diff --git a/gtk/gtkheaderbar.c b/gtk/gtkheaderbar.c
index 0c708ee851..945c3cf5a2 100644
--- a/gtk/gtkheaderbar.c
+++ b/gtk/gtkheaderbar.c
@@ -802,7 +802,7 @@ gtk_header_bar_dispose (GObject *object)
 
   if (priv->label_sizing_box)
     {
-      gtk_widget_destroy (priv->label_sizing_box);
+      g_object_ref_sink (priv->label_sizing_box);
       g_clear_object (&priv->label_sizing_box);
     }