COUNTRY music’s biggest stars are still coming to terms with the loss of industry stalwart, John Minson.

Mr Minson, 89, died on Friday night in Coffs Harbour following a lengthy battle with an illness.

He was one of the founding fathers of the Tamworth Country Music Festival and is fondly remembered as ‘Mr Hoedown’ whose nightly 2TM radio show spread the word of Australian country music for more than two decades.

Mr Minson’s death came as a shock to many country music stars including Keith Urban, who took to Facebook to pay tribute the country icon.

“My love and prayers are with the Minson family today. John Minson, one of kindest and biggest hearted men you'd ever meet. Rest in peace my brother,” Mr Urban wrote on his fan page.

Australian country music sensation Lee Kernaghan described Mr Minson as a “trailblazing broadcaster.”

“John, or as I would address him as as a kid, Mr Minson, was a mentor and a major inspiration for most of my musical life,” Kernaghan posted on social media.

“I remember him showing me how to play the Jerry Lee Lewis style of country rock piano back when I was just 12 years old and as a young fella growing up in Albury, I'd tune in many a night through the fade and static of AM radio to hear him broadcasting country music from 2TM Tamworth on his famous Hoedown radio show.

“The encouragement and guidance he gave to so many people including myself as a youngster getting into country music put me on the road I travel today.

“Mr Hoedown's spirit and music lives on in the country music capital he created with the great Max Ellis and through the music and works of his gifted son - Lawrie Minson and wonderful family - Ann, James, Kathleen, Shelley, Jess and Nikki."

Country legend Troy Cassar-Daley was also among a long list of tributes to Mr Minson, who was also known for the encouragement he gave to emerging artists and his ability to draw listeners into the radio with his conversational tones.

“John Minson was a legend in the radio world and I knew him as Mr Hoedown,” he wrote.

“His syndicated show "Hoedown" out of Tamworth was my radio introduction to country music, we got a scratchy reception down in Grafton but the warmth and love came through loud and clear with John's voice.

“Sending love to all his family at this time, thanks John for my wonderful Country memories. You gave us way more than you'll ever know.”