Thousands of Australians moved by Connie Johnson's long battle with breast cancer are paying tribute to the mother-of-two following her death.
Gold Logie-winning actor Samuel Johnson on Friday night announced his sister had died in a Facebook post that has since been shared more than 43,000 times.
"It was so beautiful. We laughed, we cried, we sang stupid songs from our childhood to her, which she loved (mostly!)," he wrote on the Love Your Sister charity Facebook page.
"Thanks for everything, Connie Cottonsocks. It was my pleasure to be your Sammy Seal."
More than 54,000 followers of Connie's cancer charity left heartfelt messages on the Facebook page.
"I am not a relative nor a friend nor even a person you know, but I feel, like a lot of people I am sure, that I lost part of my family today," Lyndal Jordon wrote.
Connie Johnson after receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia from Governor-General Peter Cosgrove in Canberra, Thursday, September 7, 2017. Source: AAP
Catherine Blythe said Connie fought bravely until the end and left an incredible legacy.
"Whilst she had her own personal battle, she raised incredible awareness and much needed funding to mean that one day, we can hope to find a cure for the terrible disease that is cancer. Connie has achieved more in her life that was tragically cut short than most of us will ever achieve in our lives."
Laura Boland wrote: "You were such a shining light. Our world is better for having you in it. Your legacy will live on and thrive."
The day before she died, the 40-year-old was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in a Canberra hospice for her work on behalf of cancer sufferers.
Connie Macri Fazzolari wrote that Australia has lost a hero.
"An amazing lady that has made such a difference. Connie is now in the garden of beautiful angels. Connie will always have a spot in mine and a lot if others hearts."
Samuel Johnson quit acting last year to focus on fundraising for the Love Your Sister charity, pledging to raise $10 million before taking another acting job.
In July, Johnson revealed his sister was in palliative care after the cancer spread to her lungs, liver, pelvis, spine and knee.
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