Dannii Minogue has shared that her heart is broken after losing a close friend. The singer took to social media to pay an emotional tribute to Australian television pioneer Johnny Young following his death at the age of 79.
The Young Talent Time host died after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, with his family announcing the tragic news on Friday. Their statement read: “Johnny was the creator, host and producer of the much loved television show Young Talent Time. He wrote and produced many iconic hit songs including The Real Thing and Smiley. The family respectfully asks for privacy during this difficult time. Details of a memorial service will be announced soon.”
Career Beginnings and Tribute
Dannii was just eight years old when she joined the cast alongside him, becoming a familiar face to millions of Australian viewers throughout the 1980s. The now 54-year-old shared snaps of them working together in a series of nostalgic photographs and clips from her time on the beloved variety show.
She emotionally wrote: "Johnny Young holds a place in so many hearts, and today my heart is broken. He has so many achievements from his music and TV career, pop writing and releases, and family entertainment on our televisions. For me, this is where my career started, and generations of Aussies hold Young Talent Time and the song 'All My Loving' so fondly in their memories. His show brought 17 years of colour, choreography, sequins, music and smiles to our Saturday nights.
"My heart goes out to his family and to his YTT family. From cast, crew and every Johnny Young Talent School member, this is a very sad ‘Goodnight Australia’."
Sister Kylie's Tribute
Dannii's famous sister, Kylie, also paid tribute in the comments. "Embedded into all our hearts and memories," she said. "YTT 4 Ever and RIP Johnny Young. My condolences to his family and all the YTT fans. Such formative years for my sister and her team that became like family to her. I’m sending all my love for a group ‘Goodnight Australia’ for the one and only Johnny Young."
Legacy of Young Talent Time
Young Talent Time, which originally aired from 1971 until 1988, launched the careers of several Australian singers including Tina Arena, Debra Byrne and Dannii. Every episode ended with Young and the cast performing the same closing number: the Beatles track All My Loving, one of his signature songs.
