Beloved New Zealand singer and entertainer Dame Jools Topp died on Saturday aged 68 following a long battle with breast cancer.
The legendary performer – one half of iconic comedy and country music duo the Topp Twins alongside sister Lynda – died after first being diagnosed with the disease in 2006 before it returned in 2021.
Topp was born in the regional North Island town of Huntly and along with her sister Lynda entertained thousands of people around the world for over fifty years, with their cheeky song and dance routines.
Her death was confirmed on Monday in a social media statement from her family.
‘It is with deep sorrow and unimaginable grief, we announce the passing of Jools our beloved sister and daughter,’ they began.
‘Today we have lost a true warrior woman. Jools was wise, courageous, generous, inspiring and funny. We will miss her forever.’
Beloved New Zealand entertainer Dame Jools Topp (left) died on Saturday following a long battle with breast cancer. (Pictured with her twin sister Lynda)
For decades, the sisters were among New Zealand’s most adored entertainers, winning over generations of fans with their offbeat humour, heartfelt harmonies and unforgettable characters.
A gifted comedian and country singer, Dame Jools was also a passionate activist who campaigned against racism, sexism and homophobia while using music and comedy to unite audiences.
Together, the twins became famous for their improvised live performances and colourful alter egos, including the wildly excitable Camp Leader and one half of the beer–swilling Kiwi blokes, the Kens.
Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to Topp.
‘So sad to hear of Jools Topp’s death. She was a wonderful, warm, sharp and funny member of our arts community, blessed with a strong and pure voice that blended as only family can with her sister Lynda,’ wrote NZ singer Neil Finn.
‘Crowded House had the good fortune to tour with the Topps. I have a treasured memory of our mum and dad and whole family spending a night singing and laughing with the whole Topps at a motel aftershow.
‘Through the years it was always a joy to see them.’
‘Hugely saddened to hear of Jools’ death. One half of the hilarious Topp Twins with her sister – and therefore responsible for 50% of some of the most–belly–hurting–laughter I’ve experienced over the years,’ added NZ celebrity chef Peter Gordon.
The legendary performer – one half of iconic comedy and country music duo the Topp Twins alongside sister Lynda – was diagnosed with the disease in 2006
Topp was born in the regional North Island town of Huntly and along with her twin sister Lynda entertained thousands of people around the world for over fifty years, with their cheeky song and dance routines
Reflecting on her beloved Camp Leader character in the twins’ 2009 documentary, Dame Jools once said: ‘My character, camp leader, she’s sort of inside herself but she’s so hard to control. I never know where she’s going to go.’
The sisters famously never used scripts in their performances – something Dame Jools admitted terrified other entertainers.
‘But if you gave us a script we’d be terrified because that wouldn’t give us the freedom to react with our audience and play with our audience and go places and do things,’ she said.
Born and raised on a Waikato farm alongside brother Peter, the twins often described themselves as ‘wild children’, crediting their loving parents for encouraging them to be unapologetically themselves.
Country music became their calling card in the 1970s and 1980s as they busked in Auckland streets and performed protest songs at rallies and demonstrations.
They campaigned against the 1981 Springbok Rugby Tour, supported a nuclear–free Pacific movement and advocated for homosexual law reform.
The twins were also trailblazers for LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment, becoming household names while openly identifying as lesbians at a time when many public figures hid their sexuality.
In 2018, the sisters were appointed Dames Companion to the New Zealand Order of Merit in recognition of their contribution to entertainment and social causes.
