On Wednesday, the Sydney Opera House turned pink in tribute to Olivia Newton-John, singer and Grease actress whom we lost on Monday.
Meanwhile, Australian landmarks like Perth’s Optus Stadium and Melbourne’s Flinders Street railway station gleamed pink lights on Tuesday to remember the performer who was born in the United Kingdom yet is currently among Australia’s favorite celebrities.
According to Victorian state Premier Dan Andrews, the action was done “to remember Olivia Newton-John, and her enormous contribution to cancer awareness, research, and treatment.”
An image of the late Newton-John was also shown on the side of Fed Square – an arts and culture place in the city center of Melbourne.
Newton-John overcame two waves of breast cancer – one in the 1990s and another in 2017. Then within a year in 2018, she announced that she was fighting cancer again, this time at the base of her spine.
Newton-John Stayed Positive Amid the Disease
While she was struggling with the disease, Newton-John never lost hope.
“I believe that when you go through something difficult, even something as dramatic as cancer, that something positive will come of it,” she said on the website for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, which started its operation in Melbourne in 2012.
“With more and more people affected by cancer every day, I believe we are in a world desperate for healing, and I’m committed to doing whatever I can to help.”
After her death, the organization issued a statement, saying Newton-John’s “generous support and gift provided hope and changed the lives of thousands of cancer patients.”
Read also: Rebel Wilson Honors Screen Mom Olivia Newton-John
Australia Organizes Two State Funerals This Month
Mere hours following her death, Andrews stated that the state would meet with Newton-John’s family to discuss the probability of a state funeral. In an interview with Nine Network, Newton-John’s niece Tottie Goldsmith said they wanted to give their approval.
“I think Australia needs it,” Goldsmith said, crying. “She’s so loved. And I think our country needs it, so we’re going to accept that.”
The premier’s office has not yet confirmed or announced any information about the funeral.
If the state funeral is pushed through, it will be the second time an Australian singer has been offered this honor this month. The Victorian government is conducting a state funeral for Judith Durham, The Seekers’ lead singer, who died on August 5 at 79.
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