Australia's iconic folk singer Judith Durham passes away

Australian Iconic folk singer Judith Durham passed away at the age of 79. The Oscar-nominated singer died on Saturday night at Alfred Hospital, Melbourne. While announcing the news of Durham's death, Universal Music Australia and Musicoast stated that she was long-suffering from the complications of her lung disease.

She was globally renowned for her song "The Seekers". She was also the lead singer of the song "Georgy Girl," which was nominated for the Oscars.

Durham recorded her first song at the age of 19. However, she garnered massive fame in 1963 after joining the 4-member band, "The Seekers."

"The Seekers" was the first Australian band that achieved sales and chart success in the United States and the United Kingdom.

The band of four members sold around 50 million records. Notably, the band also made a Guinness World Record for their live show at Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl, for which 200,000 people had come to see.

The band also gave several international hits, including "I'll Never Find Another You," "Georgy Girl," and "The Carnival is Over."

For some time in 1968, Durham tried to establish a solo career. However, she rejoined the band "The Seekers" in the 1990s.

Paying tribute to the late singer, Durham's bandmates from "The Seekers" said that she was their "treasured lifelong friend" and was a "shining star." They added that she faced her struggles heroically and never complained about her destiny.

The four members of "The Seekers" were Judith Durham, Bruce Woodley, Athol Guy, and Keith Potger.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute to the legendary singer. Through his official Twitter handle, Albanese said that Durham was a treasure and icon of Australia. She was the voice of "a new strand" of Australian identity and inspired generations of artists in the country, added Albanese.