The former ABC journalist passed away during her sleep while on holidays in Greece with her husband Martin Butler.
A statement released by the family said they were “overwhelmed with grief at her loss” and that she is deeply loved.
“Liz was also the most wonderful Mum and Granny, to us she will always be our best friend, confidant, storyteller, chef and with a mean forehand.”
Vale Liz Jackson, a powerhouse of a journalist who blazed a trail for all of us @4corners. Gone way too soon.
— Louise Milligan (@Milliganreports) June 28, 2018
The statement also noted Jackson’s incredibly career, particularly her time at the ABC and committing her life to public interest journalism. “We are enormously proud of her work,” the statement said. It added that the family does not want to be contacted at this time.
The ABC has also released a statement, with Managing Director Michelle Guthrie describing Jackson as “one of the greats of the ABC, an incredible journalist who inspired all around her and who Australians turned to with complete trust.”
All of us at @abcnews are devastated by the death of Liz Jackson. An all-time great of Australian journalism, Liz will always be an inspiration to all of her colleagues and respected by everyone who knew her work.
Liz died peacefully in her sleep during a holiday in Greece.— Gaven Morris (@gavmorris) June 28, 2018
Jackson won nine Walkleys during her career, including a Gold Walkley in 2006, and worked on ABC Radio National, Four Corners and Media Watch.
I even kept her business card. Farewell Liz Jackson. #journalism #4corners @abcnews pic.twitter.com/LsTSt9EhHn
— Nick McLaren (@nickpmclaren) June 28, 2018
After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, she shared a detailed and open documentary on coming to terms with the disease with the ABC. “In many ways, this is the hardest film I’ve made, and I’ve made some tough ones over the years,” she said during the program.
Vale Liz Jackson – on the road with Liz was never boring! An amazing journalist, complex, principled and great fun after all the work was done. Deepest sympathy to Martin, Rose and Joe pic.twitter.com/UOEGchL9gw
— Lin Buckfield (@linbuckfield) June 28, 2018
#LizJackson – thank you for all those hours in the field, in the edit suite, late at night wrestling a script and sweating over an interview. All those times we weren’t watching. When you were working hard for us. In the public interest. You were fearless. Rest In Peace.
— Ellen Fanning:Journo (@ellenmfanning) June 28, 2018
Deeply saddened by the passing of Liz Jackson @4corners. A true investigative journalist who was remarkably brave. A big inspiration and mentor during my days studying journalism who helped me get to NYC.
— Lauren Hawker (@lollyhawker) June 28, 2018
Liz Jackson was a true force of Aussie journalism. I grew up wanting to be her. She did what all of us in the game should do which is dig deep, drill down and push back. Tragic loss to journalism and to life. RIP https://t.co/uLLsap7CUo
— Lachlan Cartwright (@LachCartwright) June 28, 2018