Several Australian landmarks were illuminated in pink in her honor at the time of her passing, including the Sydney Opera House, Optus Stadium in Perth, and Flinders Street railway station in Melbourne.
At a State memorial service on February 26 in Melbourne, Australia, the late singer Olivia Newton-John's fans will be able to pay respects to her. Months after the actress's tragic passing in August of last year, the memorial service, co-planned with her family, will be held in Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne. Newton-John was born in the UK and she moved to Australia at the age of 5 where she became one of the country’s most-admired celebrities.
The occasion will include heartfelt tributes from Newton-John's family and friends as well as a musical performance by Delta Goodrem, who worked with Newton-John in the past and portrayed her in the Australian miniseries Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted to You, which premiered in 2018. Although there are only a limited number of tickets available, the service will be free.
Late performer Olivia Newton-John will be honoured in a state memorial following her death from breast cancer at age 73.
— The Project (@theprojecttv) February 2, 2023
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"Dame Olivia Newton-John was an inspiration to many around the world — her work in cancer research and treatment saved lives and changed lives and her music was the soundtrack to a generation," Daniel Andrews, Premier for the State of Victoria, said in a statement. He added, "We know Victorians are eager to celebrate the life of a driving force in medical research and an icon of film and music, with a service befitting her international acclaim."
The memorial ceremony has been planned since August when Andrews had tweeted that she wanted to have a special celebration of her life, and her family supported her request, CNN reported. “It will be more of a concert than a funeral – fitting for a Victorian who lived such a rich and generous life,” Andrews said. 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. “I think Australia needs it,” Goldsmith said through tears. “She’s so loved.”
Delta Goodrem to perform at Olivia Newton-John's memorial https://t.co/TF8NpDCKuy #OliviaNewtonJohn pic.twitter.com/0Y3OJ3vIRe
— Richard Bakker (@QNewsMagazine) February 2, 2023
On August 8, Newton-John's husband, John Easterling, shared the news of her passing through her social media accounts. The four-time Grammy winner and Xanadu actress passed away at age 73 following a 30-year battle with breast cancer. Several Australian landmarks were illuminated in pink in her honor at the time of her passing, including the Sydney Opera House, Optus Stadium in Perth, and Flinders Street railway station in Melbourne.
Andrews explained that the pink illumination was done “to remember Olivia Newton-John, and her enormous contribution to cancer awareness, research, and treatment.” Through her charity, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, Newton-John's “generous support and gift provided hope and changed the lives of thousands of cancer patients.”
Landmarks around Melbourne have been lit up with pink lights to honour Olivia Newton-John. pic.twitter.com/XV4EAHVoIB
— The Project (@theprojecttv) August 9, 2022
References:
https://people.com/music/olivia-newton-john-to-be-honored-in-official-state-memorial-in-australia/
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Lisa Maree Williams
