Joy McKean, a pioneer of Australian country music, passed away at age 93 after a protracted battle with cancer.
The information was shared on Friday afternoon on social media by her record label, EMI.
The announcement read, “With heavy and sad hearts we advise the passing of Joy McKean OAM.”
“After a protracted struggle with cancer, Joy died away quietly last night with family by her side. She will go down in Australian music history as a trailblazer.
McKean was a talented musician and prolific lyricist best known for writing the lyrics to some of her husband Slim Dusty’s most well-known songs.
She wrote songs for Australia’s King of Country, whom she married in 1951, including Lights on the Hill, The Biggest Disappointment, and The Angel of Goulburn Hill.
She first encountered Slim Dusty while touring with him for three weeks with her sister Heather as a part of the McKean Sisters combo.
For more than 50 years, McKean served as both his manager and wife, supporting him as he built the Slim Dusty Travelling Show into a regional and national phenomenon.
The duo’s musical collaboration resulted in 100 albums, nearly eight million record sales, and 45 Golden Guitar nominations.
The most prestigious country music award in Australia has been awarded six times by McKean, who was a well-known staple on the Tamworth circuit.
Paul Kelly and Troy Cassar-Daley performed at a sold-out concert to celebrate her 90th birthday in 2020 at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Anne Kirkpatrick and David Kirkpatrick, along with four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, are her offspring.
