His children Antony, Nicholas and Stephen Whitlam and Catherine Dovey issued the statement Tuesday morning. 

"Our father, Gough Whitlam, has died this morning at the age of 98," the statement said. "A loving and generous father, he was a source of inspiration to us and our families and for millions of Australians."

There will be a private cremation and a public memorial service. 

MORE TO COME