Anthony Albanese, Peter Dutton pay tribute to Dallas Hayden

Dallas Hayden, the wife of former governor-general and Labor great Bill Hayden, has died less than three months after her husband.

Dallas Hayden has died less than three months after the death of her husband, former governor-general and Labor luminary Bill Hayden.

The 87-year-old, who was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2020 for her significant service to the Australian community, died peacefully at home in Queensland, surrounded by family.

Anthony Albanese led the tributes, describing Mrs Hayden as a “person of wonderful warmth” with a “quiet courage”.

“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 said in a statement.

“On behalf of the Australian government and the Australian Labor Party, I offer our heartfelt condolences to Dallas Hayden’s family and friends.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to Dallas Hayden, who passed away less than three months after her husband Bill died. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Her death came less than three months after her husband’s, whose life was celebrated with a state funeral service.

Mr Hayden had led the Labor Party from 1977 to 1983 before standing aside for Bob Hawke just before that year’s election. Mr Hayden was appointed governor-general in 1989 for a six year tenure.

In a statement from the Hayden family, they paid tribute to a woman who “had a unique love and affinity with people”, and that the way she forged relationships “paved and opened doors to allow Dad to succeed in public life”.

“Dad spoke often of his love for Dallas and the invaluable love and support she provided as an equal in their relationship, which allowed him to achieve and provide over 40 years of devoted public service,” her family said in a statement.

“He always said he could not have achieved any of it without her.

“For Mum, the loss of Dad was intolerable and she was heartbroken and devastated at the loss of Dad in October last year.”

Mr Hayden’s family, including wife Dallas (far right) attended the condolence motion for the former Governor General last year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Opposition leader Peter Dutton said Mrs Hayden had “served her country with honour and grace”.

“A parliamentarian is blessed when they have a spouse at their side whose devotion, patience, level headedness and love strengthens them as an individual,” Mr Dutton said.

“Dallas Hayden was such a wife to Bill Hayden, and a woman who served her country with honour and grace alongside her husband when he was our 21st governor-general.”

The couple is survived by children Georgina, Kirk and Ingrid.