Political heavyweight's socialite wife Penne Peacock dies aged 83: 'A role model and inspiration for many'

By KYLIE STEVENS, SENIOR BREAKING NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 03:37, 20 July 2026 | Updated: 03:41, 20 July 2026 The American diplomat and socialite wife of former Liberal leader Andrew Peacock has died aged 83. Penne Percy Korth Peacock died in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 30, five years after the death of her husband of almost two decades. An obituary in the Washington Post described Korth Peacock as a devoted mother, cherished friend, accomplished diplomat, and champion of American values, public diplomacy, and the arts. A death notice was also published in the Weekend Australian business section. Born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Korth Peacock moved with her family to Waco, Texas, where the beauty queen took a year off from college to travel the world as a goodwill ambassador for the American cotton industry. Politics proved to be one of her biggest passions, with Korth Peacock helping to open an early office for George H.W. Bush's Senate campaign in Austin. It was the start of a lifelong friendship with the famous political family, and in 1989 she served as co-chair of Bush Sr's presidential inauguration - the first woman in that role in the administration. Later that year, President Bush appointed Korth Peacock as the US Ambassador to Mauritius, which she served for the next three years. Penne Percy Korth Peacock, the third wife of Andrew Peacock, has died in the US aged 83. Picture are the couple at the 2005 Melbourne Cup Korth Peacock has been described as a devoted mother, cherished friend, accomplished diplomat, and champion of American values, public diplomacy, and the arts. 'As a non-career appointee during a time when women were gaining greater influence in diplomacy and public service, she became a role model and inspiration for many,' her obituary stated.  'She effectively managed trade issues, the complex Diego Garcia base matters, and public diplomacy.  'She built strong cross-cultural ties in a diverse nation and supported health initiatives.' She later co-founded Firestone and Korth Ltd, a corporate consulting and events management firm, and in 1997 was appointed by President Bill Clinton to the bipartisan US Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, which she served for many years. Korth Peacock was also a banker and representative of auction house Sotheby's. Once considered one of Washington's most eligible women, she married 'long-time companion' Peacock in 2002 in a small intimate ceremony near the White House in Washington DC. The pair met during Peacock's stint as Australia's Ambassador to the US. It was her second marriage and Peacock's third.  Penne died in her home state Texas, five years after the death of her husband Andrew Peacock Penne was regarded as one of Washington's most eligible women before she married Andrew Peacock in 2002 'It is a very happy occasion,' he told Sydney Morning Herald at the time. The couple then moved to Australia, where they became regulars on the racing carnival circuit. 'It's a wonderful, wonderful country ... I've visited there four or five times and I just think it's terrific,' Korth Peacock said. The couple divided their time between Australia and the US, where they later retired. Korth Peacock is survived by her three children from her first marriage to Fritz-Alan Korth and 10 grandchildren.  She was affectionately known by her grandchildren as 'Dodo', a bird native to Mauritius. 'Penne was deeply devoted to her family, especially her children, and loved a good party as much as quiet moments in the Texas and Virginia countryside.  'She moved through the world with natural elegance rooted in deep character, a talent for friendship, and unwavering service.  'Appointed by presidents from both parties, admired internationally, and loved by those fortunate to know her, she exemplified a Texas girl - proud of her Southern heritage - who became a global diplomat while remaining devoted to family, community, and the joy of bringing people together.  'Her story reflects the best of American public life - connections forged with warmth, impact delivered with intelligence and humor, and a legacy of grace that endures.' A private celebration of her life will be held in the coming months.