Topp Twins star Dame Jools Topp dies of breast cancer aged 68

Dame Jools Topp, one half of iconic Kiwi comedy and music duo The Topp Twins, has died at 68.

Jools passed away after bravely living with breast cancer for 22 years.

The family shared the news in a Facebook post this morning, writing: "It is with deep sorrow and unimaginable grief that we announce the passing of Jools, our beloved sister and daughter."

"Today, we have lost a true warrior woman. Jools was wise, courageous, generous, inspiring and funny. We will miss her forever. Love Lynda, Bruce and Jean."

The family told 1News, "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."

They added it was very important to Jools that her breast cancer not be described as a "battle" or a "fight" - it wasn't a diagnosis that defined her life or limited her.

Dame Jools and her twin sister, Dame Lynda Topp, had been entertaining New Zealanders for more than 40 years.

The twins revealed in March 2022 that they were both undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Dame Jools was first diagnosed back in 2006.

In October 2023, they reflected on the values that carried them through life, crediting their mother’s words: “laughter is the best medicine”.

"If we've been making other people laugh and we've been there when that was happening, maybe that's why I've survived 20 years of cancer," Jools said at the time.

Fans of the beloved Kiwi icon have been flooding the family’s announcement with tributes and kind words in memory of Jools.

"A true New Zealand legend who loved her country, fought for what was right and made us laugh and sing along the way," one person wrote.

Another said, "You changed the world, Jools. Breaking down barriers with love and laughter. The planet - or Mother Earth, as you called it - is a better place because of you. Fly free now."

“Jools, you brought joy, music, merriment and laughter, made people aware of a much bigger life, and encouraged us to go beyond our comfort zones,” a third added. “You sewed wisdom and support to so many… deeply missed, though never to be forgotten… Thank you so much for all the light you brought to our world… rest now in peace as we celebrate and remember the life you lived so fully.”

We are thinking of Lynda and the family at this time.