Socialite Paris Hilton is "heartbroken" following the death of her uncle, who she has branded "an incredible man" for remaining positive throughout his cancer fight.

Paris' father Rick Hilton announced the passing of Monty Brinson, who was married to Paris' aunt Kim Richards for three years in the 1980s, in a post on Instagram.com on Sunday night (24Jan16).

He died aged 58 after a battle with lung cancer, and the hotel heiress has now shared a tribute to her beloved relative.

She shared a collage of snaps of Monty on Instagram, and added in a caption, "Heartbroken to hear the sad news of my Uncle @MontyBrinson's passing after his long brave battle with cancer. He was such an incredible man with such a huge heart. He was so insightful & positive about life, even with all he was going through. He always had a smile on his face & lit up the room with his positive energy & fun personality. He will be truly missed... My thoughts & prayers are with... his family... #RIPMontyBrinson."

Monty was married to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kim for three years between 1985 and 1988 and they became parents to a daughter named Brooke.

The former couple remained close after the divorce.