Australian political icon Graham Richardson dies at 76
Former Labor senator and influential political commentator Graham Richardson has died aged 76. He passed away early Saturday morning around 3:50 a.m., after a period of illness that began with the flu and progressed to pneumonia.
Final promise to his family
Before his passing, Richardson told his wife Amanda that he hoped to live long enough to see their teenage son Darcy finish his HSC exams. Darcy completed his final French exam just two days before his father’s death.
Announcement of his death
His death was announced on Sydney’s 2GB radio on Saturday morning. Host Ben Fordham shared the sad news with listeners.
“Darcy and Amanda have asked me to share the news with everyone that, sadly, Richo has passed away in the early hours of this morning,” said Ben Fordham.
“In the past few weeks, he's had a bout of influenza and then pneumonia, he also had a little stint on dialysis, trying to clean up his blood a little bit,” Fordham added.
Health struggles over the years
Richardson faced major health challenges for decades. He was diagnosed with cancer in 1999 and underwent bowel removal surgery in 2016. Despite these difficulties, he remained a strong voice in Australian political commentary until later life.
Graham Richardson is survived by his wife Amanda and son Darcy.
Author’s summary
Graham Richardson, a former Labor senator and respected political voice, passed away at 76, fulfilling his final wish to witness his son’s academic milestone.