Lisa Wilkinson leads tributes to legendary newsreader Brian Henderson as he ...

Legendary Channel Nine newsreader Brian Henderson died at the age of 89 on Thursday morning, one year after refusing further treatment for kidney cancer.

Several celebrities quickly shared tributes to honour the iconic media personality who fronted Nine's evening news in Sydney for 46 years.

The Project host Lisa Wilkinson described Henderson as a 'true gentleman', and said of his time in the industry: 'No one ever did it better.'

'I was never fortunate enough to work with Brian, but he was an avid Today Show viewer, and never failed to have a kind word when we crossed paths,' she wrote alongside a beaming image of the pair.

'As someone who grew up watching him on Bandstand, and then, as the only newsreader our family would ever watch, that meant everything,' the 61-year-old added.

'My deepest condolences to his greatest love, wife Mardi, and daughters Jody and Nicole, as well as so many at Nine and across the industry who were the lucky beneficiaries of his friendship and wisdom.'

Georgie Gardner, 51, - who currently presents the weekend news on Nine News Sydney - recalled how Henderson had 'encouraged' her earlier in her career.

Alongside a picture of herself and George, she wrote: 'The end of an era in so many ways.

'Not just was Brian Henderson a sublime newsreader, but he was curious, witty, interesting, caring and for me, a guiding light who generously offered me encouragement and confidence to "tell" the news.

'Being in studio (as weather presenter) for his final @9newssydney 6pm bulletin back in 2002 was a privilege I treasure. Vale Hendo & my endless thanks. Love & condolences to Mardi and family.'

Today Show weather presenter Tim Davies added: 'A sad day to lose an icon of an industry I love. A legend. A mentor. An inspiration. Thank you, Hendo.'

Today Extra host David Campbell wrote on Twitter: 'Brian Henderson has passed away. A legendary broadcaster and true gentleman. RIP to one of the greats.'

While Nine news presenter Peter Overton wrote: 'Remembering a true legend, friend & mentor. Hendo was one of a kind & so kind to me. I will miss our morning teas, his wisdom & humour. Miss you Hendo. Pete.' 

Karl Stefanovic had announced the news live on the Today show, describing Henderson as an 'absolute legend, gentleman and total professional'.

'Brian was a much-loved member of the Nine family, hosting the Sydney weeknight news from 1957 until his retirement in 2002, becoming Australia's longest-serving news presenter,' Stefanovic said. 

'He also hosted Bandstand for many years. I knew him - an absolute legend, a gentleman and a total professional who provided guidance and inspiration for many generations who followed. We loved him.'

The New Zealand-born journalist leaves behind two children from his first marriage, and two children, Nicole, 50, and Jody, 48, with his second wife, Mardi.