Penne Percy Korth Peacock, a diplomat and socialite who was the wife of former Australian Liberal leader Andrew Peacock, died on June 30 in Fort Worth, Texas. She was 83 years old. Her death occurred five years after that of her husband, whom she was married to for nearly two decades.
Penne Korth Peacock was described in an obituary in The Washington Post as a devoted mother, cherished friend, accomplished diplomat, and a champion of American values, public diplomacy, and the arts. She was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and later moved to Waco, Texas, where she took a year off from college to travel globally as a goodwill ambassador for the American cotton industry.
Her passion for politics led her to help open an early office for George H.W. Bush's Senate campaign in Austin, Texas. This marked the beginning of a long-standing friendship with the Bush family. In 1989, she served as co-chair of Bush Sr.'s presidential inauguration, becoming the first woman to hold that role in any administration. Later that year, President Bush appointed her as the U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius, a position she held for three years.
During her ambassadorship, Korth Peacock was noted for effectively managing trade issues, matters related to the Diego Garcia base, and public diplomacy. Her obituary stated that as a non-career appointee during a time when women were increasing their influence in diplomacy and public service, she became a role model and inspiration to many. She was credited with building strong cross-cultural ties and supporting health initiatives in Mauritius.
After her diplomatic service, she co-founded Firestone and Korth Ltd., a consulting and events management firm. In 1997, President Bill Clinton appointed her to the bipartisan U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, where she served for many years. Her career also included roles as a banker and a representative for Sotheby's auction house.
Penne Korth Peacock married Andrew Peacock in 2002 in a private ceremony near the White House. The couple, who had met when Peacock served as Australia's Ambassador to the U.S., divided their time between Australia and the United States after their marriage. She was known to have enjoyed both social events and quieter moments, and was described as possessing natural elegance, a talent for friendship, and unwavering service. She is survived by her three children from her first marriage and 10 grandchildren.