Paul Kelly has shocked fans by announcing the death of one of Australia’s most beloved song characters, Joe, from his iconic 1996 hit How To Make Gravy.

The revered singer-songwriter shared a poignant obituary in The Age on Monday mourning Joe – the convict cook and accidental star of an Aussie Christmas anthem – who has passed away from ‘sudden misadventure’.

The death notice, also posted on Kelly’s social media with the simple message ‘RIP Joe,’ paid tribute to the character as a ‘much loved father, husband, brother, brother-in-law and uncle.’

Kelly’s signature song How To Make Gravy is a heartfelt Christmas letter from a prisoner to his family, expressing love, regret, and a bittersweet longing to be home for the holidays. 

‘With great sorrow, we announce the death of Joe by sudden misadventure,’ the notice read. 

‘We’ll miss you badly, Joe. You loved life and went hard at it. You loved music, food, football, celebration, tall tales and strong argument.’

Paul Kelly has shocked fans by announcing the death of one of Australia’s most beloved song characters, Joe, from his iconic 1996 hit How To Make Gravy 

The heartfelt notice painted a vivid picture of Joe’s spirit: ‘We can still see you cooking up a storm in the kitchen at our big family gatherings, pots and pans on the go. 

‘BBQ smoking outside, glass of wine in hand, your beloved reggae music on the stereo… You filling up everybody’s drinks and teasing the little ones.’

The notice ended on a wistful note: ‘Christmas just won’t be the same this year without you… But we know you’ll always be with us, hovering above us, floating all around us, making sure we get it right. And laughing when we don’t.’

The letter quotes lyrics from the iconic song by asking the heartbreaking question of ‘who’s going to make the gravy’ now that Joe is gone.

With the passing announced, Kelly recently told Double J he is setting the stage for a sequel called Rita Wrote A Letter, which promises to explore the story from another angle, possibly giving Joe’s wife Rita a voice. 

Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to the iconic character.

‘Thanks for being part of a great song. RIP,’ one person wrote, and a second added, ‘This sad news will haunt me for every Christmas onwards.’

Kelly’s fan-favourite song is so iconic that last year it was made into a Christmas movie.

The revered singer-songwriter shared a poignant obituary in The Age on Monday mourning Joe – the convict cook and accidental star of an Aussie Christmas anthem – who has passed away from ‘sudden misadventure’ 

The death notice, also posted on Kelly’s social media with the simple message ‘RIP Joe,’ paid tribute to the character as a ‘much loved father, husband, brother, brother-in-law and uncle’ 

Warner Bros. Australia produced the film based on the ballad, which tells the story of a convict who longs to be with his family at Christmas.

It starred Mystery Road: Origin actor Daniel Henshall as Joe and Elvis star Kate Mulvany as his sister.

The Binge original movie also featured Hugo Weaving and Kym Gyngell. 

The lyrics of the song, written in the form of a letter, captured listeners’ imagination, inspiring fans to celebrate ‘Gravy Day’ on December 21 each year.

The line ‘Hello Dan, it’s Joe here, I hope you’re keeping well, it’s the 21st of December’ inspired loyalists to create the holiday. 

The words of the song tell of how homesick prisoner Joe shares his recipe for the perfect Christmas dinner gravy with his brother Dan.