Dame Lynda Topp has shared her twin sister Jools Topp’s final message of thanks to Kiwis.

Dame Jools Topp, 68, one half of legendary New Zealand folk duo the Topp Twins, died peacefully at home on Saturday with her twin sister Lynda, brother Bruce, close friends and pets by her side.

In an interview with 1News, Dame Lynda Topp said her sister had left an envelope instructing her to thank the people of New Zealand for “being there for us” over the last 40 years.

“I thought it would be something really special for me, to tell me how much she loved and cherished me,” she said of the envelope, but instead, Jools – who died of breast cancer – had a simple message.

“We couldn’t have done it without you. You made us who we are, you made us the Topp Twins.”

Wearing Dame Jools Topp’s greenstone pendant, Dame Lynda Topp said her “very special twin sister” had lived a good life and had a good death surrounded by family.

“Tonight, I ask every single one of you out there in New Zealand to hold your loved ones close.

“And for every person out there and family that are going through cancer, to be there for them, and love them, and hold them in your hearts.”

In a joint statement shared earlier today on the Topp Twins’ Facebook page, the Topp family said Dame Jools Topp was “a true warrior woman”.

“It is with deep sorrow and unimaginable grief, we announce the passing of Jools our beloved sister and daughter. Today we have lost a true warrior woman.

“Jools was wise, courageous, generous, inspiring and funny. We will miss her forever.”

Fans, friends and public figures, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, have shared tributes throughout the day.

Luxon called Dame Jools Topp a “New Zealand icon” who 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 wrote on social media.

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

Dame Jacinda Ardern thanked Dame Jools Topp for all she did for the country.

“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. Xx,” Ardern said on social media.

Singer-songwriter Hollie Smith said Dame Jools Topp was a “pioneer” and a “true treasure”.

“Super grateful and honoured to have known Jools,” Smith wrote.

“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.”

Record producer Paul Ellis said Dame Jools Topp “changed the world”.

“You changed the world, Jools. Breaking down barriers with love and laughter. The planet – or Mother Earth, as you called it – is a better place because of you. Fly free now."

Journalist and broadcaster Miriama Kamo said she was “heartbroken”.

“I’m heartbroken about Jools’ passing. She and her beautiful twinnie Lynda have been the soundtrack of my life, of the lives of so many [New Zealanders]. Not just entertainers but allies, fighters, stalwarts for what’s right, what matters. Today our hearts break, even as we sing Jools’ song.”

Fans and old friends also flooded social media with tributes to the folk and country star, and comedian.

“I hope the family can take some comfort in knowing the nation grieves with them,” said one fan.

“To live a life that brought people together and spread happiness to so many is more than most people could ever dream of.”

“We’ve lost a legend,” said an old acquaintance. “I worked with Jools at [Auckland] Zoo in the early 80s. So funny and full of her special energy.

“We took two elephants up to the back of Western Springs to hear the Rolling Stones practice before a concert. That was a true high time. Lots of love to [Dame Lynda Topp] and the whānau.”

Sisters Jools and Lynda Topp, better known as the Topp Twins, performing in Gisborne. Photo / NZME

Dame Jools Topp died of breast cancer after living with the disease for 22 years, having been first diagnosed in October 2006 at 48.

She recovered well after a mastectomy and several months of chemotherapy.

In typical style, the sisters incorporated her story into a show that toured New Zealand to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation.

In 2022 it was revealed that Dame Lynda Topp had also been diagnosed with breast cancer in the previous year.

“She lived bravely with breast cancer for 22 years,” Dame Lynda Topp said following Dame Jools Topp’s death.

“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.”