Photo: Amomama
On Wednesday, the Sydney Opera shone a shade of pink to pay homage to Olivia Newton-John, the singer and Grease actress, whom we lost on Monday.
Moreover, Australian landmarks such as Perth’s Optus Stadium and Melbourne’s Flinders Street train station were lit up in pink on Tuesday in memory of the British-born artist who is now one of Australia’s favorite celebrities.
The Victorian state Premier Dan Andrews said the action was done “to remember Olivia Newton-John, and her enormous contribution to cancer awareness, research, and treatment.”
An image of the late Newton-John was also displayed on the side of Fed Square – an arts and culture venue in central Melbourne.
Newton-John has overcome two waves of breast cancer — one in the 1990s and another in 2017. Then, within a year in 2018, she announced she was battling cancer again, this time at the base of her spine.
Newton-John Had a Positive Outlook
While she was struggling with the disease, Newton-John never lost hope.
“I believe that when you go through something difficult, even something as dramatic as cancer, that something positive will come of it,” she said on the website for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, which started its operation in Melbourne in 2012.
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“With more and more people affected by cancer every day, I believe we are in a world desperate for healing, and I’m committed to doing whatever I can to help.”
After her death, the organization issued a statement, saying Newton-John’s “generous support and gift provided hope and changed the lives of thousands of cancer patients.”
State Funeral: A Homage to Stars
A few hours after her death, Andrews said the state would meet with Newton-John’s family to discuss the likelihood of a state funeral.
In an interview with Nine Network, Newton-John’s niece Tottie Goldsmith said she wanted to give their approval.
“I think Australia needs it,” Goldsmith said, crying. “She’s so loved. And I think our country needs it, so we’re going to accept that.”
The premier’s office has not yet confirmed or announced any information about the funeral.
If the state funeral is pushed through, it will be the second time an Australian singer has been offered this honor this month. The Victorian government is conducting a state funeral for Judith Durham, The Seekers’ lead singer, who died on August 5 at 79.
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