On Friday, Samuel Johnson announced that his beloved sister had died in a Canberra hospice. She was 40 years old.
The heartbreaking announcement, which was posted to the ‘Love Your Sister’ Facebook page, has since been shared over 43,000 times and ‘liked’ more than 249,000 times at the time of writing.
“We lost Connie today. Or, as she asked me to say, she died of cancer today. It was so beautiful. We laughed, we cried, we sang stupid songs from our childhood to her, which she loved (mostly!),” Samuel wrote.
“I read her so many village messages, which she relished. She went so richly, and with such grace. Trust me, she was genuinely cushioned by your love, till the end.”
Tributes have begun to flood in from celebrities and followers alike, with many dubbing the devoted cancer campaigner “beautiful” and “strong” while sending their well-wishes to her family.
Rebecca Gibney, who is perhaps most well known for her roles on Wanted and Packed To The Rafters, reposted Connie’s brother’s post on her own social media channels alongside an emotional message of her own.
“Rest in Peace Connie. And thank you for sharing your journey with us all,” she wrote.
Sharing a similar sentiment, radio duo Jonesy and Amanda shared a throwback photo of Connie and Samuel on their Instagram page.
They captioned the tribute: “Our hearts go out to you @samueljjohnson78 the fight doesn’t stop here. Much love to you and the family at this time #loveyoursister”
The Project’s Carrie Bickmore, who, of course, lost her husband Greg Lange to brain cancer in 2010, took to social media to share a picture of Connie in tribute.
She captioned the shot simply, writing: “Connie Johnson. What a woman. 🌈❤️”
ABC TV Journalist Leigh Sales also took to social media to send her regards, tweeting: “Connie Johnson: what a fighter.”
Meanwhile, Sarah Harris — who is currently pregnant with her second child — broke down on live television after learning fellow the mother-of-two had passed away.
“Your heart breaks for those two little boys,” she said on The Project.
“It does,” co-host and comedian Meshel Laurie added, “but they have a mother they will be so proud of forever.”
“Yes, and if we can be half the mother that she has been in the short time, bub, we will be going OK,” she continued.
Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann, another favourite on the news program, also shared his two cents.
“Those two together, her and Sam, the comfort and inspiration they have provided to countless people over the last seven years and the legacy will be enduring,” he said.
WATCH: Connie Johnson speaks with The Project’s Carrie Bickmore in an emotional interview. Post continues…
Connie died just hours after being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia by the Governor-General.
“Can you see that shiny thing on her chest? It’s a Medal of The Order of Australia, awarded for her services to our community and humanity! Her eyes danced like when we were kids. She looked so alive,” proud brother Sam explained on their Love Your Sister Facebook page.
“Afterwards, she looked at me sideways, coz she can’t move her head too well, and she kept saying, in her weak and raspy voice…’Can you believe it? Can you believe it? Look what we did. We did something!'”
Connie is pictured with her beloved brother, Samuel.
He added: “Our thanks to our new mate Pete Cosgrove, for making us all laugh in amongst all the pomp. And kudos to our new Lady Cottonsocks, for being exactly who she is. This is an awful time, we won’t bullshit, but please believe that she feels SO cushioned by your love and has been finding so many rainbows.”
We continue to send our deepest condolences to Connie’s loved ones.
If you would like to donate to Connie’s charity in a bid to fund cancer research, visit the Love Your Sister website for more information.
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