In a historic first for the nation, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has married his partner, Jodie Haydon, during a private ceremony at The Lodge in Canberra. The Saturday afternoon wedding marks the first time a sitting Australian Prime Minister has tied the knot while in office.
A Canberra Ceremony Amidst the Clouds
The wedding proceeded as planned despite grey skies looming over the capital throughout the day. The couple exchanged vows at their official residence, The Lodge, surrounded by close family and friends. The Prime Minister's son, Nathan, from his previous marriage to Carmel Tebbutt, was in attendance, adding a deeply personal touch to the significant political occasion.
From Rabbitohs Roar to a Wedding Proposal
The couple's journey began in 2020 at a business dinner in Melbourne, where a shared passion for the South Sydney Rabbitohs sparked their connection. Albanese, testing the room, asked if there were any fellow fans present. Haydon enthusiastically responded with a cry of, “Up the Rabbitohs!”. This common ground, coupled with the discovery that they lived in the same area of Sydney, laid the foundation for their relationship.
Their bond deepened following a serious car accident in January 2021, where a black Range Rover driven by a teenager collided with the Toyota Camry Albanese was driving. Haydon has said it was during this challenging time that she fell in love with the now-Prime Minister.
After standing by his side for two federal election victories in 2022 and 2023, Haydon's role in Albanese's life was formally cemented with a proposal on Valentine's Day in 2024. The Prime Minister popped the question on a balcony at The Lodge, following a romantic dinner at the popular Canberra restaurant, Italian and Sons. Albanese had previously announced their engagement on the social media platform X with the simple and joyful caption, 'she said yes!'.
A New Chapter for the First Family
This marriage opens a new chapter for the Prime Minister, who was previously married to former NSW deputy premier Carmel Tebbutt for 19 years before their divorce in 2019. The new family unit includes not only Nathan but also the family dog, Toto, for whom they share joint custody. Jodie Haydon, who works in the superannuation and financial services sector, is now firmly in the public eye as the Prime Minister's spouse.
This wedding is more than a personal milestone; it is a historic event etched into Australia's political record, symbolising a unique personal moment at the heart of the nation's public life.
