Hopelessly Devoted To You
Thousands gathered at the city’s Hamer Hall, and video messages remembering the actor and singer came from stars including Sir Cliff Richard, Mariah Carey, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Pink and Barry Gibb.
Dolly, 77, began by saying “the world lost one of its greatest talents when Olivia left us”. The US country music icon added: “I know it’s especially painful for all the folks there in Australia since she is one of your own. You should be very proud and know that the whole world mourns with you.” Olivia, who had a string of No 1 hits and starred in movies such as Grease and Xanadu, died in August last year, aged 73, after several battles with cancer. Sir Elton, 75, described her as “someone I always looked forward to seeing”. He added: “She was a wonderful force of nature – she was funny, she was kind, she was warm and she was talented and every time we got together we laughed and laughed and laughed.” Mariah, 53, said she was “a friend and fan” of the late singer. The US star said: “As a little girl I loved her so much. Grease was probably the first movie I saw. Then I got to meet her and we performed together. I looked up to her.”
Nicole was inspired after seeing Grease too. The Australian actor, 55, said: “She was just a light in this world. We all send our love, Livvie.”
And, choking back tears, Olivia’s daughter Chloe Lattanzi, left, remembered special moments with her “mama”. The 37-year-old said: “I loved our snuggles, the way she smelled. I love how she loved fully and completely.”
Australia’s sweetheart…the legendary singer and actress was adored Down Under.