Reality TV legend dead as tributes paid to 'pioneer' who inspired her co-stars

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Kim Johnson, who appeared on the TV series Survivor: Africa has sadly died at the age of 79. Her death was confirmed by her daughter Kerry Johnson Tichi, in a statement to People, which read: "Our mom leaves a legacy of strength, resilience, kindness and generosity.

She wore her rose colorized glasses right up until the end. She was the coolest mom and grandmother in the world. We will miss her forever." Jeff Probst, host and executive producer of the show, took to social media to share tribute to the ‘Survivor pioneer’.

Alongside a picture of Kim on the show, Jeff penned: “"Kim was a pioneer on Survivor and we are deeply sorry to learn of her passing. "She still holds the record for the oldest woman to ever win an immunity challenge, earned her place in the final two and even received votes to win the game. “I remember even then at just 56, how inspiring she was to other 'older' people because she showed that age was merely a number and that if you were willing to risk failing you might just amaze yourself,” he continued. "She definitely left her mark on the game and on all of us who were lucky enough to work on that season and tell her story," the host concluded, before signing off "Jeff Probst and the entire Survivor & CBS team." Kim, a retired school teacher, placed second on Survivor Africa in 2002, placing behind winner Ethan Zohn, who penned an emotional tribute to his friend and co-star on social media.

Ethan, who was named Sole Survivor over Kim by a jury vote of 5–2, leading him to win the $1,000,000 grand prize, posted a montage of clips of Kim from the third season, in which she can be heard telling the fellow contestants: “You all made me so important, without exception, each one of you has helped me be the.