Sydney Opera House sails to be lit pink in memory of Olivia Newton-John

Movie and music superstar Olivia Newton-John will be honoured with a special show of affection after she passed away at the age of 73.

Olivia Newton-John died this week, aged 73. Picture: CBS via Getty Images

The sails of the Sydney Opera House will be lit pink in honour of superstar Olivia Newton-John, who died this week aged 73.

The longtime Australian resident, singer and “Grease” actor died on Monday at her ranch in southern California.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Opera House would be lit pink to commemorate Newton-John’s “immense contribution to cancer research and awareness”.

The British-born actor and singer, who considered herself Australian and lived in the country for parts of her life, survived breast cancer in the 1990s and became a devoted advocate for cancer research.

Olivia Newton-John became an international sensation thanks to her role as Sandy in the hit movie ‘Grease’. Picture: CBS via Getty Images

“Olivia Newton-John touched the hearts of so many people around the world with her music as well as her compassion and kindness – particularly toward people living with cancer,” Mr Perrottet said in a statement.

“She radiated with positivity in her lifetime and now our most famous performance space will shine in her honour.”

The sails were set to be lit at sunset on Thursday.

NSW Arts Minister Ben Franklin lauded Newton-John as well.

“For decades, Olivia Newton-John inspired Australians with her artistic ability and unrelenting courage,” Mr Franklin said.

“It is a touching tribute that the Sydney Opera House, a venue she performed at many times, will tonight be cloaked pink in her honour.”

The day before, the state government of Victoria honoured Newton-John with its own pink lightshow across several landmarks.

Tonight, landmarks across our city will be lit up pink to remember Olivia Newton John, and her enormous contribution to cancer awareness, research and treatment.

Vale Olivia Newton John.

— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) August 9, 2022

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

A song from the film, “You’re the one that I want”, with Newton-John and co-star John Travolta on vocals, became a smash hit and she followed it up with several other popular singles as well.

She is survived by husband John Easterling.