Topp Twins star Dame Jools Topp dies at home surrounded by family and pets

Monday, 25 May 2026

Dame Jools Topp died peacefully at her home on Saturday, accompanied by her twin sister Lynda, brother Bruce, close friends, and her pets.

She lived bravely with breast cancer for 22 years and strictly requested that her condition never be described as a 'battle' or a 'fight'.

Across more than 40 years, the Topp Twins entertained audiences globally, created iconic comedic characters, and championed key New Zealand political and social causes.

In lieu of flowers, the Topp family has requested that donations be made to support the palliative care team at Hospice West Auckland.

Share your tributes to Dame Jools Topp in the comments below. If you’re an app user, join the conversation on mobile web.

Dame Jools Topp, one-half of New Zealand’s celebrated double-act the Topp Twins, has died peacefully at her home.

She passed away on Saturday with her twin sister Lynda, brother Bruce, close friends and her pets by her side, following a 22-year journey with breast cancer.

A day before her death, Dame Jools and Dame Lynda were honoured at the Country Music Honours awards in Gore, where the Topp Twins received the Country Music Honour for Contribution to Country Music in recognition of their longstanding impact on the industry and support of fellow artists.

The Mitchell Twins accepted the award on their behalf and performed the Topp Twins’ song Milestones.

Singer Tami Neilson, in a tribute played during the awards, said: “Without the Toppies taking me under their wings, uplifting me and bringing me around NZ on tour with them countless times, I would not be the artist or the person that I am today. They are the touchstone that grounds me and the standard to which I always strive.”

Her family expressed their immense loss in a statement.

“It is with deep sorrow and unimaginable grief we announce the passing of Jools, our beloved sister and daughter,” Lynda, Bruce and Jean Topp said. “Today we have lost a true warrior woman. Jools was wise, courageous, generous, inspiring and funny. We will miss her forever”.

The family noted that Jools lived bravely with breast cancer for 22 years, adding that it was very important to Jools that her illness not be described as a “battle” or a “fight”. She lived with it and never allowed it to define her in a limited way.

'Now 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,' the family statement said.

As the Topp Twins, Jools and Lynda entertained audiences in New Zealand and overseas for more than 40 years. They created comedy characters that captured Kiwi culture, wrote songs that helped define a generation of social change, and contributed significantly to important political and social causes.

She leaves behind a legacy across music, books, classic Kiwiana television shows and the film The Topp Twins, Untouchable Girls.

Her manager and close friend of 34 years, Arani Cuthbert, described her passing as the loss of a major figure in the country's cultural landscape.

“A mighty totara of the NZ arts world has fallen today,' Cuthbert said. 'What an immense privilege it’s been to be the Topp Twins manager and close friend for 34 years and witness the love and joy that Jools and Lynda have spread into every corner of Aotearoa, as well as overseas.'

Cuthbert said it was unimaginable that beloved comedy characters like Camp Leader, Ken Smythe, Raelene and Prue would no longer appear on stages and screens.

'Jools’ unique brand of comedy, her signature spontaneity and beautiful songs connected with people from all walks of life,' Cuthbert said.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon described Dame Jools as a “New Zealand icon” that brought “ laughter and music into our homes for decades.”

“She lived a life of purpose, she made the country a happier place, and she leaves a legacy of humour, warmth, and joy that will endure,” Luxon said in a post on X.

“Thinking of her sister Dame Lynda and all of her loved ones. Thank you for the memories. Rest in peace, Jools.”

Former PM Jacinda Ardern also paid tribute: “You can’t really describe an icon, but you can thank them. Rest in peace and love, Dame Jools Topp. With so much gratitude for all you did for Aotearoa, New Zealand.”

Kiwi entertainers have also taken to social media to express their gratitude to the country music star.

Singer Hollie Smith said she was “super grateful and honoured” to have known Jools.

“She was, and will remain, a powerhouse of kindness, laughter, wit, and cheek. Alongside Lynda, she was a pioneer for women in the NZ landscape and a true treasure. Thinking of everyone feeling this loss.”

Actor Sam Neil also paid tribute: “Farewell Jools. A legend forever though.”

Vanessa Harvey, chairperson of the New Zealand Songwriters Trust and Country Music Honour, said Jools had long been an important part of the Gold Guitar Awards and would be deeply missed by the country music community for her “humour, generosity and talent”.

The Topp family extended their thanks to the palliative care team at West Auckland Hospice for their dedicated medical care and support. In lieu of flowers, they requested that donations be made to the West Auckland Hospice.

Lynda and her family have requested privacy, and a celebration honouring Jools’ life will be announced shortly.

* Share your tributes to Dame Jools Topp in the comments below. If you’re an app user, join the conversation on mobile web.