Olivia Newton-John memorial 2023: Grace And Gratitude to lead service

A little-known Olivia Newton-John song about gratitude will be the centrepiece in the state memorial for the beloved superstar.

A little-known Olivia Newton-John song about gratitude, in which she declared “thank you for life, thank you for everything,” will be a centrepiece in the state memorial for the beloved Australian superstar.

Newton-John’s husband John Easterling, and her daughter Chloe Lattanzi, will attend the state memorial at Hamer Hall on Sunday, alongside Olivia’s niece Tottie Goldsmith, Australian PM Anthony Albanese and singer Delta Goodrem.

Goodrem will perform a medley of Newton-John’s hits at the event.

Olivia Newton-John, a pop star, movie star and wellness warrior, died from cancer after living with the disease for 30 years, last August. She was 73.

Oliva Newton John and husband John Easterling. Picture: Robert Lynden.

Popular presenter and singer David Campbell will be master of ceremonies at the memorial service, and his TV colleague Richard Wilkins will deliver a tribute on behalf of the entertainment industry.

A little-known Newton-John song, Grace And Gratitude, released in 2006, will also be performed by Noongar artist and singer, Bumpy, and pianist Jake Amy.

The song, part of a series of new age and meditation recordings released by Newton John, says in part: “All I have and all I feel, is all because of you, all I reap is all I sow, and

love is our living proof.

“Thank you for life, thank you for everything, I stand here in grace and gratitude, and I

thank you.”

A number of stars will attend the service. Picture: Mark Davis/Getty Images.

Daughter Chloe Lattanzi will attend the state memorial.

Mr Easterling, Ms Lattanzi and Ms Goldsmith will present family tributes at the service, followed by Professor Mattias Ernst, of the ONJ Cancer Research Institute, and Debbie Shiell, from the ONJ Cancer Wellness and Research Centre.

Mr Easterling told the US Today Show he plans to share stories the showed “the human side of what an extraordinary person she was.”

Aunty Di Kerr will conduct a Welcome To Country, and the Christ Church Grammar School choir will perform the Australian national anthem.

Newton-John’s friends, including actors John Travolta and Paul Hogan, will join the service via video link.

Guests attending the event will be encouraged to wear “a touch of orange,” in celebration of Newton-John’s favourite colour. The service will be held in from 4pm.

The state memorial service will be streamed live atvic.gov.au/olivia-newton-john.

Newton-John’s family requested memorial tributes be made in the form of contributions to the Wellness Programs at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre.