Delta Goodrem fights back tears and opens up about her incredible ‘teacher’ Olivia Newton-John as Australia finally bids farewell to the icon in a star-studded memorial
Delta Goodrem fought back tears as she paid tribute to Olivia Newton-John before a state memorial service celebrating the life of the late legendary singer.
Newtown-John bids farewell to fans, stars and loved ones at 4pm on Sunday at a free service at Melbourne’s Hammer Hall.
The service comes six months after Newton-John died in August at the age of 73 after a brave and decades-long battle with cancer.
A live stream began half an hour earlier with a personal photo tribute showing her life in the spotlight and off the cameras with family and children.
Around 2,300 people were expected to attend the service, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and showbiz legend Paul Hogan.
Goodrem paid tribute to Newton-John for showing up to church early, with the loss being particularly painful for her after playing the singer in a 2018 miniseries.
Newtown-John bids farewell to fans, stars and loved ones at 4pm on Sunday at a free service at Melbourne’s Hammer Hall
A live stream began half an hour earlier with a personal photo tribute showing her life in the spotlight and off the cameras with family and children
“It’s nice to see everyone coming out and … It’s nice. Sorry,” she told reporters outside the venue.
Goodrem described Newton-John as “a light for the entire industry” who “taught me so much”.
“I’m so happy to see everyone coming together in one day to celebrate someone who touched all of our lives.
“I think it really is. To see how easy it is for everyone to come together and honor and celebrate Olivia is incredibly special.”
Her comment complements previous tributes she made immediately after the singer’s death six months ago.
“A force for good. A force of nature. Strong and friendly. My mentor, my friend, my inspiration, someone who has always guided me… I love you forever,” she said of the acclaimed singer after her death.
Newton-John moved to Melbourne from the UK at a young age and showed a passion for performance from an early age.
Her big break came as Sandy in the 1978 film Grease opposite John Travolta.
Featuring hits like You Are The One I Want and Summer Nights, the film became the soundtrack for an entire generation and remains one of the most successful musicals of all time.
“My dearest Olivia, you have made all of our lives so much better. Her impact was incredible. I love you so much,” Travolta posted online after her death.
“See you on the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the moment I saw you and forever. Your Danny, your John!’
Newton-John’s career spanned more than 60 years during which she produced 28 studio and six live albums.
She has won four Grammys with numerous #1 hits and has sold more than 100 million records.
Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 and began raising funds for research and cancer awareness.
A treatment and research center in Melbourne, the Olivia Newton-John Wellness and Research Center opened in 2012 and its services have helped thousands.
In 2019 she was made Companion of the Order of Australia and also made Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
She is survived by her husband John Easterling and their only daughter Chloe Lattanzi.
Newton-John moved to Melbourne from the UK at a young age and showed a passion for performance from an early age
The Australian singer’s life was celebrated by fans, stars and loved ones at the free service at Melbourne’s Hammer Hall at 4pm on Sunday