Julie Bishop pays tribute to ‘gorgeous, tenacious’ friend Olivia Newton-John

The former foreign minister, who considered the late Olivia Newton-John a friend, has remembered her as Australia’s golden girl.

Olivia Newton-John has been remembered as “gorgeous, determined, resilient and tenacious” by former foreign minister and friend Julie Bishop.

Newton-John passed away on Monday in the United States after a 30 year battle with breast cancer.

“She was such a darling. Everyone loved her, as I did,” Ms Bishop told the Nine Network.

Ms Bishop said she fondly remembers the late entertainer’s trip to Canberra in 2017 for her breast cancer advocacy work, when “Olivia … came into my office … We were like two girlfriends … giggling”.

Julie Bishop and Olivia Newton John during the late singer’s trip to Canberra on a breast cancer advocacy jaunt. Instagram image.

Ms Bishop said Newton-John was a “real force” who got things done.

“She was determined. She was resilient. Even though she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, she was forceful in her advocacy,” Ms Bishop said.

“She came to Parliament House and went from minister’s office to minister’s office seeking more support on a range of health issues, but particularly breast cancer research.

“I admired her resilience, her determination, her energy, and her tenacity.”

Ms Bishop said although Newton-John did not live in Australia, she had a “massive impact” in raising awareness about Australia.

“I think she was emblematic of what everybody thought Australia was about,” Ms Bishop said.

“The outdoor lifestyle, with her radiant looks and girl-next-door persona. She epitomised everything that was good and great about our country.”

Then- Opposition Leader Bill Shorten met with Olivia Newton-John when she visited Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

Labor frontbencher Bill Shorten, who met Newton-John on a number of occasions, said she had had a “very powerful aura”.

“But she was so modest. Like truly, it’s amazing to me that a film star … when you meet the real person she was so accessible,” Mr Shorten told the Nine Network.

“I’m going to remember her for her smile. She had the most fantastic smile.”

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles said today was a “really sad day for Australia”.

“This feels like the end of an era. It feels like the world is a little emptier without Olivia Newton-John,” Mr Marles said.

“In establishing the Olivia Newton-John Foundation, which has raised money for research in cancer, she has left a huge legacy which is benefiting so many people who have suffered from cancer.

“On behalf of the Australian government, we pass on all our condolences to her friends and family.”