Australia
State funeral service for Olivia Newton-John
The singer and actress Olivia Newton-John, who became world famous with the musical adaptation “Grease” in the 70s, died this week at the age of 73. photo
© Evan Agostini/Invision via AP/dpa
Olivia Newton-John grew up in Australia. Following the actress’ death, one state will now hold a state memorial service for her. “It would be more of a concert than a funeral,” they say.
Singer and actress Olivia Newton-John, who died on Monday at the age of 73, is to be honored with a state funeral service in Australia. The British-Australian artist’s family accepted an offer from his state, Victoria’s Prime Minister Daniel Andrews said on Thursday. “It would be more of a concert than a funeral.” He did not initially name the place or date. There will be further discussions between the family and his office.
“The family was very touched by the prospect of the people of Victoria getting together and celebrating Olivia’s life,” Andrews said. Newton-John was a “very special person”. The British woman, who became world famous with the musical adaptation “Grease” at the end of the 1970s, died in the US state of California after a decade-long battle with cancer at the age of 73. As a child, she emigrated with her family to Melbourne, where she grew up.
Sky News report with Andrews’ comments (via Youtube) ABC News report