Kylie Minogue has been diagnosed with breast cancer, she revealed today.
Kylie Minogue in concert in Dublin last month
The singer, who will be 37 later this month, postponed her sell-out tour of Australia and pulled out of her headline appearance at next month's Glastonbury Festival after the diagnosis.
Kylie's sister Dannii thanked well-wishers who sent messages of support to the Australian-born former Neighboursactress today.
Dannii said: "The news is very upsetting, although as the cancer has been diagnosed at such an early stage we are all very optimistic that everything will be OK.
"We're all very thankful for the endless messages of love and support Kylie has been receiving. I know all your kind thoughts will mean the world to her as she gets better."
Her former on- and off-screen boyfriend Jason Donovan, who is starring in Chitty Chitty Bang Bangin London's West End, said: "I was shocked and concerned to hear of Kylie's illness.
"My thoughts are with her and her family at this difficult time. "I sincerely wish her well with her treatment, Kylie is a strong woman who will fight this battle on every front."
The singer played in Dublin's Point Theatre last month, and her Australian tour was due to open on Sydney on Thursday. But the singer shocked fans this morning when she released a statement with news of the diagnosis. She said she hoped to recover quickly.
The London-based star said: "I was so looking forward to bringing the Showgirl tour to Australian audiences and am sorry to have to disappoint my fans. Nevertheless, hopefully all will work out fine and I'll be back with you all again soon."
Her boyfriend of two years, French actor Olivier Martinez (39), is staying with the singer in Australia.
A spokesman for the Glastonbury Festival said it was too early to say who would be replacing the singer.