A prominent New South Wales politician has pulled back from his work after the sudden death of his wife, which has rocked their local community.

Shadow Tourism Minister and Deputy Leader of the state’s Nationals, Kevin Anderson, shared a statement on Monday saying he would step away from his duties.

‘Due to an unforeseen and tragic family loss I will be cancelling all my commitments for the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival,’ he wrote.

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

‘Thank you for the love and care shown to our family at this time.’

Anna Anderson, a mother-of-three and pharmacist for nearly 40 years, unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday. The cause of her death is yet to be made public.

She was a beloved member of the Tamworth community, in northern NSW, and residents have shared tributes to honour her memory.

Mrs Anderson co-owned a pharmacy on Peel Street for more than two decades, formerly known as ‘Blooms Pharmacy’ but now called ‘Karen Carter Pharmacy’.

Anna Anderson (pictured) passed away on Tuesday

Mrs Anderson’s husband, Shadow Tourism Minister Kevin Anderson (pictured together), announced he would step back from his duties while grieving

Owner Karen Carter described her longtime friend and former business partner’s death as an ‘absolute shock’.

‘All of our customers love her and all of our staff are devastated,’ she told Northern Daily Leader.

‘She will be missed terribly.’

Mrs Anderson received her Bachelor of Pharmacy and Diploma of Hospital Pharmacy from The University of Sydney alongside Ms Carter, who said she had a ‘fantastic sense of humour’.

Before moving back to Tamworth after completing her degree, Mrs Anderson worked in Quirindi and Moree.

‘She loved working in the country,’ Ms Carter added.

Former business partner Bill Handley described Mrs Anderson as ‘very friendly and quite bubbly’ and a ‘very hard worker’.

In a statement shared with the Leader on Thursday, the Anderson family confirmed the passing of ‘our much-loved Anna Anderson’.

Anderson (pictured) will not attend the Tamworth Country Music Festival, which starts on Friday

‘We’re devastated by this loss and are being comforted by close friends and family,’ it read.

‘Anna was deeply loved by many within the community and across the region, and this is a very difficult time for all who knew her.

‘The family is sincerely grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have received, which stands testament to how cherished Anna was by so many.’

The family has asked for privacy while they grieve.