Olivia Newton-John 1948-2022
We at The Carousel join fans and admirers of Dame Olivia Newton-John in mourning her death this week at her ranch in southern California. She was 73 years old. English born and Australian raised, Olivia was a singer, actor and activist who deservedly became an Australian national treasure.
While we remember Olivia’s stellar Grammy-award winning career and iconic status as a performer, she was so much more than just the music. Yes, we loved her singing Jolene. Yes, we loved her as Sandy. And yes, we admired her racy re-invention as she urged us to get “Physical”.
But it’s the grit, grace and courage she showed over the 30 years she lived with breast cancer and the activism and philanthropy that emerged from her repeated diagnoses that we especially pay homage to with the news of her passing.
Olivia used the power of her celebrity to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. She established the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in her hometown of Melbourne where patients experience world-leading treatment and care complemented by wellness programs to support patients in body, mind and spirit. The centre has over 200 clinical trials in progress, providing access to new, breakthrough therapies.
While we forever will be in awe of her pitch perfect voice and wistfully remember her radiance and down to earth persona, it’s her legacy to combat breast cancer and her stand for women who live with it that we’re most grateful for.
RIP Olivia.
The Carousel Team.
Picture above of Olivia Newton-John by Mark Bourdillion (copyright)
