Joy McKean: ‘trailblazing’ Australian songwriter and wife of Slim Dusty dies aged 93

Described by Paul Kelly as ‘one of our greatest songwriters’, McKean – who wrote some of Dusty’s biggest hits – died on Thursday night surrounded by family

Australian singer-songwriter Joy McKean, who wrote some of her husband Slim Dusty’s most popular songs, has died at 93 from cancer.

EMI said McKean had passed away peacefully on Thursday night, surrounded by family. “She will be remembered as a pioneer in Australian music,” the statement read.