Australian soul singer, Renee Geyer, has passed away at 69.

Her family told Daily Mail that the music legend passed away as a result of complications after hip surgery.

The family statement describing the singer “a force of nature” reads;

It is with immense sadness that we announce that Renee Geyer has passed away from complications following hip surgery.

While in hospital, it was discovered that Geyer also had inoperable lung cancer.

She was in no pain and died peacefully amongst family and friends.

Naturally we are all utterly devastated.

Geyer was the first woman to be admitted to the Music Victoria Hall of Fame, and her career lasted more than 50 years.

The jazz singer was known for her husky voice, started her career playing in bands such Dry Red and Sun.

She also served as a backing vocalist for artists including Sting, Chaka Khan, and Joe Cocker.