Olivia Newton-John, singer and “Grease” star, who died in the United States on Monday, will receive a state memorial service in Australia, Victorian State Premier Dan Andrews announced on Thursday.
In a Twitter post, Andrews said he had spoken with Newton-John’s family and that they had accepted the offer for a state ceremony. “It would be more of a concert than a funeral – fitting for a Victorian who lived such a rich and generous life,” Andrews said. The details are yet to be finalised.
Newton-John’s niece Totti Goldsmith previously told CNN-affiliated Nine Network that she believed Australians wanted Newton-John’s state funeral. “I think Australia needs this,” Goldsmith said through tears. “She loves it so much.”
The UK-born Newton-John moved to Australia at the age of 5 and soon became one of the country’s most loved celebrities.
Several Australian landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House, Optus Stadium in Perth and Flinders Street railway station in Melbourne, were lit pink this week in memory of the artist who died on his farm in Southern California at the age of 73.
Andrews said lighting the buildings in pink was “a gesture to remember Olivia Newton John and her enormous contribution to cancer awareness, research and treatment.”
Newton-John survived two bouts of breast cancer, one in the early 1990s, the other in 2017. In September 2018 she revealed that she was once again fighting cancer, this time at the base of her spine.
Despite his struggles, Newton-John maintained a positive outlook.
On the website of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Center that opened in Melbourne in 2012, she wrote, “I believe when you go through something tough, even with something as dramatic as cancer. , then something positive comes along.” ,
“With more and more people affected by cancer every day, I believe we are in a world desperate for treatment, and I am committed to doing whatever I can to help.”
After his death, the organization said in a statement that Newton-John’s “generous support and gifts provided hope and changed the lives of thousands of cancer patients.”
Newton-John’s death caused an outpouring of grief from fans who followed his career from “Grease” to his Las Vegas concert residency, while those who had worked with him for years shared memories and condolences on social media .
Newton-John’s memorial service this month will be the second state farewell to an Australian singer. The Victorian government is organizing a state funeral for The Seekers lead singer Judith Durham, who died on August 5 at the age of 79.