Australian musician Judith Durham has died at the age of 79.
The singer-songwriter was the vocalist in the Australian folk music group The Seekers, formed in Melbourne in 1962.
They were some of the biggest bands of the ’60s, with songs among them I Won’t Find Another You, I’m Australian and Georgie Girl.
The band played for only five years, from 1963 until 1968, when Judith left to pursue a solo career, but they have sold more than 50 million records worldwide.
As reported by The Guardian, she died in palliative care Friday night (August 5) after being treated at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.
She died of complications from a long-term chronic lung disease called bronchiectasis and social media is flooding tributes to the beloved singer.
Who was her husband? Does she have children? Read on to find out more about it…
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Judith Durham’s husband passed away in 1994
Judith was married to British pianist Ron Edgeworth for 35 years from 1969 to 1994.
Her music director, actor, and composer was known for Raw Deal (1977) and Cash and Company (1975), according to IMDb.
They married in the Scottish Church in Melbourne and lived in the United Kingdom and Switzerland until the mid-1980s before moving to Nambour, Queensland.
He was diagnosed with motor neuron disease and unfortunately died on December 10, 1994 with Judith at his side. Never marry again.
Judith believes in karma and reincarnation, so he always took comfort knowing that Ron was continuing his spiritual journey.
“She’s not trying to hold him back in this world. She cherishes the warm, happy memories and is grateful for their most wonderful marriage that keeps and comforts her all the time,” her website says.
Do they have children?
The Seekers official website reveals that Judith and her late husband Ron have opted not to have children.
Judith’s website reveals that “their love for each other and the music that was woven into every part of their lives made them perfectly complete”.
However, Athole, who was also in the band, is the father of Alyssa and Keith and Pam Buttger also has two children, Cassie and Matthew.
Bruce also had children and is a father to Claire and Dan.
The Prime Minister of Australia salutes
The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese greeting singer on Twitter.
Describing her as a “national treasure” and “Australian icon,” he said, “Judith Durham has given voice to a new part of our identity and helped carve out a path for a new generation of Australian artists.”
And the politician continued: “Her kindness will be missed by many, and the anthems she gave to our nation will not be forgotten.”
Opposition leader Peter Dutton also expressed his condolences and wrote: “Australia has lost a musical and cultural icon with the death of Judith Durham.”
“Judith Durham has given a voice to more than one generation of Australians through lyrics of universal appeal, carried by melodies that, once heard, become imprinted in our memory and, indeed, in the identity of this nation.”
“She has been an exemplary artist, a sophisticated and talented musician, who has recently shown tremendous strength and courage in dealing with the plight of her health issues through the transformative power of music.”
He went on to describe her accomplishments as “extraordinary” and said, “Carnival may be over, but Judith Durham’s legacy will continue well and truly.”
Her bandmates have also praised The Seekers, calling her “our dear lifelong friend and shining star.”
“Her struggle was so intense and heroic, she never complained about her fate and fully accepted its end,” said Keith Buttger, Bruce Woodley and Athol Gay.
They continued, “Her wonderful musical legacy Keith and Bruce and I are so lucky to be involved.”
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