Tributes continue to flow for Olivia Newton-John after her passing on Tuesday morning, as her family is set to accept an offer from the Victorian government to farewell the singer, movie star and philanthropist at a state funeral.
Tottie Goldsmith, one of Newton-John’s nieces, confirmed the family would accept the offer for a state funeral on Tuesday night’s episode of A Current Affair.
Rod Laver Arena lights up. Image: @rodlaverarena (Instagram)
“We will,” she told the program.
“On behalf of not just our family but I think Australia needs it.
“She’s so loved and I think our country needs it so we’re going to accept it.”
Federation Square pays tribute to the ‘Grease’ star. Image: @fed.square (Instagram)
Earlier, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said he wished to speak to the star’s family before speaking about any plans for a state funeral.
“As for celebrating her life and 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,” he said.
“We’ve only just learned this sad news.”
The MCG pays tribute to Olivia Newton-John. Image: @mcg (Instagram)
The Premier also announced that landmarks across Melbourne would be lit up in pink on Tuesday night to pay tribute to the Xanadu star.
The glowing landmarks included Flinders Station, Federation Square, the MCG, the National Gallery of Victoria, the Rod Laver Arena and the Recital Centre.
Spotted tonight in Melbourne on my way to another #MIFF2022 in the city. Lit up pink for Olivia Newton-John pic.twitter.com/ILhviG0b0D
— Glenn Dunks (@glenndunks) August 9, 2022
💕 Flinders Street Station, Melbourne. Beautifully lit in pink this evening, in tribute to the late Olivia Newton John 💕 pic.twitter.com/vNjp3C2baX
— Sarah Tudor (@sarahtudor12) August 9, 2022
Tonight our Spire is lit pink in a commemorative illumination of landmarks across the city, honouring Olivia Newton-John and her establishment of the Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne. 💗 pic.twitter.com/Rt5NgwI1Xg
— Arts Centre Melbourne (@artscentremelb) August 9, 2022
“Tonight, landmarks across our city will be lit up in pink to remember Olivia Newton-John and her enormous contribution to cancer awareness, research and treatment,” Mr Andrews shared on social media that afternoon.
“Vale Olivia Newton John.”
Image: @RositaDaz48 (Twitter)
This article first appeared on OverSixty.