The Project's Carrie Bickmore tears up live on-air: 'So sad'

The Project host Carrie Bickmore has delivered a tear-jerking tribute to Olivia Newton-John following the news of her death.

The star struggled to contain her emotion on Tuesday night as she spoke about why the Aussie icon meant so much to the world.

“It was so sad waking up to that news this morning, she was the sort of person that gave so much of herself to everyone all the time,” she started.

“She was so lovely and such a beacon of hope for so many people in our country and around the world.”

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Carrie touched on the Grease star’s Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre, saying it was like a "giant hug".

“What she has built there for people going through cancer is incredible, and you can tell it’s been built by somebody who’s been on that journey. Who knows the fear, knows what you need in those moments,” she gushed.

“The world is a lot dimmer without her in it tonight."

The star did go on to say that while she was sad about the news, she took comfort in knowing her children would still be able to experience watching Grease.

Her seven-year-old daughter Evie was curious about who Olivia was after seeing the news on morning TV.

“I was dancing around the kitchen to Grease and [Evie had] not seen it before. And I thought, ‘Oh, that’s a whole new generation that gets to now live what we lived, that enjoyment and that love of a film like that’,” she said.

“That love of a film that is so much a part of our childhood — she still gets to have. It’s a lovely thought, it’s still waiting for her.”

Waleed Aly also described what it was like when he was lucky enough to interview Olivia.

“There’s certain people that when they walk in a room, the room feels lighter or warmer," he said.

“I gather that’s the magic that made her career what it was — but it doesn’t work without the person or soul behind it."

Olivia Newton-John dies aged 73

Olivia passed away peacefully at her ranch in California on Monday (local time), following a decades-long battle with breast cancer.

Her husband, John Easterling, confirmed the emotional news on Olivia’s Instagram account.

"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,” his statement read.

”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. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation."

Olivia is survived by her husband and her daughter Chloe Lattanzi.

The Aussie icon won four Grammys and had five number one hits and ten top ten hits throughout her long career and was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 2020 New Year's honours.

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