Olivia Newton-John to be Remembered With State Memorial Service

The life and illustrious career of Olivia Newton-John will be celebrated at a state memorial service in Melbourne later this month, the Victorian government has announced.

Sydney pop singer Delta Goodrem, who played Newton-John in the 2018 TV miniseries desperately devoted to youwill perform at a free, ticketed event on February 26 at Arts Center Melbourne’s Hummer Hall.

The service is being planned in close consultation with representatives of the late artist, along with special tributes from family and friends, a statement reads.

Newton-John passed away on August 8, 2022 at the age of 73 after a long battle with cancer.

“Dame Olivia Newton-John inspired millions around the world. Her work in cancer research and treatment saved and changed lives. Her music , was the soundtrack for a generation,” said Daniel Andrews of Premiere.

“We know that Victorians are eager to celebrate the life of a powerhouse of medical research and icon of film and music with a service worthy of her international acclaim. increase.”

For a long time in the 1970s and 1980s, ONJ was a staple of Australian pop culture, with a string of hit songs and starring roles in Hollywood films. grease and cage.

Born in Cambridge, England, Newton-John moved with his family to Melbourne at a young age. ONJ showed a talent for performing early on and moved to London after winning a trip on the 60’s TV show. Thing, Thing, Thing.

Newton-John sang and was one of the most popular artists on the planet in his prime. She has amassed her five No. 1 hits. billboard hot 100This includes “Physical”, the second song in Hot 100 history (after Debbie Boone’s “You Light Up My Life”) to remain at number one for ten consecutive weeks.

She won four Grammy Awards in her lifetime, set records at the American Music Awards, and in 1975 became the second female solo artist to do so. Billboard 200 chart. Her catalog has sold over 100 million copies of her worldwide.

Newton-John used her fame for good. In 2012, she partnered with Melbourne’s Austin Health to establish Olivia Her Newton John Wellness and Research Center (ONJWRC). She founded National Tree Day separately in Australia. She also founded the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund. The foundation sponsors global research in botanical medicine to help find more kind cures for cancer.

For more information, visit vic.gov.au/olivia-newton-john.