OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN STATE MEMORIAL - 9 News Melbourne (February 26, 2023)
Olivia Newton-John State Memorial - 9 News Melbourne (February 26, 2023)
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00:00Good evening. That smile, that voice, they will be the enduring memories of Olivia Newton-John,
00:06who was today farewelled by the city that held her so dear.
00:10Among the sombre and tearful tributes from Olivia's closest family and friends
00:15was music, stories and gratitude for her work in cancer research.
00:19Mark Burrows begins our coverage.
00:22Olivia's last performance, a sellout from adoring fans.
00:27I'm feeling a bit apprehensive and I haven't brought any tissues because I know I'm just going to cry.
00:35To the scientists who ran her Melbourne Cancer Centre.
00:38We need to work on it and that really means we need to do a lot of research
00:42and I think Olivia was a beautiful champion of really conveying that message.
00:47Delta was in tears even before the show.
00:50I think it's really important today the healing for everybody, for the whole country and of course around the world.
00:55Two and a half thousand inside and carried live to hundreds of thousands around the country.
01:00We are here to celebrate an incredible life, a remarkable life.
01:06A little known song from Olivia's heart, grace and gratitude, how she lived her life.
01:12I thank you.
01:18And from primary school kids at Olivia's old school.
01:22And once Australia fair.
01:29From her husband John Easterling who knew he had found his soul mate when he first heard her sing.
01:35I asked her to be my girl, it's pretty corny but I actually said those words.
01:39And he spoke about the Olivia few knew.
01:42Every day with Olivia was supernatural.
01:45Every day with Olivia was a bit of magic.
01:51And the magic most of us knew was of course celebrated.
01:55A career of six decades, four Grammy awards, a hundred million records worldwide and the movie that made her, Grace.
02:09Flying in from the States, Olivia's daughter Chloe.
02:13I feel like a little girl lost without her mother.
02:19She was my safe space, my guide, my biggest fan and the earth beneath my feet.
02:27Her fans felt connected to Olivia but no one was more connected than Chloe.
02:32I love how she loved fully and completely.
02:37Olivia's niece, Toddy Goldsmith recounting a road trip with Artie Liv from LA to Vegas.
02:44We once got lost driving in a straight line from LA to Vegas.
02:48And actually were pulled over by the police on that trip when she was at the wheel and guess who didn't cop a speeding fine.
02:55Olivia's legacy in Melbourne, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Institute and Wellness Centre.
03:01I'm sure you can imagine the feeling Olivia left patients with, not because she's a superstar,
03:08but because of the understanding that comes from a shared human experience.
03:13Olivia was a healer.
03:15And from those who couldn't be there in person.
03:18I grew up with her, listening to her, I would perform her songs at school.
03:23I remember when I first saw Grace, I was like, I want to be Olivia Newton-John.
03:29I have to salute her deliberate intention to keep going, to keep going no matter what.
03:38She was fun, she was beautiful, she was kind.
03:41Those kind of people don't come along very often.
03:44Richard Wilkins spoke on behalf of the entertainment industry.
03:47Olivia will not only be remembered for the wonderful music, the fabulous films and all those awards,
03:53the record sales, the chart positions and the box office receipts,
03:57but for the love and light she brought into the world and received in return.
04:03Hopelessly devoted to you.
04:12A full life, selfless, brilliantly lived.
04:17Mark Burrows, Nine News.
04:20And Stephanie Anderson joins me now live from Hamer Hall.
04:24Steph, the service is now wrapped up.
04:28It has, Alisha, and those 2,300 people who were able to take it in in person inside Hamer Hall
04:33are slowly making their way out and back along this orange carpet.
04:37Everyone I've spoken to has said what an incredible sense of celebration there was in the room
04:41and it certainly came through in the broadcast as well.
04:44All those facets of her life that had to be captured, the Cancer and Wellness Centre,
04:49the showbiz, her friends, her family and her fans.
04:52There is certainly a feeling here that it's been a very fitting farewell
04:55for the amazing Olivia Newton-John this afternoon, Olivia.
04:58Alisha.
04:59Yes, it was. Okay, Steph, thank you.