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.

The Sydney Opera is lit up in pink in memory of singer and actress Olivia Newton-John, who passed away August 8 aged 73.

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 

...