Famous person pals and worldwide co-stars, together with John Travolta, Paul Hogan and Delta Goodrem, are anticipated to reach in Melbourne this weekend to attend a state memorial service for Dame Olivia Newton-John.
As much as 2500 folks, together with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews – all inspired to put on a “contact of orange” in celebration of her favourite colour – will descend on Hamer Corridor from 3pm on February 26.
Olivia’s daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, husband John Easterling and her prolonged household and followers will participate within the emotional send-off from the town she calls dwelling, Melbourne.
Olivia, who was awarded a DBE in 2019 for providers to music, most cancers analysis and charity, died aged 73 on August eight final yr following a 30-year battle with breast most cancers.
Whereas the memorial comes a full six months after her loss of life, leisure guru Peter Ford instructed Seven that the delay was as a result of household needing time to prepare.
“Properly, they’re completely prepared, and searching ahead to it this Sunday,” Ford mentioned.
“Due to that passage of time… most likely the grief has subsided just a little [and] it may be way more of a celebration, reflection and gratitude for Olivia,” he instructed The Morning Present on Thursday.
Her niece, Tottie Goldsmith, who has been organizing the memorial over the previous months, earlier instructed 9’s A Present Affair, “I believe Australia wants it. She was so beloved.”
Unimaginable legacy
The state memorial will embody a efficiency from Goodrem, who performed Newton-John within the 2018 miniseries Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Dedicated to You.
Olivia left an unimaginable legacy by way of her work on stage, display and with the Olivia Newton-John Wellness and Analysis Middle (ONJWRC), which she opened in 2012, serving to 1000’s of individuals over time.
For those who weren’t in a position to safe a free ticket for the memorial, here is tips on how to be a part of within the celebration of her life.
The way to watch
There might be a stay stream of the State Memorial Service on the Victorian government website from 3.25 pm (AEST) the place a private picture tribute from Dame Olivia’s household might be proven whereas friends enter the constructing.
Seven will broadcast stay hosted by Mike Amor and Rebecca Maddern whereas Peter Ford will relay trade tributes and information viewers by way of official proceedings.
Nine may even broadcast stay, hosted by Alicia Loxley and Tony Jones.
Nationwide broadcaster, ABC TV (together with ABC NEWS) will broadcast stay the memorial from 4-6pm.
Location
Hamer Corridor is situated on the Arts Middle Melbourne at 100 St Kilda Highway in Southbank.
Time
The service will start at 4pm sharp.
Doorways will open at 3pm.
An Australian icon
Olivia moved to Melbourne from the UK along with her household at a younger age and confirmed an early ardour for performing.
At age 15, she received a visit to London throughout a contest on the 1960s TV present Sing, Sing, Singhowever her large break was within the position of schoolgirl Sandy within the 1978 movie, Grease.
Nonetheless probably the most profitable film musicals of all time, Grease is a cultural touchstone and the soundtrack of a era. The movie earned Olivia a Golden Globe nomination for Finest Actress in a Movement Image (Musical/Comedy).
Throughout a profession spanning six a long time, she launched 28 studio albums and 6 stay albums, received 4 Grammy awards, reached No.1 on the charts quite a few occasions, promoting greater than 100 million information worldwide.
Most cancers prognosis
Olivia was first recognized with breast most cancers in 1992.
She used her personal most cancers journey as a option to elevate analysis funds and promote most cancers consciousness, together with the advantages of early detection and wellness.
Dame Olivia started working in partnership with Austin Well being, in Melbourne in 2003 and the Olivia Newton-John Wellness and Research Centre (ONJWRC) opened in 2012.
The ONJWRC provides remedy, training, coaching and analysis, and contains a devoted wellness area for thoughts, physique and spirit.
The providers have helped 1000’s of individuals and Dame Olivia’s personal journey has served as an inspiration for a lot of extra.
Donations
In lieu of flowers and on the request of Dame Olivia’s household, memorial tributes could also be made within the type of contributions to the Wellness Packages on the ONJWRC.
