Olivia Newton-John’s funeral plans revealed: Family accept state memorial in Melbourne, Australia

Australians will get a chance to publicly mourn Olivia Newton-John, with the beloved entertainer’s family accepting an offer for a state memorial service.

Newton-John’s daughter Tottie Goldsmith accepted the offer on the family’s behalf while speaking with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Thursday morning.

A venue and date for the service have yet to be announced, with further discussions under way between the family and the premier’s department.

Olivia’s death was announced on Monday, after a 30-year battle with cancer.

But Mr Andrews flagged the event will be more of a concert than a traditional funeral service.

‘The family were quite touched at the prospect of Victorians being able to come together and celebrate Olivia’s life,’ Mr Andrews said.

‘As tough as this time is… it’s made a little easier by all the outpouring of grief and support, and the very fond memories people are sharing of such an amazing person.’

The actress, singer and activist was reportedly planning to write an introductory letter to new Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, federal Health Minister Mark Butler and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to push for greater access to medicinal cannabis.

Ms Thomas said she had not received any correspondence from Newton-John but was aware of her passion to support people living in pain with cancer and other chronic illnesses.

The Grease star lost her battle with stage-four metastatic breast cancer on Monday morning.

The actress and singer died peacefully at the age of 73 at her home in southern California, surrounded by family and friends. Her husband John Easterling announced her death on her Facebook page.

‘Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,’ Easterling wrote.

‘We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.

‘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,’ he added.

The family asked for donations to be made to her cancer organisation, the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, instead of flowers.

Easterling also paid tribute to his late wife on social media this week, talking about their love for one another.

Using Newton-John’s Instagram account, Easterling wrote: ‘Our love for each other transcends our understanding. Every day we expressed our gratitude for this love that could be so deep, so real, so natural.

‘We never had to “work” on it. We were in awe of this great mystery and accepted the experience of our love as past, present and forever.’

The actress famously beat breast cancer twice but was diagnosed again in 2017.

She spent the last few years at home, campaigning for animals’ rights and raising money for her charity online.

She was also a strong campaigner for the use of medical cannabis for treatment in Australia.