Friends, colleagues and fans are paying tribute to Dame Jools Topp, one half of the beloved Topp Twins, who died peacefully at her home on Saturday aged 68.
The tributes flowing from across New Zealand reflect a decades-long career that touched virtually every corner of the country.
Twin sister Dame Lynda Topp said Dame Jools lived bravely with breast cancer for 22 years.
"Now she is finally free to ride on Pegasus, her winged horse, and round up sheep again with our dad Peter and all her precious dogs."
Her brother Bruce said Dame Jools "shared with me all the joy and love and special times that a brother needs".
"I will hold her in my heart forever."
Read more: Dame Jools Topp, one half of beloved Topp Twins, dies at 68
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described Dame Jools as a "New Zealand icon – she brought laughter and music into our homes for decades."
"She lived a life of purpose, she made the country a happier place, and she leaves a legacy of humour, warmth, and joy that will endure."
Her manager and close friend of 34 years, Arani Cuthbert, described her passing as the loss of a major figure in the country's cultural landscape.
"A mighty totara of the NZ arts world has fallen today," Cuthbert said.
"What an immense privilege it's been to be the Topp Twins manager and close friend for 34 years and witness the love and joy that Jools and Lynda have spread into every corner of Aotearoa, as well as overseas."
Former Speaker and Labour MP Trevor Mallard recalled a tour he took with the Topp Twins and Labour MP Annette King around Waikato and the Coromandel in 1986.
"They sang and attracted crowds and we spoke, building support for the forthcoming anti-nuclear legislation. They were great fun to be with.
"We invited them to lunch at Parliament and afterwards to sit at the back of the House — as you could then. They were in their suits and the messengers stopped them and offered them ties. Their laughter could be heard around the buildings."
Singer-songwriter Hollie Smith said she was "super grateful and honoured to have known Jools".
"She was, and will remain, a powerhouse of kindness, laughter, wit, and cheek. Alongside Lynda, she was a pioneer for women in the NZ landscape and a true treasure. Thinking of everyone feeling this loss."
Broadcaster Miriama Kamo said she was "heartbroken" by Dame Jools' death.
"She and her beautiful twinnie Lynda have been the soundtrack of my life, of the lives of so many NZ’ers. Not just entertainers but allies, fighters, stalwarts for what’s right, what matters. Today our hearts break, even as we sing Jools’ song."
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ chief executive Ah-Leen Rayner said Dame Jools made an impact far beyond the stage, with her "remarkable ability to connect" encouraging important conversations around diagnosis, treatment, and life after cancer.
"Aotearoa knew and loved her for her humour, warmth and generosity, but she also showed tremendous courage in sharing her own experience with breast cancer so openly," she said.
"Her willingness to share such a personal experience made a real difference for many whānau navigating cancer."
West Coast Tasman-MP Maureen Pugh said New Zealand had lost one of its most "dearly loved entertainers".
"You brought love, joy and talent to the world and you will be missed."
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