“I NEVER LEFT HER SIDE IN HER FINAL MOMENTS…” 💔😢

NSW Shadow Tourism Minister Kevin Anderson has broken his silence on the sudden, devastating loss of his beloved wife Anna, sharing a heartbreaking glimpse into her final hours that has left Australia reeling.

Anna Anderson—a devoted mother of three, respected pharmacist of nearly 40 years, and pillar of the Tamworth community—passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in what the family described as “unforeseen and tragic” circumstances.

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NSW Nationals Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister for Tourism, Gaming and Racing, Kevin Anderson, has spoken publicly for the first time about the unexpected death of his wife Anna Anderson, revealing he remained by her side during her final moments in a statement that has deeply moved the community and colleagues across New South Wales.

Anna Anderson, a mother-of-three and a pharmacist with nearly four decades of service, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The family described the circumstances as “unforeseen and tragic,” with no cause of death released publicly. Anna was a well-known figure in Tamworth’s northern NSW region, having co-owned Bloom’s Pharmacy in Peel Street for over 20 years before working more recently at Narrabri Pharmacy.

In a heartfelt tribute shared with local media and echoed on social platforms, Kevin Anderson confirmed he stayed with Anna until the end. “I never left her side in her final moments,” he said, describing the profound grief of losing his lifelong partner. The couple, who raised three children—Will, Ella, and Sam—together in Tamworth, had built a life rooted in community involvement, family, and mutual support. Kevin, a former journalist and newsreader at Prime Television before entering politics in 2011, credited Anna as his “rock” through his career highs and lows, including multiple election wins in the Tamworth electorate.

The Anderson family issued a joint statement on Thursday, January 15, expressing devastation: “With a heavy heart, we share the passing of our much-loved Anna Anderson. We’re devastated by this loss and are being comforted by close friends and family. Anna was deeply loved by many within the community and across the region, and this is a very difficult time for all who knew her.” They requested privacy during their mourning.

Anna’s death forced Kevin to cancel all commitments for the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival, which begins Friday, January 16. As Shadow Tourism Minister, he had been expected to play a prominent role in the event, a major economic and cultural draw for the region. “Due to an unforeseen and tragic family loss, I will be cancelling all my commitments,” he posted on social media, thanking supporters for their understanding.

Tributes poured in quickly. Pharmacy owner Karen Carter, who studied with Anna at the University of Sydney and worked alongside her for years, called the loss an “absolute shock.” “She had a fantastic sense of humour,” Carter told the Northern Daily Leader. “All of our customers love her and all of our staff are devastated.” Carter highlighted Anna’s caring nature, professional dedication, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Community members echoed the sentiment. Anna was remembered as a vibrant, humorous woman who lit up rooms and supported countless families through her pharmacy work. Residents shared stories of her kindness, from personalized health advice to quiet acts of generosity in Tamworth and surrounding areas. Political colleagues across parties offered condolences: Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis wrote, “My heartfelt condolences and deep sorrow to Kevin and to your family. You are in my prayers at this very difficult time.”

Kevin Anderson entered politics after a career in media, winning the Tamworth seat in 2011 via Australia’s first community preselection. He has served continuously since, rising to Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals. Anna stood by him through campaigns, election nights, and public life, often seen celebrating victories with their children. A 2019 photo of the family—Anna beaming beside Kevin and the kids—resurfaced widely as a symbol of their close-knit unit.

The sudden nature of Anna’s passing has amplified the grief. No prior health issues were publicly known, and the family has not elaborated on circumstances beyond the “tragic” descriptor. In regional Australia, where communities are tight-knit, unexpected losses like this often ripple widely, prompting an outpouring of support.

More than 2,000 reactions and hundreds of messages flooded Kevin’s social media post. Many offered prayers, shared memories of Anna, and expressed solidarity with the children. The Tamworth community, already gearing up for the country music festival, has shifted focus to supporting the Andersons.

Kevin’s decision to step back underscores the personal toll of public life during private tragedy. He has not indicated a timeline for returning to duties, prioritizing family grieving.

Anna’s legacy as a pharmacist, mother, and community member endures. Colleagues recall her Bachelor of Pharmacy and Diploma of Hospital Pharmacy from Sydney University, her business acumen at Bloom’s, and her warmth in patient interactions. Friends describe a woman who balanced professional excellence with family devotion, always ready with a joke or helping hand.

As the Anderson family navigates this profound loss, the region rallies around them. Vigils, cards, and offers of help have emerged, reflecting Anna’s impact. For Kevin, the words “I never left her side” capture a husband’s final act of love amid heartbreak.

In a time when public figures rarely share such intimate grief, Anderson’s candor has resonated deeply, reminding Australians of life’s fragility—even for those in the spotlight.