Thousands set to gather to honour beloved entertainer Olivia Newton-John

Over a year has passed since the heartbreaking loss of the beloved entertainer Olivia Newton-John, and this weekend, thousands are anticipated to gather at Melbourne’s Alexandra Gardens to pay tribute to 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 will be Newton-John’s daughter Chloe Lattanzi who told Sunrise that she hopes “to rally everyone together, the way my mum did and encourage you all to walk either on Sunday, October 8 in Melbourne with me or virtually, so we can continue to honour my mamma’s work”.

“My 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,” she said.

“I am so proud of the work she’s done. Please sign up and walk with us, walk with my mamma — I know she is with us in spirit.”

In a Sunrise exclusive, @natalie_barr spoke with an emotional Chloe Lattanzi about her mum Olivia Newton John’s legacy ahead of the @ONJCancerCentre‘s Walk For Wellness.
SIGN UP OR DONATE HERE – https://t.co/yvOUle2ThS pic.twitter.com/i9vSlixJBb

— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) October 5, 2023

Newton-John’s husband, John Easterling told the news outlet that “the wellness programs at the ONJ Centre was a dream realised for Olivia. Let’s keep her dream thriving, providing quality of life and healing for anyone with cancer”.

Olivia’s niece Tottie Goldsmith will also be in attendance alongside Lattanzi. Goldsmith said she was looking forward to being by her side during the event and “holding hands with her”.

“She is amazing, she’s vulnerable and she’s had a great loss but she has incredible strength underneath that and she’s a real warrior woman,” Tottie told Today.

“I’m just really proud of her and I can’t wait for Sunday to be with her, holding hands with her – it was way too empty losing Olivia last year, and it was way too early to have Chloe there.”

Goldsmith shared that the entire family has experienced a remarkable improvement compared to last year, attributing their progress to the meaningful purpose of raising funds for the charity, which has made a significant difference in their lives.

“Grief is an odd thing, one minute you’re fine and then I get triggered and it hurts deeply and I miss her so much,” she said.

“But we’re good, we have this purpose and that’s really important.”