Dannii Minogue has said her “heart is broken” after the death of talent show host Johnny Young, thanking him for helping launch her career in Australia as a child. The singer, now 54, rose to fame in her native Australia aged just eight when she was cast on the weekly music programme Young Talent Time, which Johnny presented and produced.
Johnny Young's death confirmed
On Friday, Johnny's family confirmed he had died at the age of 79. Their statement revealed he had died following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, according to ABC.
Dannii's tribute on Instagram
After the news broke, Dannii took to Instagram to share clips and photos of the pair from the 80s. She captioned her upload: “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.”
She added: “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.”
Kylie and Tina Arena's tributes
Dannii's older sister Kylie, who also appeared on Young Talent Time, commented on her post, saying he was “embedded into all our hearts and memories”. Kylie wrote: “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.”
Young hosted Young Talent Time for its full run between 1971 and 1988. Other stars the show is said to have helped discover include Tina Arena, who also paid tribute on Instagram. She wrote: “I’m struggling to find the words today to express the profound loss of a man who allowed, and equally encouraged, me to find my voice! Just know that you leave behind a beautiful legacy that we will continue to uphold because you deserve that, and much more. RIP darling John. Tina x.”
Prime Minister's tribute
The country's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also shared a comment on X, formerly Twitter, saying Johnny gave Australia “the gift of joy”. He wrote: “A wonderful singer in his own right, he established himself in our homes and our hearts as the genial and generous host of Young Talent Time, the launchpad for an incredible new generation of entertainers. How lucky we were to have him. May he rest in peace.”
