Olivia Newton-John to get state memorial in Australia
British-Australian singer Olivia Newton-John performs at the 58th Vina del Mar International Song Festival in Vina del Mar, Chile, on Feb. 23, 2017. Image: AFP/Paul Plaza
Screen legend Olivia Newton-John will be honored with a state memorial service in her adoptive homeland Australia, authorities said Thursday, touting an upbeat sendoff for the late Grammy-winning actress.
The British-born, Aussie-raised star of the 1978 hit musical “Grease” died on Monday at her home in Southern California.
The cause of death was not stated, but the 73-year-old Newton-John had spent three decades trying to—as she put it—”win over” breast cancer.
Victoria state Premier Dan Andrews said Newton-John’s family had accepted the offer of a state memorial that “would be much more of a concert than a funeral.”
“It will be an appropriate celebration of such a rich and generous life.”
A date for the memorial has not yet been set.
Her widower, John Easterling, on Thursday posted a tribute to her and thanked fans for the “vast ocean of love and support” that has come with her passing.
“She was the most courageous woman I’ve ever known,” he said.
“In her most difficult times she always had the spirit, the humor, and the will power to move things into the light,” Easterling added. DC/RA
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