Slim Newton dead: Country star known for Redback on the Toilet Seat dies at 90

Australian country musician Slim Newton died on January 8 at the age of 90.

Friends and family confirmed his death on Facebook as they paid tribute to the singer who had a 50-year career.

It was believed that he suffered from dementia in the years before his death.

One fan wrote: ‘I met him on several occasions when he was acting. I’ll miss him a lot. Goodbye, Slim, and thanks for the memories.

Another said: ‘I was saddened by the news that Slim had passed away. He led a special life in those nine decades and recorded incredible music.

Slim was born Ralph Newton in Western Australia in 1932 and rose to fame in 1972 with his tongue-in-cheek country ballad The Redback on the Toilet Seat.

She once told Woman’s Weekly that she was inspired to write the song after a visiting friend commented that she hoped there were no spiders in the outdoor bathroom.

The Redback on the Toilet Seat went to number 3 on the Australian charts and became Slim’s signature song.

He followed it up with many other popular songs, none of which reached the same heights as Redback, and he became a stalwart of the Australian country music scene.

Despite his success, Newton never gave up his day job as a welder and for years juggled manual labor duties with acting.

His contributions to the industry were recognized in 1977 when he was inducted into the Australian Country Music Hands of Fame.

A memorial service for friends and family will be held in NSW on Friday 20th January.

Newton is survived by his four children, Stephen, Lisa, Linda and Jodi.