Olivia Newton-John’s family accepts Victorian government’s state funeral offer

The heartbroken family of Olivia Newton-John have confirmed just how she will be honoured in a moving Australian service.

The heartbroken family of Olivia Newton-John have accepted the offer of a state funeral from Victoria’s state government.

Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed the news on Thursday morning, three days after the Australian icon died from cancer aged 73.

Mr Andrews said he spoke to Ms Newton-John’s niece, former Neighbours star, Tottie Goldsmith to discuss plans.

“I can update that I’ve spoken with Tottie Goldsmith this morning and she, on behalf of the family, have accepted my offer of a state service,” he said.

Olivia Newton-John died earlier this week.

Olivia Newton John and husband John Easterling. Picture: Instagram

“This will be much more of a concert than a funeral, I think it will be a celebration of such a rich and generous life.

“As I said the other day, Olivia Newton-John was a very special person and to take her cancer journey and to turn that into more research, better treatment, better care and this focus on wellness, is such an amazing legacy and that’s why I think we all feel the pain of her passing.”

Mr Andrews said the family was touched by the Australian public’s outpouring of grief following Ms Newton-John’s death.

Olivia Newton John (right) and niece Totti Goldsmith at Australian Open in 2005.

“There will be further discussions, those discussions have started today, but there will be further discussions in my department and the family about what’s appropriate,” he said.

“I think giving Melburnians and Victorians and indeed people who travel from other parts of the country and maybe even the world to be here to celebrate such an important, rich and generous life — that was the right thing to do.”

“And I must say, it’s very clear to me the family were quite touched by the prospect of Victorians being able to come together and celebrate Olivia’s life.”

The British-born actor and singer, who moved to Melbourne aged six and considered herself Australian, survived breast cancer in the 1990s and became a devoted advocate for cancer research.

Ms Newton-John broke through internationally with her role as the heart-throb Sandy in the 1978 musical movie “Grease”.

She died at her Southern California ranch on Monday and is survived by husband John Easterling and daughter Chloe Lattanzi.