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State announces Livvy event

• Geelong Advertiser
• 3 Feb 2023
• ANDREW KOUBARIDIS Details at vic.gov.au/state-servicedame-olivia-newton-john-ac-dbe

SINGER Olivia Newton-John was free of pain and “very clear” of thought in her final days, her widower has revealed as a date for her state memorial is locked in six months after her death.

Husband John Easterling said Newton-John was focused right to the very end on her charity work, helping cancer patients enjoy a better quality of life.

He also released a series of his favourite photos of the couple, which he said gave him strength after the Grease star’s death from cancer at 73.

“She was very clear and very alive and very conscious and not in pain. So there was a quality of life there at that time that I think is so critical,” Mr Easterling said.

“That was part of Olivia’s great contribution with the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre … providing a real quality of life for people was close to her heart.”

Premier Daniel Andrews said a 90-minute “celebration of life” would be held for Newton-John on Sunday, FebruShe ary 26, from 4pm at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall.

“We know Victorians are eager to celebrate the life of a driving force in medical research and an icon of film and music, with a service befitting her international acclaim,” Mr Andrews said.

Speakers will represent her family, her services to entertainment and cancer research and wellness, with video messages from celebrities.

Singer Delta Goodrem, who played Newton-John in a biopic of her life, will perform a medley of the late star’s hits.

The service will be free but ticketed.

The public must register to attend, with ticket registrations open from noon on February 10 to 4pm on February 22.

 

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