Australian actress and niece to Olivia Newton-John, Tottie Goldsmith burst into tears during a heartfelt interview as she remembered her final moments with her beloved aunt.
During an interview on A Current Affair, Totti revealed to host Tracey Grimshaw that she could not make it to America in time for say a final goodbye to Olivia.
“I couldn’t get to America in time and I wanted to say goodbye, so I asked [her husband John] if he could hold the phone up to her ear… But he got me on FaceTime so I managed to see her,” she said.
“I told her all the things I needed to say.”
“She was leaving us… but I feel like she got it.”
Tottie shared an Instagram tribute post which included a collection of memories with Olivia. The caption wrote, “Thank you Livvy, thank you for your deep heart, your playfulness, your constant encouragement and positivity. You were more than an auntie to us and you were a gift to this world. I will miss you forever.”
Tottie signed off the post with a famous line associated with Olivia, writing “love and light” which many have said she would regularly use as a sign off in all of her messages.
Tottie was seemingly inspired by her aunt’s successes as she journeyed into the Australian performing arts industry in the 80s after founding girl group The Chantoozies, hosting a controversial sex and life series on Ten, and starred in Grease The Arena Spectacular.
Her devotion is no surprise, as she said even during her drug scandal in 2011 – where she was caught with cocaine at a music festival – Olivia continued to support her.
“She is always so proud of me and proud of the things that I do. Even in that drug situation she championed me. She is one of the most positive and beautiful people I know.”
Even during dark discussions, Olivia knew how to shine a bright light for her family, despite Tottie asking: “are you afraid of dying?”
She replied: “Plonker, I’m not afraid. I’ve done more in my life that I could have ever imagined.”
Tottie admitted that the Grease star suffered other health problems and “struggled with a lot of pain”.
“it’s been a tough road,” she admitted.
“It wasn’t just the cancer that got her. It was other complications and being in a hospital with a very susceptible immune system.”
Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews has offered to organise an official state funeral, and Tottie has confirmed the family will accept.
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