Leila McKinnon has revealed the death of her mother-in-law Ann Gyngell (nee Barr) just a day before the death of her celebrity-chef sister in law Skye Gyngell in a double family tragedy.

Skye, 62, died in London over the weekend after battling Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer.

The influential chef- who became the first Australian woman to earn a Michelin star in 2011- was diagnosed in April 2024 when she discovered a lump on the side of her neck.

She underwent a gruelling nine-hour surgery to remove 40 glands, including her saliva glands, but doctors later warned she would lose her taste and smell, with no certainty the senses would ever return.

Skye previously admitted she broke down in tears, not out of fear for her career, but at the thought she may never again savour food in the same way.

Her family confirmed the news in a moving statement on Monday.

"We are deeply saddened to share news of Skye Gyngell's passing on 22nd November in London, surrounded by her family and loved ones," they said.

"Skye was a culinary visionary who influenced generations of chefs and growers globally to think about food and its connection to the land. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy and is an inspiration to us all."

Chefs and hospitality figures across Australia and the UK have paid tribute.

Jamie Oliver described the news as "terribly sad".

"She was an amazing woman, an incredible cook and kind-hearted," he said.

"She will be very, very, very missed. Thank you for all you did to inspire young cooks."

British presenter and pastry chef Ravneet Gill also honoured Skye, calling her an "inspiration".

Skye is survived by her two children, Holly Gore and Evie Henderson, and grandson Cyprien.

The news came less than 24 hours after McKinnon shared her own family heartbreak, announcing the death of her mother-in-law, respected interior designer Ann Gyngell (née Barr), on Sunday.

The 53-year-old journalist, who is married to former Nine CEO David Gyngell, posted a heartfelt tribute to Ann on Instagram alongside a carousel of family photos.

"A post seems too small a way to mark the life and death of Ann Gyngell, my mother-in-law, who died this week, but I'd like to share just a few things about her here," she wrote.

"Ann saw everything in colour, even the days of the week, each had their own shade...

"She brought that love of vivid colour into Australian homes as an interior designer, and was inducted into the @design_institute_au Hall of Fame for her extraordinary work."

McKinnon detailed Ann's remarkable life, from being evacuated from Singapore at six, to moving to Sydney, to modelling invitations from Pierre Balmain, and a friendship with Hollywood icon Marlene Dietrich.

Ann married media pioneer Bruce Gyngell in 1957, the man who famously uttered the first words ever broadcast on Australian television: "Good evening, and welcome to television."

They shared three children, Briony, Skye and David, while Bruce later remarried and welcomed two more children, Adam and Jamie.

In her later years, Ann devoted herself to volunteer teaching at the Wayside Chapel.

"To me, she was a kind, loving, supportive mother-in-law, a dear friend, and a wonderful grandmother to my children..she will be dearly missed by us all, vale beautiful Ann," McKinnon wrote.

McKinnon has not yet commented publicly on the death of her sister-in-law.

The family has requested privacy as they grieve the two losses.