‘The most extraordinary person’: Family, friends and fans remember the late Olivia Newton-John

Newton-John’s family and friends will lead tributes to the performer with a few of her famous friends including Delta Goodrem set to perform.

Attendees have been asked to wear a touch of orange as it was the singer’s favourite colour.

Singer Dannii Minogue and Patti Newton, the wife of the late TV star Bert Newton are among the big names arriving on the special orange carpet.

Friends including a former flatmate as well as politicians are also gathering.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is also there.

People involved with her cancer research charity are also remembering her.

Ahead of the service at Hamer Hall, Goodrem paid tribute to the Grease star.

“We all love her so much so it’s wonderful to see everybody out,” she said.

“She was really a light for all of the industry.”

Nine’s entertainment editor Richard Wilkins said Newton-John left Melbourne and took on the world with “all of that beautiful talent that she had”.

“I think it’s important that she’s remembered and recognised for what she did because she was a trailblazer,” Wilkins said.

“(She) never stood on anyone on the way through.

“She was always helping other people (and) she was always keen to support others.”

Actress Magda Szubanski spoke about the legacy she has left behind.

“She was the most extraordinary, humble person given what she achieved,” Szubanski said.

“All of the stories that you hear about her legendary generosity… she’s just a really fabulous Australian.

“It’s important to honour and acknowledge that.”

Singer Dannii Minogue said Newton-John had a profound impact on the course of her life.

“To me, she is literally the reason why I started performing,” Minogue said.

“I was lucky enough to tell her that the first time we met”.

Ahead of the service, the late singer’s family released a photo tribute featuring images from Newton-John’s personal collection.

Today host Richard Wilkins, a long-time friend of Newton-John’s, has been invited by her family to speak at the service.

“She was a person who was universally adored and brought so much into the world. She was a remarkable person,” he said.

After surviving cancer in 1992 and again in 2013, it returned in 2017 and on August 9, 2022, the Grammy-award winner lost her battle with spinal cancer.

“A lot of people are getting together for the first time since Olivia left us all,” Wilkins said.

Across six decades, Newton-John released 28 studio albums, won four Grammy awards, and sold more than 100 million records worldwide.