United States | August 20, 2022
According to Victorian state Premier Dan Andrews’ announcement on Thursday, Australia will have a state memorial service for singer and “Grease” actress Olivia Newton-John, who passed away on Monday in the United States.
After speaking with Newton-family, John’s Andrews said in a tweet that they had accepted the offer of a state funeral. The service would resemble a concert more than a funeral, fitting for a Victorian who led such a full and charitable life, according to Andrews. The details are still being worked out.
Tottie Goldsmith, Newton-niece, John’s previously expressed her opinion to CNN station the Nine Network that the Australian populace preferred Newton-John receive a state funeral. Through his tears, Goldsmith replied, “I think Australia needs it.” She is adored a lot.
Newton-John, who was born in the UK but migrated to Australia at the age of 5, quickly rose to fame as one of the nation’s most adored personalities.
In honor of the artist who passed away at her ranch in Southern California at the age of 73, several Australian monuments, including the Sydney Opera House, Optus Stadium in Perth, and Flinders Street railway station in Melbourne, were lighted in pink this week.
In honor of Olivia Newton John and her significant dedication to cancer awareness, research, and treatment, Andrews said it was a gesture to light up buildings in pink.
Newton-John battled breast cancer twice, once in the early 1990s and another in 2017. She stated in September 2018 that she was battling cancer once more, this time near the base of her spine.
Newton-John remained upbeat despite her difficulties.
On the website for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, which opened in Melbourne in 2012, she stated, “I think that when you go through something unpleasant, especially something as dramatic as cancer, that something great will come out of it.”
We live in a world that is desperately in need of healing, and with more and more people getting cancer every day, I’m determined to doing everything I can to help.
Newton-“generous John’s support and contribution offered hope and altered the lives of thousands of cancer sufferers,” the group stated in a statement following her passing.
Fans who had followed Newton-career John’s from “Grease” through her Las Vegas performance residency expressed their sorrow over her passing, while those who had collaborated with her over the years posted memories and condolences on social media.
The memorial service for singer Olivia Newton-John will be the second state goodbye held this month for an Australian. The lead vocalist of The Seekers, Judith Durham, who passed away on August 5 at the age of 79, will get a state funeral from the Victorian government.