Dannii Minogue struggles not to break down as she reveals how Olivia Newton-John inspired her to perform at the legendary singer’s memorial in Melbourne
Dannii Minogue has shared the touching reason why Olivia Newton-John means so much to her.
The Australian pop star and TV presenter spoke to Channel Nine on Sunday outside Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, where a memorial to the icon is underway.
The 51-year-old revealed she was able to tell Olivia how she felt about her while she was alive.
“Olivia is so important to me. She’s literally the reason I started performing and I was lucky enough to tell her that when we first met,” she said.
Dannii got emotional and admitted she was shaky and on the verge of tears.
Dannii Minogue (pictured) has shared the touching reason why Olivia Newton-John means so much to her. The Australian pop star struggled not to cry as she spoke to Channel Nine on Sunday outside Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, where a memorial to the icon is underway
“Yes, it’s still – I think the thought is just beginning to settle down. My hands are shaking. I’m everywhere,” she said.
Dannii is one of many stars attending a state memorial service to celebrate the life of the late legendary singer.
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.
“Olivia is so important to me. She’s literally the reason I started performing and I was lucky enough to tell her that when we first met,” she said. Olivia is pictured
Dannii got emotional and admitted she was shaky and on the verge of tears
About 2,300 people were expected to attend the service, including Prime Minister Daniel Andrews and showbiz legend Paul Hogan.
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.
Newton-John’s career spanned more than 60 years during which she produced 28 studio and six live albums.
She is survived by her husband John Easterling and their only daughter Chloe Lattanzi.
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