As the country prepares for the Olivia Newton John state memorial this Sunday, Delta Goodrem has reflected on the kind gesture the legendary singer showed her as a child that had a massive impact on her life.
The Australian singer, 38, told The Australian Women’s Weekly when she was just seven she spotted Olivia at the Phantom of the Opera in New York and the star went over to greet her.
“I’ve always thought of that moment when I see young people around a table. It’s my responsibility to go there,” she said.
“Olivia was such an incredible teacher. The kindness she showed me that day had a profound impact on how I would treat people I met later in life — through her example.”
The Innocent Eyes singer has always looked up to Olivia as an artist, and their bond grew even stronger during the most difficult time of her life – when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma aged just 18.
Delta Goodrem (pictured) reflected on the kind gesture Olivia Newton John showed her as a child, which had a massive impact on her life, in an interview with Women’s Weekly
Olivia was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, and when Delta received her diagnosis in 2003, she told the young star that one day she would “take it as a gift.”
“I was an 18-year-old trying to do my best,” Delta told the publication, recalling her scary diagnosis.
“I wasn’t trying to share or not to share, I was just trying to be human and get through it. Of course I knew it was an extraordinary circumstance to have a number one album at the same time, but I just did it day in and day out.
“But that was a long time ago now. I’m fit, I’m healthy. And standing as a survivor gives us the ability to speak and make a difference. Not one moment defines us. I’m not just a thing or a moment.
The Australian singer, 38, told The Australian Women’s Weekly when she was just seven she spotted Olivia at the Phantom of the Opera in New York and the star went over to greet her. Pictured together
Delta stars in a stunning photo shoot for the new issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly
“But talking about that moment is important to other people’s journeys — to remind people to see the other side.”
This positivity was reinforced by her childhood heroine Olivia, who died in August 2022 at the age of 78 after a decade-long battle with breast cancer.
“Olivia told me that one day – not now, but one day – you will see [your cancer diagnosis] as a gift, to be a pillar of strength for other people,” she said.
“I was forever grateful and forever loyal for the love she showed me. She had been there. She understood the fear.
“I’ve always thought of that moment when I see young people around a table. It’s my responsibility to go there,” she said. “Olivia was such an amazing teacher”
“The kindness she showed me that day had a profound impact on how I treated people I met later in life — through her example,” said the “Born To Try” hitmaker
“She was an example to me of how I would commit to being like that to others once I had completed my own health journey.”
Delta told Women’s Weekly that she still finds it difficult to speak out about Olivia’s death because it was such a profound loss for her. I’m at a loss for words,’ she said.
‘I’d like to be more eloquent to you. It’s really hard for me to talk about because I’ve been very fortunate to have such a special bond, a real family relationship.
“We were always there for each other, in a wonderful way as a mentor and friend.”
After paying tribute to Olivia at the G’Day USA gala in LA in January, which Delta attended along with Olivia’s husband John Easterling and their daughter Chloe Lattanzi, Delta boldly shared a few more words about her good friend.
Delta told Women’s Weekly that she still finds it difficult to speak out about Olivia’s death because it was such a profound loss for her
“I’m at a loss for words,” she said. ‘I’d like to be more eloquent to you. It’s really hard for me to talk about because I was very fortunate to have such a special bond, a real family.
“It was obviously a very emotional night, but I loved seeing everyone singing along to and honoring Olivia,” she said of the night.
“Everyone grieves differently and what I’m learning is that it’s about holding space for someone else’s process.
“Holding space, just being there, knowing you’re there for someone. No matter what, this is a lifelong friendship, being part of a support system when you have that much love for someone.
The Lost Without You singer added that Olivia brought “so much joy” to so many people around the world.
“She stood for good values – kindness, integrity, love for people. She had such a generosity of spirit. You felt like she was there for everyone,” Delta said.
“It was a new experience of heartbreak. But then you have to go through it. This week has been a big, important part for me.’
Olivia was diagnosed with cancer three times in 1992, 2013 and most recently in 2017. Newton-John died in August after a brave and public battle with the disease that spanned decades
The state memorial service for Australia’s beloved Newton-John will take place on February 26.
Few details have been released about the memorial, which will celebrate the Grease star’s sixty years as a record star and actress, as well as her services as an advocate for cancer research.
Olivia was diagnosed with cancer three times in 1992, 2013 and most recently in 2017.
Newton-John died in August after a brave and public battle with the disease that spanned decades.
Read more in this month’s Australian Women’s Weekly