Blanche d’Alpuget, acclaimed writer and Bob Hawke's widow, dies aged 82

Australian author Blanche d'Alpuget, whose acclaimed literary career included a prize-winning biography of former prime minister Bob Hawke, has died aged 82.

Her family confirmed her death, saying she died following complications from influenza.

D'Alpuget was widely recognised for her work as a novelist, biographer and essayist, producing a body of writing that frequently examined power, politics, relationships and Australian public life.

Her biography of Hawke earned her the New South Wales Premier's Award and brought her considerable attention for its detailed examination of one of Australia's most prominent political figures.

D'Alpuget later became Hawke's wife, linking her personal life with one of the country's most influential political careers.

She is survived by her son, Louis Pratt, from her first marriage, granddaughter Sienna, three step-children from her marriage to Hawke and several step-grandchildren.

In a final message shared with her family, D'Alpuget reflected on the importance of love and urged those close to her to carry that message forward.

"Our highest calling and greatest achievement is love, the rule of life. Love one another," she said.

Her family described her as a woman who lived fearlessly and embraced life with enthusiasm.

In a statement released following her death, they said they would remember her for her strength of character, humour, intellectual curiosity and extraordinary capacity for love.

D'Alpuget was born and raised as an only child in Sydney's eastern suburbs. Her early professional life included a period in journalism before she embarked on extensive overseas travels.

She lived in several countries, including England, France, Indonesia and Malaysia, experiences that helped shape her outlook and later writing.

Returning to Australia at the age of 30, she began establishing herself as a novelist. Her literary work often explored questions surrounding power, politics and human relationships.

Her writing career would eventually extend across novels, essays and biography, earning her a reputation as an accomplished and distinctive Australian author.

Her relationship with Hawke became another significant chapter in her life. Hawke, who served as Australia's prime minister from 1983 until 1991, remained one of the country's best-known political leaders.

D'Alpuget's work and public life gave her a unique perspective on politics and the people who operate within it, while her writing maintained a strong focus on the complexities of power and personal relationships.

Her death marks the passing of a prominent Australian literary figure whose career crossed journalism, fiction, biography and political commentary.

For those who knew her, however, her family said her legacy extended beyond her professional achievements.

They remembered a woman who embraced life with courage and curiosity and who placed love at the centre of her final message.

"We will miss her force, her humour, her curiosity and her love beyond measure," her family said.