Daniel Andrews ‘to offer the family of Olivia Newton-John a state funeral’
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Olivia Newton-John’s family will be offered a state funeral in recognition of the iconic Australian actress’ achievements and dedication to cancer research.
Newton-John, who shot to international stardom thanks to her role as Sandy in the 1978 movie Grease, died on Monday morning aged 73 at her home in southern California folllowing a long battle with breast cancer.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said on Tuesday he will contact the star’s family this week to propose the memorial.
Olivia Newton-John (pictured) to be ‘remembered at state funeral’ as her grieving family prepare to bid her an emotional final farewell
‘As for celebrating her life, her music and film and all the other amazing contributions that she made, we would, of course, want to speak to the family and be as respectful as we can,’ he told media.
Olivia lends her name to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre, which is located in Heidelberg, Melbourne.
‘She took her cancer journey and used that to save lives and change lives, and that’s just a deeply impressive thing,’ Andrews added.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said on Tuesday he will contact the star’s family this week to propose the memorial
‘The research that’s done there (at the cancer and wellness centre), the treatment, the care, the love and support that is central to that place is a lasting legacy to the person that she was.’
The Grease star died peacefully surrounded by family and friends after a brave and extraordinarily public decades-long battle with cancer.
Olivia’s husband John Easterling announced her death on her Facebook page.
‘Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends.
‘As for celebrating her life, her music and film and all the other amazing contributions that she made, we would, of course, want to speak to the family and be as respectful as we can,’ he told media on Tuesday
Olivia lends her name to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre (pictured), which is located in Heidelberg, Melbourne
‘We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.
‘Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.
‘Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer,’ he said.
He also said Olivia and her family requested donations to be made to her charity, the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, in her memory instead of flowers.
The foundation funds research into plant-based medicine and holistic treatments for cancer.
The Grease star died peacefully aged 73 at her home in Southern California on Monday morning, surrounded by family and friends after a brave and extraordinarily public decades-long battle with cancer. Pictured Olivia and husband John Easterling
Olivia, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and twice before in 1992 and 2013, has spent years lobbying the Australian government to approve the use of medicinal cannabis for cancer patients.
Easterling grew medicinal cannabis for Olivia on their ranch in the U.S to ‘help with her symptoms’.
Olivia previously said it is a ‘healing plant’ and added: ‘Medicinal cannabis is something that should be available to everyone who is going through a chronic illness or pain’.
‘It really is a magical miracle plant.’
Easterling has said Olivia and her family requested donations to be made to her charity, the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, in her memory instead of flowers
Olivia is survived by her 36-year-old daughter, Chloe Lattanzi.
The actress famously beat breast cancer twice but was diagnosed again in 2017.
She spent the last few years at home, campaigning for animals’ rights and raising money for her charity online.
Olivia is survived by her 36-year-old daughter, Chloe Lattanzi