Australian singer Vanessa Amorosi became overcome with emotion on Tuesday after Olivia Newton-John’s death, during a live interview on Sunrise.
The 41-year-old was chatting to hosts Natalie Barr and David ‘Kochie’ Koch about performing at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham when she was asked about her memories with late Grease star Olivia.
Towards the end of the chat, Vanessa called time on the interview as she broke down in tears after a picture of herself, Olivia and Tina Arena flashed up on screen.
Australian singer Vanessa Amorosi cut short her live interview on Sunrise on Tuesday, as she learned the news of Olivia Newton-John’s death and became overcome with emotion. Pictured center with Tina Arena and Olivia at a press conference ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Sydney in 2000
‘We know it’s a sad day for you and so many people, but we wanted to show this photo from quite a few years ago of you, Olivia Newton-John and Tina Arena,’ Natalie said.
‘Can you talk us through those memories, that time, Vanessa?’
Vanessa replied: ‘Both of these women are women I have looked up to since I was a kid… I don’t know. I’m actually very sad about Olivia, to be honest. It’s…’ she trailed off before raising her hand to signal the end of the interview.
Towards the end of the chat, Vanessa called time on the interview as she broke down in tears after a picture of herself, Olivia and Tina Arena flashed up on screen. ‘I’m actually very sad about Olivia, to be honest,’ she said
Vanessa did the interview after performing on stage at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. Pictured on stage at the event
Earlier at the start of the chat, live from Birmingham, Vanessa said she walked off stage to the sad news and hadn’t had time to ‘process’ it yet
The picture showed the trio at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
Earlier at the start of the chat, live from Birmingham, Vanessa said she walked off stage to the sad news and hadn’t had time to ‘process’ it yet.
‘I don’t particularly want to think about it, because I’ll get very emotional,’ Vanessa said.
‘I just literally had one of the highest endorphins that just happened out there [at the closing ceremony], to being extremely sad coming offstage and checking my phone. I don’t think I’ve really processed it yet,’ she said.
Olivia’s death was announced by her husband John Easterling on Monday on her social media pages. The Australian icon passed away at the age of 73 after battling stage four metastatic breast cancer.
‘I don’t particularly want to think about it, because I’ll get very emotional,’ Vanessa said
Olivia’s death was announced by her husband John Easterling on Monday on her social media pages. She passed away at the age of 73 after battling stage four metastatic breast cancer
Easterling said his wife died at her Southern California home surrounded by family and friends.
‘Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,’ he 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.
‘Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,’ he wrote
‘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 organization, the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, instead of flowers.
She is survived by her 36-year-old daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, 36.
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.
She is survived by her 36-year-old daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, 36. The actress famously beat breast cancer twice but was diagnosed again in 2017
In a haunting interview with The Guardian in 2020, she said of the disease: ‘It’s been a part of my life for so long.
‘I felt something was wrong. It’s concerning when it comes back, but I thought ‘I’ll get through it again”.
In other interviews, when asked how she battled the disease so bravely, she said: ‘I’ve had and am having an amazing life so I have no complaints.
‘I really don’t. Everyone goes through something. We all have something we need to go through in life. This has been my challenge.’
Earlier this year, Olivia said how she tries to keep positive amid her battle, telling Who magazine: ‘I focus on the positive side of things, no matter what the challenge.’
In light of her diagnosis, Olivia said at the time that she doesn’t focus on statistics or time limits.
‘Positive thinking is so important to living a healthy and happy life,’ she said.
Earlier this year, Olivia said how she tries to keep positive amid her battle, telling Who magazine: ‘I focus on the positive side of things, no matter what the challenge’
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