Silke Jasso
Olivia Newton-John’s memory was celebrated by her loved ones and fans all around the world. The late actress, who hailed from Australia, was commemorated during a state memorial service held at Hamer Hall in the Arts Centre in Melbourne on Sunday.
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Mourners from all over the world were able to join Newton-John’s family and friends in remembering the star through speeches, songs, and her work in cancer research via a live stream.
Many celebrities, including Pink, Elton John, Mariah Carey, Barry Gibb, and Nicole Kidman, among others, sent in videos sharing their fondest memories of the late actress.
The most touching moments of the event were shared by Newton-John’s husband, John Easterling, and daughter, Chloe Rose Lattanzi. During his time on stage, Easterling became emotional as he recounted their heartwarming proposal, which took place in Arizona.
Having been married to the actress since 2008, Easterling recounted that during a Valentine’s Day hike in the Red Rocks, he and Newton-John encountered a few obstacles that disrupted the special moment. Upon returning to their hotel, they played a game of charades, during which the Grease actress comically and unintentionally proposed to him.
“The secret phrase was ‘Will you marry me?’ And she got ‘will’ and she got ‘you,’ and then I said it rhymes with ‘hairy,’ and then out of nowhere she just said, ‘Will you marry me?’ And I said, ‘Yes,’ ” he shared with the crowd. “She looked stunned for a minute, and then started laughing … but that’s the story of how Olivia proposed to me.”
Newton-John’s daughter, Chloe Lattanzi also spoke about her late mother, becoming emotional during her tribute.
“My heart is broken in two, the other half is with my mama. I know she’s holding it for me until we meet again,” Lattanzi, 37, she stated.
“I stand here before you so desperately, wanting to feel strong and confident and speak eloquently, but the truth is I feel like a little girl lost without her mother,” she continued. “She was my safe space, my guide, my biggest fan and the earth beneath my feet.”
“I know she’s here, standing beside me and within me. I can hear her voice, [saying], ‘You’re safe, my darling. Don’t be afraid. You’re so much stronger than you think. Speak from your heart. That’s all you have to do.’ “
 Newton-John tragically died in August 2022, at the age of 73. The actress and singer had a 30-year battle with breast cancer.Â
The memorial service will be able to stream on YouTube until March 5.Â
