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Olivia Newton-John to get state memorial in Australia

11 August 2022, MVT 11:37
A photo is seen on the star of Australian singer and actress Olivia Newton-John on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California, on August 8, 2022. - Australian singer Olivia Newton-John, who gained worldwide fame as high-school sweetheart Sandy in the hit musical movie "Grease," died on August 8, 2022, her family said. She was 73. The entertainer, whose career spanned more than five decades, devoted much of her time and celebrity to charities after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. -- Photo: Robyn Beck / AFP
11 August 2022, MVT 11:37

Screen legend Olivia Newton-John will be honoured with a state memorial service in her adoptive homeland Australia, authorities said Thursday, touting an upbeat sendoff for the late Grammy-winning actress.

The British-born, Aussie-raised star of the 1978 hit musical "Grease" died on Monday at her home in Southern California.

The cause of death was not stated, but the 73-year-old Newton-John had spent three decades trying to -- as she put it -- "win over" breast cancer.

Victoria state Premier Dan Andrews said Newton-John's family had accepted the offer of a state memorial that "would be much more of a concert than a funeral".

Flowers and a photo are placed on the star of Australian singer and actress Olivia Newton-John on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California, on August 8, 2022. - Australian singer Olivia Newton-John, who gained worldwide fame as high-school sweetheart Sandy in the hit musical movie "Grease," died on August 8, 2022, her family said. She was 73. The entertainer, whose career spanned more than five decades, devoted much of her time and celebrity to charities after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. -- Photo: Robyn Beck / AFP

"It will be an appropriate celebration of such a rich and generous life."

A date for the memorial has not yet been set.

Her widower, John Easterling, on Thursday posted a tribute to her and thanked fans for the "vast ocean of love and support" that has come with her passing.

"She was the most courageous woman I've ever known," he said.

"In her most difficult times she always had the spirit, the humor, and the will power to move things into the light."

© Agence France-Presse

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