State funeral for Olivia Newton-John ‘will be more of a concert’

The family of Olivia Newton-John has accepted the government’s offer for a state funeral, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed on Thursday.

Olivia Newton-John will be given a state funeral by the Victorian government. Picture: Getty Images

The family of Olivia Newton-John has accepted the government’s offer for a state funeral, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed on Thursday.

It comes after the Grammy-­winning Australian actor and singer died peacefully on Monday after a long battle with breast cancer during which she became a champion for cancer therapies and treatment.

Mr Andrews said the offer had been “accepted on Thursday morning, with discussions under way on how best to structure the ceremony”.

“This, I think, will be much more of a concert than a funeral but it’ll be an appropriate celebration of such a rich and generous life,” he said. “Ms Newton-John’s cousin, Tottie Goldsmith, accepted the offer on behalf of the family.

“The family was quite touched at the prospect of Vic­torians being able to come together and celebrate Olivia’s life.”

Her husband, John Easterling, paid tribute to the 73-year-old Aussie icon after she passed away at her ranch in southern California surrounded by family and friends.

Mr Easterling wrote in an Instagram post: “Our love for each other transcends our understanding. Every day we expressed our gratitude for this love that could be so deep, so real, so natural.

“We never had to ‘work’ on it. We were in awe of this great mystery and accepted the experience of our love as past, present and forever.

“At Olivia’s deepest essence, she was a healer using her mediums of song, of words, of touch. She was the most courageous woman I’ve ever known.

“In her most difficult times she always had the spirit, the humour and the willpower to move things into the light.

“Our family deeply appreciates the vast ocean of love and support that has come our way.”