Thousands paid tribute to Olivia Newton-John in Australia

Thousands of people paid tribute this Sunday to the actress and singer Olivia Newton John, died last august following cancer, in an emotional context official funeral held in the Australian city of Melbourne.

At a meeting held at Hammer room of Melbourne Arts Centerwhich lasted over two hours, family, friends and celebrities honored the memory and achievements of the artist, who grew up in the Australian town despite being born in the UK.

Various personalities from the world of music and cinema, including Elton John, Hugh Jackman, Dolly Parton, Pink and Mariah Careythey sent videos of condolences, which were played to a shocked crowd that accompanied the ceremony.

American country star Dolly Parton opened the tributes by sharing happy memories of Newton-John — who passed away on August 8 after a more than three-decade battle with breast cancer — and claimed that “The world lost one of its greatest talents when Olivia left us.”

“As a country, you should be very proud and know that the whole world mourns with you,” the singer said in her video message.

The British artist also participated, virtually, in this plethoric tribute Elton John, who noted that over the years she has watched the iconic ‘Grease’ star “grow and grow and become the artist she has become.”

“She was such a wonderful force of nature, but she was funny and kind and warm and talented, and every time we got together we laughed and laughed and laughed,” she said.

The singer also praised Newton-John’s “courage” and “bravery” in his fight against cancer, recalling his help to “millions of people” through the promotion of projects and institutes that support cancer research. treatments for the disease.

Those close to Newton-John also gave moving speeches and shared warm memories of the artist on the day, which also included concerts and other artistic events.

Her husband, John Easterlingpointed out that the couple knew “how lucky” they were to have found each other and were aware of “how in love they were”.

“In an order of magnitude where we thought maybe we should feel guilty because we were so happy, but we decided to feel gratitude and let the happiness race at full speed.”he said shocked.

For her part, her daughter Chloé Lattanzi, holding back her tears, recalled the moments of simplicity she experienced with her “mom”.

“I loved our hugs. I went to bed with her late at night, even though I was 20. I loved the way she smelled (…) I love the way she loved totally and completely, ”said Lattanzi with emotion, before being applauded by the public.

Newton-John developed his career in show business as a singer, with hits such as “If Not for You”, “Let Me Be There” and “Have You Never Been Mellow”, although his name has been immortalized in Hollywood by starring in “Grease,” which would become the highest-grossing musical of the 20th century.

(with information from EFE)

Continue reading: