It was in the 1960s when a shy, teenage Olivia Newton-John first made an impression on Australians in black-and-white TV performances.
Today, thousands will gather in the heart of Melbourne to celebrate her life and its many achievements.
From her unforgettable songs and performances to her determination to support others as she faced her own challenges through multiple breast cancer diagnoses, her reach stretched far and wide.
A state memorial service will be held at Melbourne's Hamer Hall from 4pm, with a host of speakers and performances to honour the icon's 73 years.
The service will be live streamed and before it begins, a personal photo tribute from Newton-John's family will be played from 3.25pm.
In the days leading up to Newton-John's final farewell in the city where she grew up, we asked you to share your encounters with and memories of the global star.
Here are just some of the tributes you shared about the way Newton-John touched your lives.
Forever an icon as Sandy from Grease
For most people, Olivia Newton-John's name evokes her starring alongside John Travolta as Sandy in the 1978 film adaption of the musical, Grease.
For some, the ever-popular film's characters and soundtrack are intertwined with special, formative moments.
One of the very first movies my family ever watched on our first VHS machine was Grease.
I grew up with the original patriarchal father and stay-at-home mother from the Snowy and Riverina regions of NSW. I'd studied and had a keen love of music, so was utterly mesmerised by seeing Olivia light up our TV screen and speaker with her charisma, angelic voice and all-round gorgeousness. But — as so many could identify with — her transition to a confident, capable woman ready to take on the world opened my eyes to the exciting new possibilities that could lay ahead for a then pre-teen girl.
In every moment since, Olivia stands as a symbol of everything a person should aspire to be, but at a standard that eludes all but just a rare, exceptional few.
Vale Olivia
Jane, NSW
I remember my Dad, recently separated from my Mum, taking my sister and I to see Grease. It was one of those treasured every second weekend visits with our Dad. Of course we loved Grease and Olivia — the music, the dancing, the clothes and the story.
Dad told me when I was older he thought it a bit risque, but our 9 and 7 year old selves were oblivious to the quips intended for the older audience members. I'll never forget Olivia in the black hotsuit and her transformation from quiet Sandy to sexy Sandy and of course the look on John Travolta's character's face.
But the most bitter-sweet memory I have is of spending time with our Dad in the cinema sharing a cultural moment in film. Sadly my Dad passed away in May 2022 aged 77 from dementia. When Olivia passed away a few months later I spent the morning and following days listening to the radio and watching the TV coverage remembering her special talent and presence and my Dad.
Carolyn, NSW
'Music and magic' go hand in hand
From her early appearances on Australian television in the 1960s to a duet with Dolly Parton recorded shortly before her death, Newton-John's ability to delight with her singing endured through the decades.
During her career, she released 28 studio albums and six live albums and won four Grammy awards.
In 1971, I was 13. My Mum had a kidney transplant in March that year, so my Dad and I spent hours each day driving to visit her during her frequent hospital days. We did not ever miss a visit, including afternoon and night on weekends.
To make the travel time pass, we would listen to the radio. Dad would select the station on one leg of the journey and I would (obviously) pick a "pop" station for the other leg. Olivia's "Banks of the Ohio" was a lovely song that my Dad learnt the words to during that year. We would sing along loudly in the comfort of our car for years as we had many more years of hospital visits to Mum in the 1970s.
This album was the first album I ever purchased, as a way that Dad and I could then share the song with Mum when she was home. Thanks Olivia for a bonding memory for me with my parents as a young teenager.
Jan, QLD
Xanadu was the first movie I remember seeing at the drive-in. She was a goddess in the film and in real life. The fantastical nature of the film, and the incredible soundtrack, would influence my cultural and creative tastes for the rest of my life.
Several years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Olivia at her gala ball. She had a presence that took your breath away. I was completely starstruck and became at the moment a 40 year old fan boy. My partner had surprised me with the opportunity to attend the ball and meet Olivia.
I feel so fortunate that I had the opportunity to talk with her. It remains one of the big highlights of my life.
Grant, VIC
I grew up with Ms Newton-John's music and I still adore her and her music and magic. My parents named me after her when i was born in 1983, in honour of their adoration and admiration for her.
I wear the name with pride and honour. I wish I too could have such a glorious impact on the world, like she has and I am certain will continue to.
Olivia, VIC
'Generosity of spirit' in her cancer advocacy
A 1992 diagnosis of breast cancer fuelled Newton-John to not just overcome her own challenges posed by the disease but to raise funds and awareness by speaking frankly about her experience.
For many, the star's openness in speaking about her illness was comforting, and she also raised millions of dollars towards research and treatment over her lifetime.
I started listening to the song Magic again after my father was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018.
He was treated at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre at the Austin Hospital and I will always think highly of Ms Newton-John for her generosity and inspiration in healing the lives of so many people with cancer.
Unfortunately my father died of the condition last June but seeing her face in the hospital always made me feel more calm. Thanks Olivia.
Caroline, VIC
I always loved Olivia's music as a kid. Then in my early 20s my life was turned upside down when I had a close family member diagnosed with cancer.
At 21, I became the carer of a cancer patient and would listen to Olivia's music constantly. Her music and the interviews she did talking about cancer and overcoming it gave me the strength to continue on and to stay positive.
I don't think I would have made it through that time without the generosity of spirit Olivia had.
Amy, SA
Meeting a star: 'G'day', she said, friendly as anything
Over Newton-John's six-decade career, fans who encountered the star in person described her as "beautiful inside and out", "charming" and the embodiment of "generosity and kindness".
I got on a plane from Ballina to Sydney. A group got on the plane late in the seats in front. A woman sat in the seat directly in front of me. As I leaned forward to put something in the seat pocket the woman turned in her seat maybe to put on her seat belt, and our faces were only a few inches apart for a moment. "G'day" she said friendly as anything in an Aussie accent and I responded in kind. She gave me a smile and the turned back to sit in her seat. No fuss and I did not know or identify who she was.
We completed the flight and the stewardess came down and asked the woman if she would remain on board until the rest of us had got off so that the flight crew could get a photo with her. I turned to the passenger in the seat next to me and asked her who the woman in front of us was. She told me it was Olivia N J. I could not believe how down to earth and friendly she had been — no Prima Donna at all!
Leo, NSW
Olivia was my idol from when I was about 11 years old, I saw her in concert many times & in 2015 had the pleasure of meeting her and again in 2019.
I always said if I ever had a daughter, I would call her Olivia and I did in 1994. My gorgeous daughter was with me when we met Olivia at the Two Strong Hearts tour and we chatted for a few minutes before getting a photo with her and she told us that when she was a little girl no one was called Olivia but now there were so many and asked her if she was called Livvy, to which she replied yes.
She was just as beautiful inside and out as what we thought she would be. She was a true shining light.
Cristine, NSW
When I first arrived in Australia from The UK, as a television make up artist trained and working at the BBC in London, I was asked by well known fashion photographer Laurie Le Guay to give make up lessons to Olivia before he photographed her. She came to my apartment in Mosman — a shy and sweet 18 year old.
I had been privileged to have worked with many stars of stage and screen. She made a lasting impression on me with her charming personality. A wonderful career followed and we met several times.
Always a true professional.
Kit, NSW
RIP Olivia. You were my first idol. I wasn't much older that 6 when I watched Xanadu. Whilst the story line was lost on me, you made me fall in love with roller skating and your beauty. Without fail for at least 3 years, every Sunday morning I was allowed to put the old VHS on and watch Xanadu. I'd mimic every word in the movie. Then I'd go roller skating.
I met you twice. Once on Chapel Street in the 80's as a kid… totally star struck and once I served you and your Mum at a mother's day lunch. I was so nervous I lost my grasp of a bottle of Champagne and it smashed at your feet. You were gracious and polite about the situation and beamed your smile at me. I wanted to melt into the floor from embarrassment.
You embodied generosity, kindness, and determination.
May you rest well. You'll never be forgotten xx
Lily, VIC
The Olivia Newton-John memorial service will be played on the ABC News Channel from 4pm Sunday, and will also be available for live viewing on ABC iview.
