What a wonderful tribute: Goldie Hawn's incredible Olivia moment
The devastating death of Dame Olivia Newton-John has rocked the world as many sent their condolences to her family.
The Grease star “passed away peacefully” at the age of 73 at her Ranch in Southern California surrounded by family.
While Olivia’s family has been awash in an outpouring of love, support and shared grief, few tributes produced full-body goosebumps quite like the one shared by the normally highly private and reticent Goldie Hawn.
Goldie took to Instagram to share a beautiful musical line-up that featured Olivia, Lily Tomlin, Cher, Bette Midler, Meryl Streep and of course, herself.
“A light landed on this planet 73 years ago,” Goldie’s caption read.
“Her voice brought us to such joyous heights, nothing held her back, nothing. Her mind was strong and heroic.
“Olivia’s light will continue to shine and will never flicker. Never.
“Rest sweetheart. Rest peacefully, you are Love.”
The clip from 1990 shows the women gathered on stage taking turns to sing verses from Louis Armstrong’s What A Wonderful World.
A young Olivia appears in a stunning red dress and gold locks as she smashes her verse to a rapturous crowd.
This beautiful dedication to Olivia is not the only one that has emerged, with an interview from just two years prior in 2020 re-surfacing to great delight.
Olivia was being interviewed on The Project by Lisa Wilkinson about her journey with breast cancer.
“I have to ask on behalf of everyone in Australia who loves and adores you and has done for decades, how is your health?” Lisa asked.
A jubilant Olivia smiled at the audience, put her hands up in the air and said “Fantastic!”.
“I’m doing really well, thank you, and thank you for all your love and support, I really appreciate it.
“I believe your belief system is part of the healing. All I can know is that my last MRI, things are shrinking, going away or staying the same, and I’m living with it and feeling great.”
Fellow Australian Kylie Minogue also offered a heartfelt tribute to the singer and actress by sharing a throwback photo of the pair in 1988.
The photo was a black and white image of Kylie and Olivia standing together at the Royal Bicentennial Concert.
“Since I was ten years old, I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton John. And, I always will. (Just like this picture @nfsaonline),” she wrote.
“She was, and always will be, an inspiration to me in so many, many ways. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. x ONJ4EVER @therealonj.”
Delta Goodrem also offered her condolences to her “friend and mentor” with a beautiful photo of the pair hugging.
“The whole world will feel this heartbreak today because the entire world felt Olivia’s unmatched light,” she wrote.
“A force for good. A force of nature. Strong and kind. my mentor, my friend, my inspiration, someone who always guided me…she was always there for me. Family to me.
“I don’t have all the words I would like to say today but I hope everyone will join in celebrating our beloved Olivia, her heart, soul, talent, courage, grace…
“I love you forever.”
Olivia’s husband announced the awful news on Instagram via his late wife’s account asking for privacy as they mourn her death.
“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,” he wrote.
“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. 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.”
Images: Instagram