In what will surely be a night to remember, some of Australia’s brightest musical talents will come together alongside the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra next year to celebrate the life and legacy of beloved entertainer Olivia Newton-John.
Hosted at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall by Newton-John’s niece, Tottie Goldsmith, the highly anticipated celebration will feature performances from David Campbell, Jess Hitchcock, Georgina Hopson and Christie Whelan Browne.
Together they will perform some of the greatest hits from Newton-John’s films and record-breaking albums including Hopelessly Devoted to You, You’re the One That I Want, Physical, Make a Move on Me, Xanadu, Magic, I Honestly Love You and more
During an appearance on The Sunday Project, Goldsmith told viewers that donations from the Hopelessly Devoted: A Celebration of Olivia Newton-John concert will be made to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness Centre and will celebrate International Women’s Day in 2024.
“It’s going to be so beautiful, and it will really help the hospital,” Goldsmith said.
In addition to the upcoming tribute concert, thousands recently gathered at Melbourne’s Alexandra Gardens to honour the iconic star through the late artist’s Walk for Wellness.
The yearly Walk for Wellness plays a pivotal role in providing vital support for cancer patients, enabling them to access free, evidence-based wellness therapies at the renowned Olivia Newton-John Wellness Centre (ONJ Centre) to complement their cancer treatment.
Joining the sea of supporters this year was Newton-John’s daughter Chloe Lattanzi who told Sunrise that her “mum loved this walk, she looked forward to it every year, and I am now going to carry the torch and keep her dream alive”.
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, who announced her death via social media.
“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 said at the 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. 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.”