Authorities said Thursday that screen star Olivia Newton-John would receive a joyous send-off in her adopted country of Australia during a state memorial service.
The star of the 1978 Broadway smash “Grease,” who was born in Britain and reared in Australia, passed away on Monday at her Southern California home.
Although the cause of death was not disclosed, 73-year-old Olivia Newton-John spent three decades attempting to, in her words, “win over” breast cancer.
The offer of a state commemoration that “would be far more of a concert than a burial,” according to Victoria state Premier Dan Andrews, was accepted by the Newton family John’s.
“It will be an appropriate celebration of such a rich and generous life.”
The monument has not yet been given a date.
John Easterling, her widower, wrote a memorial to her on Thursday. He thanked her supporters for the “huge ocean of love and support” that has followed her departure.
“She was the most courageous woman I’ve ever known,” he stated.
“In her most difficult times she always had the spirit, the humor, and the will power to move things into the light.”