Dallas Hayden, wife of former GG, dies just weeks after famous husband
Dallas Hayden, the wife of the former governor-general and architect of universal healthcare, has died three months after Bill Hayden.
Dallas Hayden is seen during a state funeral for Bill Hayden at St Mary's Catholic Church, in Ipswich,in Ipswich. Former governor-general, Labor leader and architect of universal healthcare Bill Hayden is set to be farewelled at a state funeral. (AAP Image/Jono Searle)
The Haydens had been married for more than six decades, and endured the entirety of the Labor leader’s political career as he grew from MP to Medibank creator to opposition leader to governor-general.
The two eventually retired to a farm on the edge of Ipswich in Queensland, largely retreating from public life before Mr Hayden died aged 90 in October.
But on Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed Ms Hayden had followed her husband to the grave.
“Like all in the Labor family, I am saddened to hear of the passing of Dallas Hayden,” Mr Albanese said.
“Dallas was a person of wonderful warmth and great depth, kind and gracious to strangers and friends alike.
“She spent many years playing supporting roles in public life and her optimism, her quiet courage and her strength of character were a powerful source of inspiration for her adoring husband, Bill.”
The prime minister offered his condolences to Ms Hayden’s family and friends on behalf of the Labor Party and the government.
Ms Hayden is survived by her children Georgina, Ingrid and Kirk.
