Victorian Premier Dan Andrews slammed for Olivia Newton-John memorial tweet with misspelling error

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has been left red-faced after sending a tweet announcing a memorial service for Olivia Newton-John that misspelled her name.

The iconic Aussie singer who stared in the hit musical Grease lost her 30-year battle with breast cancer on Monday at the age of 73, at her home in southern California, surrounded by family and friends.  

Heartfelt tributes have poured in from all over the globe for the beloved actress, singer and activist.

‘I’m so pleased that Olivia Newtown-John’s family have accepted our offer of a State Memorial Service,’ Mr Andrews’ official account tweeted. 

Eagle-eyed twitter users immediately noticed that the Premier Mistakenly adding an extra ‘w’.

‘It’s Newton NOT Newtown. With the amount we pay for your PR team they could get the spelling right,’ one wrote.

‘Her name was Olivia NEWTON John. You’re absolutely embarrassing,’ another wrote.

Some Twitter users thought the misspelling was a telling mistake, showing sloppiness to the point of being disrespectful.

‘At least have the respect to spell her name correctly,’ one wrote.

‘Olivia Newton-John. With respect Premier, please be mindful of the correct spelling,’ another advised. 

‘You can’t even get her name right. So much for respect,’ another wrote. 

Others went further accusing the premier of making state memorial and funeral services more about himself than those they were honouring. 

”You don’t even know her name Andrews, stop trying to make like you before the ELECTION, WE DON’T,’ one wrote. 

‘Oh, now it’s “our” offer for a state funeral for ONJ.. When you tweeted about Judith Durham last week it was all about you..,’ an account labelled ‘Sack Dan Andrews’ tweeted. 

Mr Andrews announced a state funeral for Judith Durham, the lead singer of iconic Aussie music act The Seekers, last week. 

However, the premier had his defenders on social media as well.

‘The “Anti-dan” people who think commenting under this tweet is appropriate – are shameless,’ one Twitter user wrote.

‘It’s the Premier of the state simply offering a well loved Australian a State Memorial Service. Put aside politics.. really.’ 

Ms Newton-John’s niece Tottie Goldsmith accepted the offer of memorial service on the family’s behalf while speaking to Mr Andrews on Thursday morning.

A venue and date for the service have yet be announced, with further discussions under way between the family and the premier’s department.

Mr Andrews flagged the event will be more of a concert than a traditional memorial service.

‘We’re working with Olivia’s family on the details, but it will be more of a concert than a funeral – fitting for a Victorian who lived such a rich and generous life,’ he tweeted.

Mr Andrews said eariler the family were quite touched at the prospect of Victorians being able to come together and celebrate Olivia’s life.

‘As tough as this time is… it’s made a little easier by all the outpouring of grief and support, and the very fond memories people are sharing of such an amazing person,’ he said. 

The actress, singer and activist was reportedly planning to write an introductory letter to new Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, federal Health Minister Mark Butler and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to push for greater access to medicinal cannabis.

Ms Thomas said she had not received any correspondence from Newton-John but was aware of her passion to support people living in pain with cancer and other chronic illnesses.