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Moving celebrity tributes flow as TV personality Maggie Tabberer dies aged 87: ‘There will never be another one like her’

BBG News

As I delve into the captivating life story of Maggie Tabberer, Australia’s iconic supermodel and two-time Gold Logie winner, I am left in awe of her seven-decade career that has indelibly etched her name in the annals of Australian fashion and media. Having traversed the realms of modeling, television, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship with grace, elegance, and an unparalleled sense of style, Maggie’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Maggie Tabberer died at the age of 87 on Friday. 

Australia’s original supermodel, a two-time Gold Logie winner, was deeply mourned and paid tribute to by numerous celebrities following the announcement made by her family about her passing.

On Friday evening, it was Deborah Hutton – a seasoned partner and successor of Tabberer at Women’s Weekly – who took the front line.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, let me express that I’ve consistently found her an impressive figure, exuding a remarkable aura. Today, upon hearing the news, I must admit, I was taken aback.

I tell you, her performance was nothing short of awe-inspiring! If ever I stumbled on a line or misstepped, boy, did I feel it! Yet, in the midst of her unyielding brilliance, she remained an ardent champion for women like myself.

As a lifestyle advocate, I can confidently say that I’ve always admired and championed women who dared to take a swing at new experiences. Truly unique, there will never again be another quite like her.

She wrote additionally on social media: ‘No words right now. Just tears. My heart goes out to the girls. May you rest in peace, beautiful Maggie’. 

Journalist Melissa Hoyer paid a heartfelt homage to Twitter, expressing it as, ‘Bid farewell to an exceptional gentleman.’

A remarkable individual, who serves as both my role model and inspiration, possesses an inherent flair for fashion and humor that is priceless.

It’s deeply unfortunate to see the departure of the remarkable Maggie Tabberer, who was both a legend and a cherished friend. Our deepest sympathies go out to her daughters, Amanda, Brooke, and Marco, her grandson. Rest in Peace, Maggie.

Television host Angela Bishop shared: ‘Sending you both a lot of love, Amanda and Brooke. Your mother was an exceptional person and her absence will be deeply felt.’

Terribly unfortunate news. She truly was a remarkable figure, Maggie. My heart goes out to you and your loved ones during this difficult time, as expressed by TV personality Neale Whitaker.

Andrew Hornery stated, ‘She was more than just a legend, an icon, or a champion. Over the span of her 70-year career, words fail to fully capture who she truly was.’

Fellow journalist Leila McKinnon added, “Maggie was truly beautiful and a remarkable woman. Farewell to a soul so giving, may we cherish the memories of her.

As a seasoned connoisseur of chic, I’ve spent over a decade and a half gracing the pages of the revered Australian Women’s Weekly as their fashion editor. My influence extends beyond print, into the realm of television, magazines, and even the catwalks of the modeling industry. In essence, I am a style maven who has made an indelible mark on these dynamic worlds.

She had been unwell in recent months.

Her daughter Amanda Tabberer confirmed the sad news on Friday. 

This morning, we sadly said goodbye to our beloved mother and grandmother. She was a true icon in every aspect, and we will deeply miss her.

She expressed on Instagram, ‘Just like the rest of Australia, may you rest in peace, dear Nanna. Our love for you is endless and eternal.’

Tabberer married twice and is survived by two daughters, Brooke and Amanda. 

Last December, Brooke posted a picture on social media that showcased her mother’s last magazine cover for Woman’s Weekly, marking the 90th anniversary of their publication.

‘My darling mummy, cover girl at 86!! Happy Birthday,’ she wrote.

At sixteen, Tabberer kickstarted her modeling journey, and it wasn’t until she turned twenty-three that she was chosen by the acclaimed Australian-German photographer, Helmut Newton.

She told the Women’s Weekly they shared a ‘special connection’. 

‘When I looked at the shots, I thought ‘My God, is it me?’ she said.

In no time at all, it became clear to me that he was extraordinarily talented and captured stunning images of me. There was a unique bond between us that I believe is reflected in the photographs.

In 1960, Tabberer was crowned as Australia’s Model of the Year, followed by starting a fashion column for the Daily Mirror three years after that.

One year later, she shifted her career to television. In 1964, she first appeared as a panelist on the Beauty and the Beast program. Later, she launched her own daily talk show, which was titled Maggie.

During her television profession, Tabberer was honored with two Gold Logie awards in 1970 and 1971, recognizing her as the Most Favored Female Personality.

Later she co-hosted The Home Show with her partner at the time Richard Zachariah in the 90s. 

Journalist Andrew Hornery expressed that many Australians would feel deeply saddened by the demise of a beloved magazine editor and presenter.

In a different choice of words, ‘A legend, an icon, a champion – it falls short to fully express the impact she made throughout her 70-year career.’

Over the course of our repeated encounters, I found myself consistently looking forward to our interactions. She had a knack for delighting in a bit of gossip and possessed an exceptional sense of humor, one that was self-effacing yet consistently uplifting. As I extend my deepest sympathies to her family, I can’t help but marvel at the vibrant life she led. Farewell, dear woman. You will be deeply missed.

Tabberer received an Order of Australia medal in 1998, acknowledging her philanthropic efforts and significant contributions to the Australian fashion industry, made through her personal public relations company and clothing brands.

Sydney restaurateur Rupert Noffs paid tribute to Tabberer as a ‘trailblazer’. 

He stated that Maggie embodied Australian style through her poise, refinement, and charm, leaving many others inspired in her wake,” (or)

She was deeply committed to my grandfather Ted’s endeavors, including Wayside Chapel and Noffs Foundation. Her compassionate nature and consistent acts of kindness made a profound impact on countless individuals.

‘There will never be another Maggie T! VALE Maggie.’

Lauren Miller, Maggie Tabberer’s goddaughter and manager, expressed on social platforms: ‘Farewell Maggie Tabberer. I am conveying this difficult message to our family, friends, and everyone who loved and respected Maggie.’

The extraordinary love and loyalty that links Tabberers and Millers will eternally bind our families together.

Harry and Maggie shared an extraordinary, long-lasting bond in both their professional partnership and personal friendship. Moreover, they were my beloved and unique godmother. Truly one in a million.

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2024-12-06 16:49

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