Ray Hadley has become emotional as he shared the sad news that Joy McKean, songwriter, musician, and wife of the late Slim Dusty, has passed away at the age of 93.

In a statement, record label EMI said “With heavy and sad hearts we advise the passing of Joy McKean OAM. Joy passed away peacefully last night with family by her side after a long battle with cancer. She will be remembered as a pioneer in Australian music.”

Joy wrote many of Slim Dusty’s famous songs and won the first Golden Guitar
awarded at the Tamworth Country Music Festival for ‘Lights on the Hill’.

Joy is survived by her children Anne Kirkpatrick and David Kirkpatrick, 4 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. Her family has requested privacy at this time.