Tributes are flooding in for legendary broadcaster Brian Henderson following his sad death aged 89.
Widely recognised as Australia’s longest serving news presenter, Brian was best known for hosting Channel Nine’s Sydney weeknight news and music variety show Bandstand.
He retired in 2002 and went on to battle several health conditions in his later years, including five types of cancer.
Brian Henderson has died aged 89.
(Credit: Getty)He managed to beat melanoma, prostate, bowel and throat cancer over the years, before revealing in 2020 that he had been diagnosed with kidney cancer.
Though his cause of death is yet to be officially confirmed, Brian’s wife of 54 years, Mardi, and his daughters were by his side when he passed.
Now those who knew and loved him best are sharing emotional tributes to the Aussie TV icon.
Scroll through to see how friends and colleagues are remembering Brian Henderson.
Georgie Gardner
“The end of an era in so many ways,” wrote the 9News presenter alongside this sweet photo. “Not just was Brian Henderson a sublime newsreader, but he was curious, witty, interesting, caring and for me, a guiding light who generously offered me encouragement and confidence to ‘tell’ the news.
“Being in studio (as weather presenter) for his final @9newssydney 6pm bulletin back in 2002 was a privilege I treasure. Vale Hendo & my endless thanks. Love & condolences to Mardie and family xx”
Lisa Wilkinson
Lisa penned an emotional tribute to Brian, honouring the “legendary Channel Nine newsreader, Bandstand host, Gold Logie winner, champion mentor of so many, and true gentleman”. Sharing this snap of them to Instagram, she said that despite never working with Brian, he always had a kind word for her whenever they crossed paths.
“Brian died today after a long battle with cancer, just shy of his 90th birthday. No-one, ever, did it better. My deepest condolences to his greatest love, wife Mardi, and daughters Jodee and Nicole, as well as so many at Nine, and across the industry who were the lucky beneficiaries of his friendship and wisdom,” she wrote.
Scott Morrison
Even the Prime Minister paid tribute to Brian, writing on Twitter: “There would be no more trusted voice or face in the history of Australian news broadcasting than Brian Henderson. We knew everything we needed to know because Brian told us so. His combination of warmth, integrity, kindness and good humour was unique.”
David Campbell
David kept his tribute on Twitter simple, writing: “Brian Henderson has passed away. A legendary broadcaster and true gentleman. RIP to one of the greats.”
Peter Hitchener
This news icon took to Twitter to share his kind words in honour of Brian, writing: “So sad to learn of the passing of Brian Henderson. I have wonderful memories of working with him. Credible, reliable and reassuring on-air, away from the cameras Brian was humble and engaging with a great sense of humour. Brian Henderson made a huge contribution to our industry.”
Richard Wilkins
Dickie paid tribute to Brian with a tweet too, penning this message: “A legend leaves us… Vale Brian Henderson …. You were an inspiration to all. R.I.P. Hendo”
