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Survivor: Africa star Kim Johnson has died at the age of 79.
Her daughter Kerry Johnson Tichi confirmed Johnson’s death to People.
Johnson had a memorable starring role in the third season of the hit 2001 series, finishing in second place behind winner Ethan Zohn.
Kerry said: ‘Our mother leaves behind a legacy of strength, resilience, kindness and generosity.
“She wore her rose-colored glasses until the very end. She was the coolest mom and grandma in the world. We will miss her forever…”
Survivor: African star Kim Johnson dies at age 79 – photo 2002
Johnson had a memorable starring role in the third season of the 2001 hit series, finishing in second place behind winner Ethan Zohn
Zohn, 50, posted an emotional tribute to Johnson: “Rest in peace Kim Johnson.
“It was a blessing to call you my friend and a privilege to attend the last Tribal Council with you.
‘I will keep that planter’s punch forever in your honor.’
Johnson, a retired teacher, became the oldest female contestant to win the Final Immunity Challenge and the oldest female contestant to reach Final Tribal Council at age 56.
The season was filmed from July 11, 2001 to August 18, 2001 in the Shaba National Reserve in Kenya. Broadcasting began in October of that year.
Zohn was chosen by the jury as Johnson’s sole survivor by a 5-2 vote, winning the $1,000,000 grand prize.
The death came three months after the passing of Survivor star Sonja Christopher at the age of 87.
Johnson – a retired school teacher – became the oldest female contestant to win the Final Immunity Challenge and the oldest female contestant to reach Final Tribal Council at age 56
Zohn, 50, posted an emotional tribute to Johnson, writing: “Rest in peace Kim Johnson. “It was a blessing to call you my friend and a privilege to experience the final tribal council with you
Zohn was declared Johnson’s sole survivor by a 5-2 jury vote and won the $1,000,000 grand prize
The death comes three months after the death of Survivor star Sonja Christopher at the age of 87. The music therapist was famously the first contestant to be voted off the long-running series during filming of season one in Pulau Tiga, Malaysia in May 2000.
The music therapist was the first contestant to be voted off the long-running series during the filming of the first season in Pulau Tiga, Malaysia in May 2000.
Fellow contestant Liz Wilcox — who stars in the 46th season, which filmed in Fiji last year and is currently airing — announced her dear friend’s passing on X, formerly known as Twitter. She did not share the date or cause of death.
On Friday, Wilcox shared a screenshot of herself during a FaceTime call with Christopher, in which the star appeared to show off the distinctive signatures on her infamous ukulele.