Multi-award-winning Australian songwriter and musician Joy McKean has died, at the age of 93.

Ms McKean, who was known as the “grand lady” of Australian country music, wrote many of her husband Slim Dusty’s most famous songs.

She was also an award-winning musician in her own right.

EMI Recorded Music said on Friday that McKean “passed away peacefully last night with family by her side after a long battle with cancer”.

“She will be remembered as a pioneer in Australian music,” it said.

McKean wrote many of Slim Dusty’s most famous songs, and was also his manager. Their partnership produced more than 100 albums, sold over eight million albums and earned 45 Golden Guitars.

McKean also won the first Golden Guitar award at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, in 1973, for her song Lights on the Hill.

The Country Music Association of Australia said McKean was the “queen of Australian Country Music”.

“Extraordinary songwriter, performer, partner,” it said on Friday.

“Joy leaves and incredible musical legacy which will live on forever.”

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She was previously described by Paul Kelly as “one of our greatest songwriters”, and as a “national treasure” by Troy Cassar-Daley.

Slim Dusty (real name David Kirkpatrick) died in September 2003.

McKean is survived by their children Anne Kirkpatrick and David Kirkpatrick, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

-with agencies