'It's so sad to say goodbye to such a special man': Nine News presenter Leila McKinnon pays tribute to late TV and film icon John 'Strop' Cornell

Leila McKinnon reflected on her friendship with John 'Strop' Cornell after his death from Parkinson's Disease at the age of 80 on Friday.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, the 48-year-old Nine News presenter paid tribute to the Australian TV and film icon.

Leila remembered John as a good friend and mentor to herself and her husband of 17 years, former Channel Nine boss David Gyngell.

'It's so sad to say goodbye to such a special man. We loved Corny for his irreverence, his rebelliousness, his kindness and his brilliance,' she began. 

She also reflected on his many milestones throughout his illustrious career in the media and entertainment industry. 

'He took on the snooty cricketing establishment with World Series Cricket and helped to make it a fairer, fun, and more accessible sport,' she continued.

'He created A Current Affair, and his spirit lives on in the way it fights for a fair go for all Australians and winks at some of our crazier antics. 

'In Crocodile Dundee he created an iconic Australian movie with heart and humour.'

On a personal note, Leila spoke about her family's close relationship with John and his wife of 44 years, actress Delvene Delaney.    

She said John had acted as a mentor to David, 55, throughout his career. 

'For me, it's the love he had for my husband and the way he showed him how to be a happy, generous, humble and community-minded man,' she wrote. 

'At a time when Australian men were often expected to be hard and ego-driven, he showed him a different way. 

'He and Delvene have been our friends, mentors, neighbours, and family.'

Speaking about his battle with Parkinson's Disease, Leila said he 'faced his disease the way he lived: bravely, with stoicism and humour, and without ego.'

'He told me, "Everyone gets something and this is just what I've been given". He quietly paid for other Parkinson's sufferers to have life changing operations, as well [as] giving generously to environmental and community causes,' she added.

Leila said her children, son Edmund, eight, and daughter Gwendolen, seven, were 'so sad' to learn about John's death. 

'They are going to plant an orange tree near Grandad's tree because Corny loved oranges,' she added. 

'Our hearts go out to Dele, Melissa, Allira, Liana and his grandchildren. Vale John Cornell.'