Kerri-Anne Kennerley's husband John dies

Tributes are flowing for TV presenter Kerri-Anne Kennerley's husband John who died in Sydney overnight.

Kerri-Anne Kennerley and John Kennerley at the Logies.

Kerri-Anne Kennerley has announced the death of her husband John Kennerley in Sydney. (AAP)

TV presenter Kerri-Anne Kennerley's husband John has died after spending his last days in a Sydney hospital.

The star made the announcement on Instagram, sharing a photo from their 1984 wedding.

"It's with a heavy heart and awful sadness that I let you know that my beautiful husband John passed away last night," Kennerley wrote on Thursday.

"John passed away peacefully with his son Simon and I by his side."

"John, you were the love of my life."

The 78-year-old died after years of health challenges following a fall from a balcony in March 2016 that left him partially paralysed.

He was placed in an induced coma and spent almost seven weeks in intensive care after landing on his head and back, fracturing his C2 and C3 vertebrae.

"As you all know, John has faced some tremendous challenges over the past few years and with each he has been extraordinarily brave and determined to overcome those hurdles and live a normal life," Kennerley said.

She thanked the staff at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney for the care they provided to John in his final days.

Kennerley's Network 10 colleagues have paid tribute to John, with Studio 10 co-host Angela Bishop wiping away tears as she announced the news on this morning's show, calling him "an extraordinary man".

Network 10 CEO Paul Anderson said his thoughts were with Kennerley, Simon and their family.

"John faced some enormous challenges over the last few years and during this time, Kerri-Anne, in her usual grace and stamina, has shown enormous strength, compassion, love and commitment," he said in a statement.

Sandra Sully and Lisa Wilkinson have also paid tribute online.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison called the couple's marriage a "true love story".

"They shared their story openly with the Australian public and they let people into a very private part of their lives and I think the strength, determination and compassion and care that was shown in that relationship was an inspiration to all Australians," he told reporters.

Kennerley's friend and ex-Studio 10 co-host Ita Buttrose said she was sad to hear the news and sent her condolences.

"They were a great couple and she adored him," she said.

In a 2016 interview on Seven's Sunday Night, John said his wife had been a pillar of strength throughout his recovery.

"She has been the strength of my whole recovery," he said.

"Without her I don't think I would have attempted it but, as I say, she was there when I woke up and she has been with me every day."

"She never faltered."


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Source: AAP



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Kerri-Anne Kennerley's husband John dies | SBS News