Dolly Parton and Keith Urban Were Part Of Olivia Newton-John Memorial

During the state memorial for Olivia Newton-John in Australia on Sunday (2/26), Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, and Nicole Kidman joined many of her famous friends in sending a special video message. Others who sent messages included Mariah Carey, Elton John, Pink, and Hugh Jackman.

Dolly said in her message, “I know it’s especially painful for all the folks in Australia. She’s one of your own. And as a country, you should be very proud and know that the whole world mourns with you. I had the honor of singing with her several times, and I considered her a great friend, as well as a fellow entertainer.” She added, “And Olivia, to quote one of your songs, ‘I Honestly Love You.’ Thank you for shining your light on us.”

Keith recalled first meeting Olivia in the late 1990s at a songwriting retreat. He said in part, “The first thing that struck me about her was, she was exactly as I imagined she’d be as a person. No pretenses, no facade, just the real deal. Warm, friendly, kind, interested. Just a light, a real light.”

Newton-John also introduced Urban onstage at the event, where he met his wife, Nicole Kidman. He said, “And there she was, part of our very, very beginning. So for that and many more reasons, she’s always gonna play a very, very special role in our life. But the really, really extraordinary thing about Olivia is the legacy she’s left, not only in music, not only in film, but her humanitarian legacy is extraordinary. And that’s the kind of thing that will go on for generations and help millions and millions of people.”

Kidman also spoke during the video tribute, saying in part, “I grew up with her, listening to her. I would perform her songs at school. I remember when I first saw Grease, I was like, ‘I wanna be Olivia Newton-John!’ So to be able to pay tribute to her tonight is incredibly important to us.”

The memorial also featured Olivia’s husband, John Easterling, and her daughter Chloe Lattanzi, who both spoke.

RELATED: Olivia Newton-John: Country Stars, Movie Stars Pay Tribute To An Icon

Before she died, Olivia was working on a duets album, and she and Dolly Parton recorded a duet version of Parton’s classic “Jolene.” Newton-John’s YouTube channel released a video for the recording, which can be viewed below. The late singer’s website notes this was the last song and video she ever recorded.

10 Of Olivia Newton-John's Finest Country Songs, Ranked

• 10. “Jolene” (1976)

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  Olivia covered the Dolly Parton song three years after Dolly herself released it in 1973. The cover at the time got mixed reviews. Little known fact: Dolly covered Newton-John's "Let Me Be There" and sang it on her 1970's variety show, "Dolly."

• 9. “Come On Over” (1976)

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  The lead single from Olivia's seventh studio album of the same name. "Come On Over" peaked at #5 on the U.S. country chart.

• 8. “Let Me Be There” (1973)

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  This song was Newton-John's first Top 10 single in the U.S., peaking at No. 6, and won her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocalist.
• 7. “If You Love Me (Let Me Know)” (1974)

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  A number two country hit, "Let Me Be There" was nominated for the 1974 Country Music Association Award for Single of the Year.

• 6. “Have You Never Been Mellow” (1975)

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  This song shot to number three on the Hot Country Songs chart. "Have You Never Been Mellow" was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female at the 18th Annual Grammy Awards but lost to Janis Ian's "At Seventeen."

• 5. “Sam” (1977)

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  "Sam" was released in January 1977 as the third and final single from Newton-John's eighth studio album, 'Don't Stop Believin'.' The song was considered pop but was also played at country stations.
• 4. “Let It Shine” (1975)

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  Olivia's version was released as the second and final single from her sixth studio album, 'Clearly Love.' In January 1976, the single went to number five on the U.S. Country chart.

• 3. “Don’t Stop Believin'” (1976)

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  This fantastic song went to number fourteen on the country chart. Newton-John re-recorded the track for her 2005 album 'Stronger Than Before.' She also titled her 2019 memoir after the song.

• 2. “Please Mr. Please” (1975)

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  The wonderful classic begins as an apparent tribute to the jukebox and how one can listen to a lot of great music for a low price. But instead of continuing along those lines, the song picks up on how some songs on the jukebox can trigger bad memories. The lyrics sing, "Please, Mr. please, don't play B-17 It was our song, it was his song, but it's over."
• 1. “I Honestly Love You” (1974)

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  Olivia sang this song to end most of her concerts, telling fans how much she loved them. Her first number-one single in the United States and Canada. It remained her signature solo song until the 1981 pop hit "Physical."