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Family, fans and friends mourn the singer and actress. Newton-John is now set to have a state funeral in Australia.
Following the death of Olivia Newton-John, Australian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews has offered the family a state funeral. The family of the British-Australian singer and actress wants to accept the offer. This was confirmed by Newton-John’s niece, Tottie Goldsmith, to the news program “A Current Affair”.
“We will do it. Not only on behalf of our family, but also on behalf of Australia, which she loved so much. I think our country needs it, so we’re going to embrace it.” She herself was only able to say goodbye to her via Facetime.
Legend:
Olivia Newton-John (centre), her husband (left) and niece Tottie Goldsmith. (to the right).
Getty Images/Rodin Eckenroth
Details of the funeral not yet known
Prime Minister Andrews has not yet been able to give any details about the state funeral. However, he praised the success of Olivia Newton-John: “She was an absolutely exceptional talent, a person of such grace, energy and vitality”. We want to discuss the possibility with the family first.
Sights across Australia were also illuminated in pink on Tuesday night to commemorate the entertainer.
Legend:
The train station in the Australian capital Melbourne shone in pink.
Keystone/EPA/DIEGO FEDELE
The fight against cancer
The singer died “peacefully” on their ranch in southern California, her husband John Easterling announced on Tuesday. She succumbed to her long battle with breast cancer at the age of 73.
“Olivia has been a symbol of victory and hope for more than 30 years as she shared her journey with breast cancer,” she wrote on Instagram. She even set up a foundation to promote research into cancer treatment. Her last wish was also for the foundation. “In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to commemorate her to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation.”
Olivia Newton-John
