A Love So Great
Nine months after the death of her beloved mother Irene, singer Olivia Newton-John put together a tribute to celebrate and remember her life
One of her dearest friends, the late Peter Allen, made famous the words I Still Call Australia Home, but never before has that distinctly Aussie phrase meant so much to performer Olivia Newton-John. The LA-based singer, actress and environmentalist jetted home last week to launch two very personal projects-the Liv Kit, an extraordinary breast self-examination aid, and a petition calling for the release of a breast cancer awareness postage stamp in Australia.
But it was the deeply moving, private tribute that Olivia and her family put together to honour her late mother Irene that will perhaps give the music icon her greatest sense of personal fulfilment.
Nine months ago Olivia lost her greatest mentor, confidante and friend. After a long illness 89-year-old Irene, who had been one of the greatest influences on Olivia’s life, died. The loss to Olivia and her family, including teenage daughter Chloe, was insurmountable.
At the time the emotions of her passing were too painful to pay full tribute to the woman who was the centre of their world, but they pledged to pay homage to her talent and generosity of spirit.
We still miss her terribly, Olivia says. Every day I think about her we all think about her. We wanted to find a way to reflect her energy and vitality and to celebrate her life, so that’s what we did.
“When you lose a parent you are too overcome with grief to really embrace and remember why they were so wonderful. When mum passed away we had a very small funeral service, but we still wanted to actually celebrate her life.”
Olivia and her family spent six months putting together a touching memorial service for Irene, which took place at one of Irene’s most treasured places, Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens.
“It was such a happy, wonderful, joyful occasion. It was a complete celebration of her life by her family and friends, the people who loved her, and there was a really wonderful energy around.”
“It all went perfectly, and at the end of the service the skies opened up and there was a little sprinkling of rain. I’m sure it was a sign from her,” she says.
Olivia compiled photographs and snippets of footage from Irene and her family into a magnificent montage, they read poetry Irene had written, and then officially named a garden bench after her.
“Mum was an amazing photographer, and I always had the intention of putting together an art showing of her work,” Olivia says.
“But so often in life we don’t take the time while people are living to do the things we want to do for them. I really wanted everyone to see what a wonderful photographer she was, so we hung her work around for everyone to enjoy.”
“The gardens were one of her favourite places, so the bench seemed like a nice idea because we wanted everyone to feel the joy she experienced coming here.”
Irene’s photographs have now been donated to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre at the Austin Hospital in Victoria, where they will hang permanently.
And funds raised from the sale of the Liv Kit will go towards the development of this important cancer centre as well.
The Liv Kit, launched last week, features the Liv Aid, a revolutionary breast self-examination pad that helps women detect changes in their breasts.
“If it helps save the life of one woman, then it will be worthwhile,” says Olivia, who detected her own cancer after her regular mammogram failed to pick up a lump in her breast 12 years ago.
“I’m living proof that there is life after breast cancer, but early detection is crucial. The chances of survival are so much greater. I want every woman to be in touch with her own breast health.”
While home, Olivia has also mounted a petition to lobby Australia Post and the government for the release of a unique breast cancer stamp that has raised almost $57 million in the US. She hopes to receive one million signatures.
“Research costs money. People can spend a few cents extra on the breast cancer stamp or not, it’s all about choice. It’s the biggest-selling stamp in the US, so imagine the amazing work we could do for cancer research if it was available here!” Olivia enthuses.
By Sue Smethurst. Pictures: Michelle Day, www.oliviaportraits.com
Register your support of Olivia’s petition for a breast cancer stamp by calling (03) 9698 0200 or by e-mailing oliviasrgroup.com.au.
WIN A TRIP TO MEET OLIVIA
Olivia has just released her Liv Kit breast self-examination aid. And to celebrate you have the chance to meet Olivia and see her perform live in concert in the US!
Every New Idea reader who orders a Liv Kit before June 30 has a chance to win this fabulous prize. The Liv Kit costs $49.95, plus $6.95 postage and handling. Just call 1800 888 803, order your Liv Kit, then tell us in 25 words or less why you’d like to win. One reader from each state or territory will win a trip to the US to meet Olivia and see her in concert, plus a Dr. LeWinn’s Private Formula skin care selection valued at $500.
The kit’s Liv Aid features touch enhancing for greater sensitivity, reduces friction between fingers and skin, comes in one universal size and is easy to clean and store.
NEW IDEA EXCLUSIVE
Thanks to New Idea and Dr. LeWinn’s Private Formula, $5 from every Liv Kit ordered under this promotion will be donated to the Liv Foundation Charitable Trust, to support the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in Melbourne.
YOUR PRIZE
Each winner receives:
Two return economy airfares from the winner’s nearest capital city to the US (destination city subject to Olivia’s tour dates).
Five nights twin-share accommodation.
Airport transfers in the US.
Two tickets to see Olivia Newton-John live in concert.
Meet and greet with Olivia backstage at the concert.
$500 Dr. LeWinn’s Private Formula gift basket.
More from the Liv Kit.