Margaret Whitlam, the wife of former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and a revered Australian public figure, has died aged 92.
Mrs Whitlam had been in hospital since suffering a fall at home in Sydney last month.
A statement issued on behalf of Whitlam family said Mrs Whitlam had been "an outspoken advocate for women's rights, social issues and the arts" throughout her life.
Mrs Whitlam died on Saturday morning at St Vincent's Hospital.
A statement issued by St Vincent's Private Hospital said Mrs Whitlam was "one of the nation's most revered public figures."
"She was committed to public service, and her lifetime devotion to many causes was recognised when she was appointed as an Officer in the Order of Australia in 1983.
"She was later named one of Australia's National Living Treasures."
The Whitlams would have celebrated 70 years of marriage on April 22.
"Her marriage to Gough in 1942 marked the beginning of a true political and personal partnership," the statement said.
"He admired her intellect, wit and commitment to improving the lives of others; she described him as `delicious' and ensured his feet remained well-grounded."
She is survived by Gough, her four children Antony, Nicholas, Stephen and Catherine, her grandchildren Alex, Alice, Helen, Edward and Peter and her great grandchildren Oscar, Isabella, Charlotte and Sam.
Former prime minister Gough Whitlam released a statement and confirmed his wife had died on Saturday morning.
"She was a remarkable person and the love of my life," the statement said.
"We were married for almost 70 years. She encouraged and sustained me and our four children (Antony, Nicholas, Stephen and Catherine), their families and many other people in a life full of engagement with Australians from all walks of life."
