Olivia Newton-John to get state memorial in Australia

The Sydney Opera House lights up in memory of movie and music celebrity Olivia Newton-John, who passed away on August 8th. The pink lights honour the superstar's massive contribution to cancer research and awareness.

Screen legend Olivia Newton-John will be honoured with a state memorial service in her adoptive homeland Australia, authorities said Thursday, touting an upbeat sendoff for the late Grammy-winning actress.

The British-born, Aussie-raised star of the 1978 hit musical "Grease" died on Monday at her home in Southern California.

Victoria state Premier Dan Andrews said Newton-John's family had accepted the offer of a state memorial that "would be much more of a concert than a funeral".

A date for the memorial has not yet been set.

"She was the most courageous woman I've ever known," he said.

arb/cwl 

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Originally published as Olivia Newton-John to get state memorial in Australia