Hundreds of people attended a state tribute for the late Australian actress and singer Olivia Newton-John in her hometown of Melbourne.
The 73-year-old died in the United States in August after a lengthy fight with breast cancer.
Newton-John was most recognized for her portrayal as Sandy in the 1978 classic picture Grease, as well as for her musical successes including Physical.
Chloe Lattanzi, her daughter, has stated that her heart is “torn in two.”
“I badly want to feel strong and brave and speak eloquently, but the truth is that I feel like a small girl without her mother,” Ms. Lattanzi said holding back tears at the Hamer Hall event.
Olivia Newton-John was my refuge, my guide, my biggest supporter, and the ground beneath my feet. John Easterling, the widower of Newton-John, felt emotional about his late wife.
“We’re just chatting about how fortunate we are to have met,” he explained.
“Every day spent with Olivia was magical. Every day with Olivia was enchanted.”
Dannii Minogue stated that Newton-John inspired her to begin performing and that the news of her passing was still seeping in.
Sir Elton John, Mariah Carey, and Pink, among others, paid tribute to the late artist via video recordings shown to the crowd at the ceremony.
Sir Elton John referred to Newton-John as a “great force of nature,” while Dolly Parton, who collaborated with Newton-John on numerous occasions, referred to her as a friend and fellow artist.
“I truly adore you, Olivia,” remarked Parton, paraphrasing one of her songs.
The service concluded with Delta Goodrem performing a medley of Newton classics. John’s
Goodrem stated that the opportunity to commemorate her life was “extraordinary.”
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