Blanche d’Alpuget, a prominent author and journalist in Australia, has died, best known for her decades-long relationship with former Prime Minister Bob Hawke. Their romance captivated Australia for years, culminating in a marriage that occurred after a thirty-year wait. D’Alpuget was a celebrated writer in her own right, crafting a distinguished literary career alongside her personal life. The relationship with Hawke, detailed in her biography of him, remained a significant and often controversial aspect of Australian public life. She was described as a “blithe spirit” and lived a full and impactful life beyond her association with the political figure. Her passing marks the end of an era connected to a notable period in Australia’s history.