Music in Our Schools Month: Olivia Newton-John (1948–2022) Tribute List

Sandy, of Grease fame, Dame Olivia Newton-John was a British-Australian singer, actress, and activist. Four-time Grammy winner, with numerous top-ten singles and platinum singles and albums, Newton-John became one of the most popular international entertainers of the 1970s and 1980s. Later, she became an environmental activist, and her own breast cancer battles created years of cancer prevention advocacy, including the opening of a cancer and wellness center in Melbourne. She died of cancer on August 8, 2022, at home surrounded by her family. This tribute list includes song lyrics, articles, and a family statement.
18 words 10 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. devoted
    zealous in allegiance or affection
    I know I'm just a fool who's willing
    To sit around and wait for you
    But baby, can't you see there's nothing else for me to do?
    I'm hopelessly devoted to you
    – Hopelessly Devoted to You
  2. phony
    a person who professes beliefs that he or she does not hold
    "You're a fake and a phony, and I wish I never laid eyes on you!"
    – Grease
  3. eternal
    continuing forever or indefinitely
    A million lights are dancing and there you are, a shooting star
    An everlasting world and you're here with me, eternally
    – Xanadu
  4. belie
    be in contradiction with
    I can count the teardrops hidden from your eyes
    I can hear the sadness that your smile belies
    – I Will Touch You
  5. infatuation
    a foolish and usually extravagant passion or love
    And just the thought that we might meet
    Creates anticipation
    …But something yearns within to grow
    Beyond infatuation
    – If We Try
  6. nomad
    a member of a people who have no permanent home
    And though my nomad days have opened my eyes
    I've learned that every game must bear a loss
    – Home Ain’t Home Anymore
  7. encumber
    hold back, impede, or weigh down
    For I know he would not encumber me
    He ain't heavy, he's my brother
    – He Ain’t Heavy…He’s My Brother
  8. compassionate
    showing or having sympathy for another's suffering
    Compassionate man, so gentle
    Trying hard to shelter me
    – Compassionate Man
  9. destiny
    the ultimate agency predetermining the course of events
    In my darkness I will pray
    For destiny to send me your way
    – Love Make Me Strong
  10. amend
    set straight or right
    Let us hope it's not too late
    And that we can amend
    All the pain we have suffered on a friend
    – The Promise (The Dolphin Song)
  11. intervention
    the act of getting involved
    A higher voice has called the tune
    Two hearts that lost the beat will now resume
    The gift of life extension
    By divine intervention
    – Twist of Fate
  12. defiant
    boldly resisting authority or an opposing force
    I try to stay defiant, be tough and self-reliant
    – (Living In) Desperate Times
  13. rationale
    an explanation of the fundamental reasons
    I'm a do or die fanatic, no rationale
    – Moth to a Flame
  14. legacy
    anything handed down by someone or something in the past
    Talk about the children
    What will be their legacy
    – Let’s Talk about Tomorrow
  15. humble
    marked by meekness or modesty; not arrogant or prideful
    We've always been humble
    Too scared to be proud
    – Sunburned Country
  16. pioneer
    take the lead or initiative in
    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.
    – Family Statement/Obituary
  17. inherent
    existing as an essential constituent or characteristic
    Hardness never was Newton-John's comfort zone, though, and the 1980s were a much harder decade than the 1970s. The inherent warmth of 1970s studio sessions gave way to the cold, synthesized gleam of the 1980s…
    – Los Angeles Times
  18. esteem
    regard highly; think much of
    The singer-songwriter and actress...officially became a dame at the 2020 New Years Honours Services...."I am extremely excited, honored and grateful beyond words to be included with such an esteemed group of women who have received this distinguished award before me..."
    – Rolling Stone
Created on December 26, 2022 (updated January 10, 2023)

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