 2022 to undergo urgent back and hip surgery for severe pain.

He cancelled upcoming shows because of the latest health emergency — a development he described as “hugely frustrating”.

On the day of his surgery last week, he revealed it was needed to clear out a bacterial infection and replace an infected valve.

“Just a few weeks ago I was the fittest I’ve been in decades,” the rock legend said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“This has all happened very suddenly so it’s going to take a few days 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.”

Fresh arrangements for his shows will be announced as soon as possible.

Scottish-born Barnes joined Adelaide-based Cold Chisel in the early 1970s and the band went on to release a string of hit albums.

He embarked on a successful solo career in 1983, with the band reuniting in 1997.

Barnes previously underwent open-heart surgery in 2007 to correct a congenital condition.