The MP is stepping back from his duties while he and his family grieve.

Tragedy has rocked a prominent New South Wales politician and his family, forcing the cancellation of several public engagements.

Shadow Tourism Minister and NSW Deputy Nationals Leader, Kevin Anderson, announced the death of his wife Anna Anderson in a statement shared on Thursday, saying he would step back from his responsibilities while he and his family grieve.

“Due to an unforeseen and tragic family loss I will be cancelling all my commitments for the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival,” Anderson, who was a journalist and newsreader at Prime Television in the 1990s and early 2000s, posted on social media.

“I deeply appreciate the understanding and support my family and I have already received.

“Thankyou for the love and care shown to our family at this time.”

A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

Anna, a mother-of-three and a pharmacist in the Tamworth area for more than three decades, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, according to local paper The Northern Daily Leader.

Karen Carter Pharmacy owner, Karen Carter, spoke to the publication, calling Anna’s death an “absolute shock”.

The pair worked as colleagues but are also friends who studied at Sydney University together.

“She had a fantastic sense of humour,” Carter said.

More than 2000 people reacted to Anderson’s post, with hundreds of people offering condolences and messages of support.

“Just devastating news. RIP dearest Anna, your warm generous and loving sprit will be missed. Anna’s kindness and spirit will always be remembered,” one well-wisher said.

Another commented: “I am so sorry to see this sad news about Anna. We went to school together in Gunnedah and only just reconnected in Narrabri the last couple of years.”