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Olivia Newton John: An icon in pictures

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Olivia Newton-John breaks down in tears amid fight for life

So sad! - by Delicia Smith
  • 13 Jun 2019

When talking of great Australians, Olivia Newton-John is up there with the best of them. 

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The singer-songwriter, who was announced on the Australia Day honours list earlier this year, was presented with Australia’s highest honour, the Companion of the Order of Australia in Los Angeles on Wednesday. 

Grease star Olivia, who has been battling breast cancer for 27 years after first being diagnosed in 1992, was joined by 30 close friends and family at the ceremony at her California home. 

As Joe Hockey, the Australian ambassador to the US hung the medal around her neck, Olivia couldn't hold back the tears, The Australian reported.  

“Thank you for this gorgeous medal, I’m so thrilled to be sharing this big honour with you,” Olivia said. 

“I’ll continue to do the best for the country I love.”

And then the tears began to flow.

joehockeyusa View Profile
162 likes - View Post on Instagram
It was my honour to present the Companion of the Order of Australia to Olivia Newton-John in Los Angeles on Tuesday. _ Olivia is one of the world's best selling artists of all time with a long musical and acting career. She was recognised by our nation not just because we are proud of her but because she changed the world in so many ways - including as a champion for women's cancer care and as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador. Olivia is one of the most optimistic people I have ever met. I was proud to share the special moment alongside her wonderful family and friends. Congratulations @therealonj and thank you for all you've done for Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

Joe Hockey spoke of Olivia "changing the world" as he presented the award to the emotional star. 

“You are being recognised by your nation not just because we are proud of you but because you have changed the world,” he said.

“It is not just because of your singing, songwriting, acting — that’s the stuff that has lit up so many faces … but you are doing it now from a philanthropy perspective, simply by illustrating to the world you never give up. You never walk away from any challenge. You are the most optimistic person I have ever met.”

Olivia's AC reflects not only her career as an entertainer but also her work as a global voice in the fight against cancer - a commitment which led the 70-year-old to establish the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in her home town of Melbourne in 2015.

It was revealed last year that the Grammy Award winner's cancer battle isn't over, with the disease returning as she fights it for the third time.

  • Celebrity
  • Entertainment And Showbiz
Delicia Smith

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