Aussie icon Chris the sheep has died of old age at NSW farm

Chris the sheep, the iconic merino with famously overgrown fleece, has died at a farm in NSW.

The loveable sheep generated global attention in 2015 after being spotted in the wild carrying what was described as six years' worth of wool, which animal welfare experts said was a danger to the sheep's health.

A life-saving haircut removed more than 40kgs of fleece. It was later confirmed to be a world record.

The national shearing champion, Ian Elkins, said he had never seen anything like it in 35 years of work.

Little Oak Sanctuary, announced the legendary sheep's death on Tuesday in a Facebook post.

"We are heartbroken at the loss of this sweet, wise, friendly soul," said the post.

Chris was thought to be roughly ten-years-old and his careers believe he died of old age after showing no signs of being unhealthy.

The owners say despite being a celebrity for his fleece, his careers said Chris was more than his appearance.

"He was so much more than this, so very much more," it said in the post. "And we will remember him for all that he was - someone, not something - here with us, not for us. RIP dear Chris."

The famous fleece is on display at the National Museum of Australia.