Fans across the nation will be able to tune in to Olivia Newton-John’s state memorial as it will be broadcast on TV and streamed online.
The service will be held at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on Sunday, 26th February from 4pm to 6pm AEDT. It will be broadcast on Channel Nine, as well as streamed online via the Victorian Government’s website.
The free, ticketed service will honour Newton-John and include eulogies from her family and friends, as well as a performance by nine-time ARIA winner Delta Goodrem.
In addition to the memorial screening, Channel Nine will also screen a movie double of Grease at 8:30pm and Xanadu at 10:45pm, both of which star the late actress and singer.
“Dame Olivia Newton-John was an inspiration to many around the world – her work in cancer research and treatment saved lives and changed lives and her music was the soundtrack to a generation,” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said in a statement when announcing the state funeral service for Newton-John earlier this month.
He added, “We know Victorians are eager to celebrate the life of a driving force in medical research and an icon of film and music, with a service befitting her international acclaim.”
Newton-John passed away on August 8th, 2022 at age 73 after a long battle with cancer. At the time, the Grammy award winner’s husband, John Easterling, confirmed her death on Instagram, writing that she “passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends.”
The statement continued, “Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer. Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation [Olivia Newton-John Foundation].”
