Olivia Newton-John’s family held a ‘private’ memorial service in California for the late actress – after daughter Chloe threw dinner to mark what would have been her 74th birthday
Olivia Newton-John’s family held a ‘very private’ memorial service for the late actress last week.
The Grease star – who would have turned 74 on Monday – died of breast cancer on August 8, aged 73, and her family recently gathered together in California to celebrate her life.
A rep for the family told Us Weekly: ‘There was a small and very private family gathering in California last week to celebrate Olivia.
Paying respects: Olivia Newton-John’s family held a ‘very private’ memorial service for the late actress last week (Olivia pictured with her daughter Chloe, 36)
‘The family prefers to keep the details of the event private at this time.’
John Easterling, the actress’ husband, announced her death via social media in August, revealing she was ‘surrounded by family and friends’ when she passed away at her ranch in California.
He wrote on Facebook at the time: ‘Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time. (sic)’
Prior to her marriage to John, Olivia was married to American actor Matt Lattanzi from 1984 to 1995, with their daughter Chloe born in 1986.
Emotional: The Grease star – who would have turned 74 on Monday – died of breast cancer on August 8, aged 73, and her family recently gathered together in California to celebrate her life (pictured with her husband John Easterling in 2016)
The Grammy-winning star battled breast cancer three times and was an advocate for breast cancer research.
John – who married Olivia in 2008 – also encouraged fans to donate money to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, which sponsors research into plant medicine for cancer.
His statement continued: ‘Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.
‘Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.
A source said: ‘There was a small and very private family gathering in California last week to celebrate Olivia’ (pictured in 2017)
‘In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund (ONJFoundationFund.org).’
In 2021, Olivia revealed that plant medicine and positive thinking were helping her with her pain management.
She explained: ‘Plant medicine has been incredibly healing for me, but I think it’s just keeping a positive attitude and believing that I will be OK … is probably the most important part.’
Family: It comes after Olivia’s daughter Chloe marked what would have been her mother’s 74th birthday on Monday by hosting a special dinner in her honour
It comes after Olivia’s daughter Chloe marked what would have been her mother’s 74th birthday on Monday by hosting a special dinner in her honour.
The 36-year-old posted an emotional video to Instagram showing the celebration.
It was an intimate restaurant gathering with Olivia’s widower John also in attendance, as well as close friends and family.
Chloe captioned the video ‘birthday dinner for mama’ and filmed the small group engrossed in conversation as they waited for their food to be served.
At one point, the singer and actress is seen with sitting with her godmother Nancy Chuda before she says some heartfelt words.
‘With my godmother celebrating my beautiful mother’s birthday,’ she gushed.
Clip: Chloe posted an emotional video to Instagram showing the precious birthday party celebration
Many of Chloe’s 146,000 followers were quick to offer their well wishes.
One fan said, ‘happy heavenly birthday to Olivia’, while another posted several love heart emojis.
Chloe is the only child of Olivia Newton-John and her ex-husband Matt Lattanzi.
Heartwarming: The singer and actress was seen with sitting with her godmother Nancy Chuda (left)
Olivia died in August after a brave and public decades-long battle with cancer in which she was diagnosed three times in 1992, 2013 and, for a final time, in 2017.
Chloe recently made headlines when she revealed she had married her fiancé James Driscoll ‘years ago’ in a secret ceremony officiated by her late mother.
She shared a never-before-seen video to Instagram earlier this week of the private ceremony which took place in The Bahamas.
Nuptials: Chloe made headlines earlier this month when she revealed she had married her fiancé James Driscoll (right) ‘years ago’ in a secret ceremony officiated by her late mother
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