"Reunited at last": Slim Dusty's wife passes away
Award-winning singer and songwriter Joy McKean has died at the age of 93.
EMI Music confirmed the news of her death after a long battle with cancer, sharing that she died peacefully while surrounded by her family.
McKean was the wife and manager of music legend Slim Dusty, with McKean writing many of his hit songs.
Joy was the first ever recipient of the first Golden Guitar awarded at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 1973 for the song Lights on the Hill.
The song was inspired by McKean's experience towing a heavy caravan up the then-notorious Devil's Pinch, near Guyra, on the New South Wales Northern Tablelands.
Alongside Slim Dusty, she produced more than 100 albums, sold more than eight million albums and earned 45 Golden Guitars over the course of her extraordinary career.
"She will be remembered as a pioneer in Australian music," the company statement said.
Golden Guitar and ARIA award-winner Fanny Lumsden took to social media to pay tribute to the icon.
Lumsden said she would "draw strength" from McKean as she continued to play her music in halls throughout regional Australia.
"Thank you Joy," she wrote.
Many country music fans paid tribute to the late singer online, sharing their memories of listening to her music.
Others hoped "her and Slim are together again", saying they have been "reunited at last" in the afterlife.
McKean is survived by her children Anne and David Kirkpatrick, four grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.
Image credits: Getty Images