As fans around the globe attempt to process the loss of the legendary entertainment figure Olivia Newton-John, her daughter has opened up about the late star’s moving last words.
Newton-John passed away following a long battle with cancer on August 8, 2022.
The Grease star died peacefully surrounded by her family at her Southern California ranch, according to her husband John Easterling who announced her passing via social media at the time.
“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.
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Now months on from her passing, Newton John’s daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, has opened up about the final words her late mother spoke to her.
“The last words she could say to me was, ‘My sunshine,’ ” Lattanzi said during an interview with the Today show.
“And right before she lost her ability to speak, she was making jokes.
“I love my mom more than anything.
“She’s my mama, you know? She’s not Olivia Newton-John to me, but I’m so glad that she was Olivia Newton-John for so many people.”
Newton-John’s husband also reflected on how he still feels his late wife’s presence “late at night or early in the morning” and will often talk to her from time to time.
“You’ll know I’ll just be walking around the house or throwing the ball for the dogs and just speak to her out loud,” Easterling said.
“A guy I was flying with said, ‘You know, John, when you’re lucky enough to have found your true soul mate, and you share a heart, when one passes, the other has the obligation to live life for both.’
“And that was very empowering and very powerful for me, and, you know, and gave a way forward.”
EXCLUSIVE: The husband and daughter of Olivia Newton-John open up to TODAY’s @hodakotb in their first television interview since the star’s passing six months ago. https://t.co/6CbHvvOd3W pic.twitter.com/SY4hMqNUxh
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) February 17, 2023
Easterling previously discussed his late wife’s final days in an interview with The Daily Telegraph in which he also spoke of his wife’s “uncommon ability to care” and that she was a “joyful spirit” not interested in “all the accolades” that came with her life of fame.
“She was very clear and very alive and very conscious and not in pain. So there was a quality of life there at that time that I think is so critical,” he told the publication.
It was recently announced that Newton-John’s Australian fans would be given the opportunity to bid farewell to the beloved entertainment icon after the star’s state memorial was officially confirmed.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the news on Thursday, February 2, revealing that the service honouring Newton-John’s life and legacy will be held on February 26 at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall.
“Dame Olivia Newton-John was an inspiration to many around the world – her work in cancer research and treatment saved lives and changed lives, and her music was the soundtrack to a generation,” Andrews said.
“We know Victorians are eager to celebrate the life of a driving force in medical research and an icon of film and music with a service befitting her international acclaim.”