Ingeborg Sorensen's memories of Olivia - Se Og Hor

JEG SAVNER HENNE DYPT

Translated from Norwegian

Leaves are in the air: Autumn is alive outside Ingeborg's home at Sagene in Oslo. I think it's so nice with all the colors now, but I'm looking forward to summer being back, says Ingeborg.

Remembered with love

It was 40 years ago during a gathering in New York. Olivia Newton-John (photo left) and Ingeborg have a pleasant evening together at an event in New York. Between them stands the son of a friend of Ingeborg's - who is more than happy to make a little trouble between the two beautiful women.

The British-Australian Hollywood actor and world entertainer fell asleep peacefully in August at her Southern California ranch - aged 73. A lifelong battle against cancer was over.

For over 40 years, Olivia and Ingeborg were close friends.

A friend for life and the last greeting.

Former beauty queen Ingeborg Sorensen (77) flips through her papers at home in Oslo. In her lap she has several sheets of paper and notebooks. When thoughts and reflections arise, she writes them down. Soon she will read in English the last greeting that she wrote to her friend.

Ingeborg clears her throat, before the room is filled with her warm and loving voice. Having these parting words posted on Olivia's memorial page has been important to her.

Dear Olivia. It was with shock and sadness that I received the news of your passing. You beautiful soul, so warm and caring – real and loving. I was so proud to call you my friend. After I moved back to Norway, we kept in touch by phone. This is how our friendship remained alive. I have so many beautiful moments with you. Rest in peace, Olivia. You will never be forgotten, concludes Ingeborg with a tear in the corner of her eye.

I met Olivia at the end of the 70s. We remained good friends until the end. She was such a true and good person. I have so many nice memories...

That Olivia had to live for 30 years with cancer was tough for her, says Ingeborg. But she never let the illness ruin her everyday life, recalls her friend.

After Ingeborg was divorced in the late 70s, she and her son Adam (48) moved from Los Angeles to New York. There she was often visited by Olivia Newton-John, and Ingeborg says that there was no shortage of funny episodes.

At the time, Olivia's name was on everyone's lips after her role as Sandy in Grease. She was rarely allowed to walk in peace on the street, and had therefore never dared to travel on the subway in New York. But she had a big dream of trying The Subway, and the two ladies planned the trip sitting in the apartment.

A wonderful time and Elevator ride.

Ingeborg found clothes, and camouflaged her friend beyond recognition. When she'd finished only the eyes showed on the Hollywood star!

First we went to a real Subway cafe in Lexington Street. She had never experienced such a place either, so we ordered a full menu with several dishes!

The two laughing ladies happily cruised around New York for many hours. You should have seen Olivia! We just danced around the carriage and hogged the streets out of sheer happiness. For her it was one great experience - much like when you fly for the first time.

That's how she was. Ingeborg is clearly moved by the memories that are still vivid so many years later.

Olivia was a person who opened her heart - and was always herself. She had no prima donna whims. When the musical Grease premiered in Oslo a few years ago, she could not come here to attend the premiere. Instead, she sent a video greeting - which opened the entire performance.

The pictures on the wall at home in Ingeborg's apartment tell of a long life in the limelight. There are many imprints in the starry sky. As fate would have it, it was she who represented Norway in Miss World in 1972 - it changed her life.

I was given great opportunities that gave me access to completely different environments than here at home. If I hadn't left, I would have probably become a happy housewife in Oslo with many children. Instead, it was an exciting life in the USA, says Ingeborg with a chuckle.

Protests.

The Miss World competition itself, 50 years ago, took place in London's venerable Royal Albert Hall.

I remember it very well. At this time the women's front began to become active. So while we posed in swimwear inside, there were many women's rights activists outside burning their bras. There were quite a few contrasts!

Over the years, Ingeborg Sorensen has received several requests to write a book about her life.

But then I say: Many people will not believe everything I have experienced. They will claim that everything has been made up. The truth is that my life has been filled with more than you can imagine, she says, winking slyly.

Knowing that there are not many other Norwegian women who have dated Elvis himself!