A member of the Australian Media Hall of Fame, Laws attracted two million listeners to his morning radio program at the height of his popularity during a career spanning more than seven decades.
"Today marks a very difficult day for our family, with the news that our beloved father/grandfather/uncle John Laws has died peacefully at home," his family said in a statement on Sunday.
Laws, who spent two weeks in hospital in October, died peacefully at his home in the inner-Sydney suburb of Woolloomooloo earlier in the day, a year after he hung up his microphone.
"While fame and prominence had become a mainstay of his life, for us he was always the person who meant so much, away from the microphone, the cameras, and the headlines," the family statement said.
"It is comforting to know that John's was a life lived well – he had remained in good health and even better spirits right up until the last few weeks."
Former colleagues and friends took to social media on Sunday evening to pay tribute to the man known as "the golden tonsils".
"John Laws was one of the true originals," radio host Kyle Sandilands said on X.
"You could never mistake him for anyone else. He said what he thought, didn't care who he offended, but could also show deep compassion when required.
"I'm devastated to have lost a mentor and a mate. Radio won't be the same without him."
Born Richard John Sinclair Laws in New Guinea on August 8, 1935, Laws moved to Australia with his family as a schoolboy, launching his radio career with 3BO in Bendigo in 1953.
He spent four separate stints at Sydney station 2UE after joining the broadcaster in 1957, worked for 2GB, 2UW and 2SM and had short periods with Network Ten and Foxtel.
Laws pioneered a unique blend of entertainment, information and opinion, delivered with what became one of the most recognised voices in the country.
His shows were widely broadcast around Australia and he was particularly popular in rural NSW.
Laws was said to be the best-paid radio broadcaster in the world at one stage of his career, with 2UE management presenting him with a golden microphone.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Laws was an iconic voice "and so much more".
"Generations of Australians trusted and respected him for telling it straight, digging deep and giving his guests and his listeners a chance to be heard," he said.
"John was always a thoroughly prepared and thoughtful interviewer - and wonderful company off-air. My condolences to his loved ones and to all who benefited from his wisdom and guidance."
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