Key events
NSW expected to elect Matt Kean as deputy leader
While the nation and international community mourns Newton-John, the cogs in the wheels of politics continue to turn.
New South Wales Liberal party will today elect its deputy leader after Stuart Ayres resigned last week.
Treasurer Matt Kean is the only candidate running, after transport minister David Elliott pulled out yesterday.
As my colleague Michael McGowan reported yesterday:
The meeting is likely to be a coronation for Kean, but not before a nasty public fight prompted by the transport minister David Elliott’s determination to block him from winning the job.
After insisting he would run for the role, Elliott went on Sydney radio station 2GB on Monday to announce he would withdraw from the contest.
“Yes, I’m disappointed. Yes, I’ve had to eat humble pie. Yes, I’ve had to say to the premier, ‘Yep, you’re the boss’,” Elliott said.
Daughter remembers Newton-John as “best friend”
Newton-John’s daughter Chloe Lattanzi shared this beautiful childhood image with her late mother, with no words.
Only three days before Lattanzi had shared a recent image with her mother captioned “I worship this woman. My mother. My best friend.”
Radiohead guitarist remembers Newton-John for being more than first crush
Ed O’Brien, the guitarist for Radiohead, remembers Newton-John for being his first crush, as well as for helping him through the “really rough time”.
“My imaginary friendship with you, which lasted from 1978 until 1980 helped me to deal with the fallout of my parent’s divorce,” O’Brien wrote on Instagram.
Tributes pour in to Newton-John
Grease co-star John Travolta shared a message to Newton-John on social media signed “Your Danny, your John”:
My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!
Fellow entertainers and leaders the world over have also paid tribute to the beloved star.
Oh man!!! You were my childhood!! Your talent, poise, beauty!! Rest in glorious peace. God bless your family….and thank you for creating eternal memories. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/eaS2wmURIh
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) August 8, 2022
Very sad news we are waking up to today that the wonderful Olivia Newton John has passed away. She almost seemed immortal and her star power was always shining bright. Her work to raise awareness and fund cancer research will live on. Vale ONJ. #RIPOliviaNewtonJohn pic.twitter.com/nDmOOUOrBg
— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) August 8, 2022
Good morning
Australia wakes to the news that one of its biggest stars, Olivia Newton-John, has died aged 73.
Beyond Sandy and a career as a best-selling artist, Newton-John was known for her advocacy for cancer research following her own diagnosis.
In a statement posted on social media, Olivia Newton-John’s husband John Easterling said:
Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends.
Guardian Australia would love to receive your tributes in the comments.
