Survivor: Africa star Kim Johnson dies at 79 as winner Ethan Zohn pays emotional tribute: ‘A legacy of strength’

Survivor: Africa star Kim Johnson has died at the age of 79.

His daughter Kerry Johnson Tichi confirmed Johnson’s death to People.

Johnson memorably starred in the hit show’s 2001 third season, finishing second behind winner Ethan Zohn.

Kerry said: ‘Our mother leaves a legacy of strength, resilience, kindness and generosity.

‘She wore her rose-colored glasses to the very end. She was the coolest mother and grandmother in the world. We will miss her forever…’

Johnson memorably starred in the hit show’s 2001 third season, finishing second behind winner Ethan Zohn.

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.

‘I will always have that planter’s punch in your honor.’

Johnson, a retired teacher, at 56 became the oldest female contestant to win the Final Immunity Challenge and the oldest female contestant to reach the Final Tribal Council.

The season was filmed from July 11, 2001, to August 18, 2001, in Kenya’s Shaba National Reserve, and began airing in October of that year.

Zohn was named sole survivor over Johnson by a jury vote of 5 to 2, and won the grand prize of $1,000,000.

The death comes three months after Survivor star Sonja Christopher passed away at age 87.

Johnson, a retired teacher, at 56 became the oldest female contestant to win the Final Immunity Challenge and the oldest female contestant to reach the Final Tribal Council.

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 named sole survivor over Johnson by a jury vote of 5 to 2, and won the grand prize of $1,000,000.

The passing comes three months after the death of Survivor star Sonja Christopher at age 87. The music therapist was known for being the first contestant to be voted off the long-running series while filming the first season in Pulau Tiga, Malaysia, in May 2000.

The music therapist was known for being the first contestant to be evicted from the long-running series while filming the first season in Pulau Tiga, Malaysia in May 2000.

Fellow contestant Liz Wilcox, who starred in the 46th season filmed in Fiji last year and currently airing, announced the passing of her dear friend on X, formerly known as Twitter. She did not share the date or cause of death.

On Friday, Wilcox shared a screenshot of herself on a FaceTime call with Christopher as the star appeared to be showing off the notable signatures on his infamous ukulele.