Dame Olivia Newton-John’s Family to Accept Offer Of A State Funeral

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The family of Olivia Newton-John are set to be offered a state funeral by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

The Grease star, 73, died at her ranch in California after a three-decade battle with cancer.

“As for celebrating her life … her music and film and all the other amazing contributions that she made, we would, of course, want to speak to the family and be as respectful as we can,” Mr. Andrews said on Tuesday.

“She took her cancer journey and used that to save lives and change lives, and that’s just a deeply impressive thing.

“The research that’s done there (at the cancer and wellness center), the treatment, the care, the love and support central to that place is a lasting legacy to the person she was.”

Her niece Totti Goldsmith, who lives in Melbourne, told A Current Affair that the family would accept the offer of a state funeral.

In a family statement, Newton-John’s husband John Easterling said his partner “passed away peacefully” surrounded by family and friends, describing his late wife as “a symbol of triumphs and hope.”

“Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” the statement read.

“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 continue 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 is survived by her husband John Easterling; daughter Chloe Lattanzi; sister Sarah Newton-John; brother Toby Newton-John; nieces and nephews Tottie, Fiona, and Brett Goldsmith; Emerson, Charlie, Zac, Jeremy, Randall, and Pierz Newton-John; Jude Newton-Stock, Layla Lee; Kira and Tasha Edelstein; and Brin and Valerie Hall.”