The general manager of the Australasian Performing Rights Association says though Jenny Morris' condition may have ended her singing career, her focus now is on charity work and advocacy.
Jenny Morris performing at the "Farmhand" relief concert in Sydney, 2002 Photo: AAP
The singer first found fame with the Crocodiles in New Zealand then sang with INXS, before having a successful solo career in Australia.
She has revealed she has a rare neurological condition, spasmodic dysphonia, and will not perform again.
Morris chairs the board of the Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA) and general manager of the association Anthony Healy told Radio New Zealand that her focus had shifted in recent years, and went a certain way to taking her mind off the fact that she can no longer sing.
"The APRA part of her life, and the enormous amount of charity work that Jenny does in Australia, have become her real focus."
He said she was a remarkable person with superb advocacy skills, and beloved across both sides of the Tasman.
"[It] is a really sad thing for music lovers across Aus and NZ. She's one of those rare singers who has achieved real popularity in both places.
"She's as loved there as she was here."
Mr Healy said her diagnosis had not come as a surprise, though some fans may not have known about it.
"I've known Jenny for some time, and it's something that has been ongoing for a number of years - it's been a development for many years. It is a big thing, and for her it's really unfortunate.
"Many of [her fans] would not have been aware that Jenny was suffering from this condition, though when you hear her speak, it's quite pronounced, it's quite obvious."
He said that some would be disappointed to hear that she would not be singing in public again, but for the time being her attention and time was well-spent on her current projects.
