Dannii Minogue paid an emotional tribute to Jonny Young, a talent show host who helped launch her career as a child in her native Australia21:41, 14 Aug 2026Dannii Minogue has said her “heart is broken” after death of talent show host Johnny Young as she paid a sad tribute, thanking him for helping launch her career in Australia as a child.‌Dannii, now 54, rose to fame in her native Australia aged just eight. At the time, she was cast on the weekly music programme Young Talent Time. Johnny was both the presenter and producer of the show.‌On Friday, his family confirmed he had died at the age of 79. Their statement revealed he had died aged 79 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, according to ABC.‌After the news of his death broke, Dannii was quick to pay her own tribute. Taking to Instagram, she shared a number of 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.”The musician went on: "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.”‌Dannii's older sister Kylie – who also made appearances on Young Talent Time – commented on her post. She said he was "embedded into all our hearts and memories".Kylie 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.”‌Young hosted Young Talent Time for its full run between 1971 until 1988. Other stars the show is said to have helped discover include the likes of Tina Arena.Like Dannii, she took to Instagram to pay a tribute after the sad news. 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.”Article continues belowThe 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.”Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.