Last Updated: November 17, 2025
Hey there, rock ‘n’ roll fans and hopeless romantics—let’s talk about Jimmy Barnes, the gravel-voiced legend behind Cold Chisel anthems like “Khe Sanh” and “Working Class Man.” If you’ve ever belted out his tunes at a pub gig, you know the man’s got soul. But behind that powerhouse stage presence is a love story that’s as raw and real as his lyrics. Now, you might be searching for “Jimmy Barnes first wife” because of whispers about his early days, but here’s the scoop: Jimmy’s only wife—and the love of his life—is Jane Mahoney. They tied the knot in 1981, and after 44 incredible years together as of May 2025, she’s the one who’s been by his side through the highs, lows, and everything in between. No ex-wives in the picture; just one epic partnership that started with a spark in 1979. Pull up a chair—grab a cold one if you like—and let’s dive into this timeless tale.
Table of Contents
The Serendipitous Spark: How Jimmy and Jane First Met
Picture this: It’s November 1979 in Canberra, Australia. Jimmy, then a rising star with Cold Chisel, is crashing a student party thrown by the Australian National University. He’s fresh off the road, a bit rough around the edges from his working-class roots in Glasgow and Adelaide. Enter Jane Mahoney—a stunning, Thai-Australian woman with diplomat family ties, studying law, and carrying that effortless grace you can’t fake.
Jimmy’s words from his memoir Working Class Man say it all: “The minute I saw her, I fell in love.” He was dating two other women at the time (hey, rockstar life), but Jane? She was different. They chatted for hours, bonded over shared laughs and dreams, and by 4 p.m. that afternoon, it was game over for the others. Jane saw past the bad-boy image to the vulnerable kid who’d escaped a tough childhood. Their connection was instant—fierce, fun, and full of promise. Just two years later, on May 22, 1981, they said “I do” in a simple registry office ceremony in Sydney. No fancy bells; just two souls ready to rock life together.
Building a Rock-Solid Family: Kids, Chaos, and Unbreakable Bonds
Fast-forward a bit, and Jimmy and Jane weren’t just a couple—they became a full-blown family unit. Their first child, Mahalia Barnes, arrived in July 1982, named after the gospel queen Mahalia Jackson (fitting for a singer’s kid, right?). Over the years, they welcomed three more: Eliza-Jane (EJ), Jackie, and Elly-May. But Jimmy’s family tree is a bit more sprawling—he’s dad to eight kids total, including eldest son David Campbell from a teenage fling with Kim Campbell back in 1973, when he was just 16 and figuring out life.
Jane stepped up as the glue, raising not just their four but embracing the whole crew with open arms. She’s the one who turned their Paddington terrace house into a haven amid tour schedules and spotlight glare. Today, those kids are thriving: Mahalia’s a soulful singer, David’s a TV host and musician, EJ’s an actress, and the list goes on. It’s a testament to Jane’s quiet strength—turning potential drama into harmony.
- Mahalia Barnes: Grammy-nominated artist, often joins Dad on stage.
- Eliza-Jane “EJ” Barnes: Actress and advocate, starred in Love Child.
- Jackie Barnes: Drummer extraordinaire, touring with his own band.
- Elly-May Barnes: The baby of the bunch, keeping the family vibe alive with her creativity.
Navigating Storms: Challenges That Forged Their Love
No fairy tale’s complete without a few thunderclouds, and Jimmy and Jane’s had their share. Jimmy’s battled addiction in the ’80s, heart surgeries in recent years (remember his 2023 open-heart scare?), and the pressures of fame. Jane? She’s been the steady anchor, nursing him through rehab, health crises, and family secrets—like Jimmy’s recent revelation about an eighth child, daughter Katy Lee Carroll, in late 2024.
In interviews as recent as October 2025, Jane shared how they lean on “safe places” like family meals (minus her one guilty “ick”—Jimmy’s love for Weet-Bix for dinner). Their secret? Radical honesty and laughter. As Jimmy told The Courier Mail this year, “When things are chaotic, Jane’s my calm.” It’s this resilience that’s kept them going strong, proving love isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up.
A Legacy That Rocks On: Jimmy and Jane in 2025
Here we are in late 2025, and Jimmy and Jane are still the couple that turns heads. Jane’s not just “Mrs. Barnes”—she’s a force, launching the Jane Barnes Band during COVID lockdowns and touring Australia in 2023. They’ve celebrated 44 years with heartfelt tributes, like Jimmy’s Instagram shoutout in May: “To the woman who saved me.” With grandkids filling the house and new music on the horizon (Jimmy’s teasing a Cold Chisel reunion), their story inspires anyone chasing that forever kind of love.
To capture the essence of their journey, here’s a quick timeline table of key milestones:
| Year | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | First Meeting | Spark at a Canberra student party—love at first sight. |
| 1981 | Wedding Day | Simple registry office vows on May 22; start of 44+ years. |
| 1982 | First Child | Mahalia born, kicking off their family adventure. |
| 2023 | Jane’s Band Tour | Jane hits the road with her group, showcasing her talent. |
| 2025 | 44th Anniversary | Celebrated with family; Jimmy calls Jane his “soulmate.” |
Wrapping It Up: Why Jimmy and Jane’s Story Hits Home
In a world of fleeting flings, Jimmy Barnes and Jane Mahoney’s love is a rock anthem—raw, enduring, and full of heart. Sure, searches for “Jimmy Barnes first wife” might lead here expecting drama, but what you’ll find is inspiration: proof that true partnership weathers any storm. If Jimmy’s taught us anything, it’s that family and forgiveness are the real hits. What’s your favorite Cold Chisel track that reminds you of love? Drop it in the comments—let’s keep the conversation rocking.