Tony Abbott's father dies aged 93

Former prime minister Tony Abbott's father has died, days after suffering a suspected stroke.

Richard Abbott, 93, had been in Sydney Adventist Hospital in Wahroonga since Monday, with family keeping a bedside vigil.

"The Abbott family has lost a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. God bless you Dad," Mr Abbott tweeted on Thursday.

He spoke yesterday on 2GB about his father's illness.

"He had what appears to have been a very serious stroke early on Monday morning and since then he’s been under the tender care of the staff at the San Hospital in Wahroonga," he said.

"They do a great job, they know him well because he’s been here quite a bit lately."

He said his father had taught him how to "see the good" in people.

"I know Dad is proud of all his kids," he said.

Richard Abbott and his wife Fay are also the parents of Sydney City councillor and prominent same-sex marriage advocate, Christine Forster.

Ms Forster retweeted her brother Tony's statement on social media this afternoon.