Legendary journalist and former senator Derryn Hinch has left one last scandalous story behind, proving he remained the ultimate Human Headline right until the very end. At his pre-arranged Melbourne send-off, mourners were left in stitches as a close colleague exposed a secret 53-year-old romance with Hollywood superstar Bette Midler.

The colorful, often controversial, and completely uninhibited life of Australian broadcasting titan Derryn Hinch has come to a dramatic final close.

Hinch passed away on July 10 at the age of 82 after a lengthy, highly publicized health struggle — much of which he candidly documented for his devoted followers on social media until his final days.

On Monday, mourners, high-profile celebrities, media icons, and former political colleagues gathered in Port Melbourne to farewell one of Australia’s most outspoken, fearless, and influential voices.

The service for the lifelong atheist began precisely at midday inside the sprawling Timber Yard events space in Port Melbourne.

In typical, uncompromising Hinch style, the self-proclaimed Human Headline had meticulously pre-arranged every single detail of his own funeral, ensuring his final exit would be just as memorable as his decades on air.

Tardio claimed Hinch and Midler had a secret fling, 53 years ago. Credit: AAP

However, the quiet reflection inside the venue was suddenly shattered by a jaw-dropping revelation from former 3AW broadcaster and longtime colleague Tony Tardio.

Taking to the stage to deliver a eulogy for his late friend, Tardio delivered one final, sensational bombshell that sent shockwaves and laughter through the crowd.

Tardio revealed that during an interview Hinch conducted with Hollywood superstar Bette Midler 53 years ago, the pair’s professional relationship quickly spilled over into an intense, secret romantic fling.

Setting up the shocking disclosure with a classic journalistic maxim, Tardio leaned into the microphone and declared:

“The only thing history owes the dead is the truth.”

Former 3AW broadcaster and colleague Tony Tardio. Credit: 7NEWS

Without missing a beat, Tardio dropped the scandalous detail that Hinch had kept under wraps for more than half a century:

“Derryn and Bette Midler engaged in a bit of horizontal romper after that interview.”

Pausing as the crowd erupted into immediate laughter and applause, Tardio added with absolute conviction:

“And that is the truth.”

Tardio went on to fondly describe Hinch as a “journalist James Bond”, reminding everyone in attendance that drama, glamour, and sensational headlines seemed to follow the legendary broadcaster everywhere he stepped.

Derryn Hinch died aged 82 after a colourful but often controversial life. Credit: AAP

Hinch became a household name across the nation during his legendary decades on Melbourne radio station 3AW, where his completely uninhibited style, fiery delivery, and willingness to court intense controversy forever transformed Australian talkback radio.

Born in New Zealand, Hinch initially moved to Australia to pursue his passion for hard-hitting journalism, rapidly climbing the media ranks to become the editor of The Sun before transitioning into a powerhouse career in radio and television.

He later hosted his own highly rated national television program, using his massive media platform to launch a relentless, uncompromising crusade against child sex abusers.

His passionate campaigning ultimately saw him jailed for contempt of court after he repeatedly defied legal gag orders to publicly name convicted offenders, solidifying his reputation as a man who placed his morals above the law.

Over the years, he enthusiastically adopted the moniker “Human Headline”, wearing it as a badge of honor as he dominated news cycles with his outspoken and polarising opinions.

Mourners gathered to pay tribute to Derryn Hinch, with his coffin draped with an Australian flag Credit: AAP

Beyond his professional battles, Hinch spoke with extraordinary candor about his intense personal struggles throughout his life.

He famously admitted to drinking up to six bottles of wine a day during his darkest periods, a severe habit that eventually led to liver cancer and required a life-saving liver transplant.

Undeterred by his health crises, Hinch later turned his formidable energy to the political arena, founding Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party.

His populist movement swept him into parliament, where he served as a federal senator for Victoria from 2016 to 2019, fighting for criminal justice reform on the national stage.

Media figure Derryn Hinch, the ‘human headline’

The state funeral on Monday attracted an incredible turnout of Australian media royalty and public figures, all gathering to pay their final respects to the broadcasting giant.

Among the notable figures spotted in the crowd were veteran news presenters Ray Martin and Denis Walter, beloved entertainers Rhonda Burchmore and Greg Evans, and former Crown executive Ann Peacock.

The service also featured a deeply touching pre-recorded tribute from Hinch’s third wife, Oscar-nominated actress Jacki Weaver, who was unable to attend in person as she is currently filming a project in Western Australia’s Goldfields.

In her moving video message, Weaver warmly recalled that Hinch had been a wonderful, dedicated stepfather to her son, Dylan.

She shared that despite their high-profile separation, the two entertainment stars had remained “very close” over the years, revealing that Hinch had lovingly texted her on the very night he died.

Reflecting his steadfast atheist beliefs, the unique service completely eschewed traditional religious hymns and prayers.

Instead, the atmosphere was filled with powerful musical performances, including a rendition of the Australian national anthem and Joe Cocker’s iconic hit You Are So Beautiful.

Hinch’s casket sat at the center of the venue, proudly draped with an Australian flag and surrounded by elegant vases filled with deep red roses — symbolising deep love, respect, courage, and enduring affection.

In a poignant moment during the farewell, Hinch’s current partner, former actress Linda Stoner, was seen tenderly laying a single red rose onto his coffin as she said her private goodbye.

As the emotional ceremony drew to its conclusion, Hinch’s coffin was slowly carried out of the Timber Yard space to a powerful live rendition of Frank Sinatra’s timeless classic That’s Life.

The song was performed live by Australian country artist Bob Valentine, offering a fitting and nostalgic tribute to the signature tune — and iconic catchphrase — Hinch famously used to close his radio and television broadcasts for decades.

From his early days as a hungry young reporter to his tumultuous career as a talkback king, federal senator, and crusader for justice, Derryn Hinch lived a life entirely on his own terms.

And as the final echoes of That’s Life faded into the Melbourne afternoon, one thing remained abundantly clear: the Human Headline got the exact theatrical, headline-grabbing exit he had planned all along.