Olivia Newton-John’s family will fly in for a state memorial held in Melbourne

Olivia Newton-John’s life will be celebrated at a state memorial in Melbourne, where her husband will tell stories about her for the first time and Delta Goodrem will perform.

The life of Australian entertainment legend Olivia Newton-John, who died in August last year, will be celebrated in a state memorial in Melbourne this month.

Newton-John moved to Melbourne from the UK with her family at a young age and although she later left the country for career opportunities, she always remained connected to the city.

Melbourne is home of the Olivia Newton-John Wellness and Research Centre, and Newton-John’s niece Tottie Goldsmith, an actress and singer herself.

The memorial will be held from 4pm Sunday, February 26 at Hamer Hall.

Ticket registration opens 12pm Friday, February 10. The tickets are free and a limit of 2 per booking applies. The service will also be livestreamed.

A state memorial will be held for Olivia Newton-John in Melbourne. Picture: Robyn Beck / AFP

There will be tributes from family and friends, and Delta Goodrem, who played the star on the 2018 Australian miniseries Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted to You, will perform.

She is expected to perform a six minute medley of Newton-John’s biggest hits.

Newton-John’s husband John Easterling told News Corp Australia he would tell stories about his late wife at the memorial people hadn’t heard before.

“Just to share some of the human side of what an extraordinary person she was,” he said.

Mr Easterling said he was grateful for all the love and support that has come from Australia and that Qantas was helping get the family to Melbourne.

Newton-John became world famous after staring in the 1978 film Grease. Picture: Paramount Pictures/Fotos International/Getty Images

Co-star and longtime friend John Travolta said her impact was incredible. Picture: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

When announcing the state memorial, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said: “Dame Olivia Newton-John was an inspiration to many around the world – her work in cancer research and treatment saved lives and changed lives and her music was the soundtrack to a generation.

“We know Victorians are eager to celebrate the life of a driving force in medical research and an icon of film and music, with a service befitting her international acclaim.”

The family have asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes be made in the form of contributions to the Wellness Programs at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre.

Newton-John, whose starring role in Grease in 1978 made her world famous, died at her ranch in California following a long battle with breast cancer at age 73.

More information on the state memorial can be found here.