Wilkins says "When many picked up a California drawl the first time they touch down at LAX, her Aussie accent got a little bit stronger every day".

"And didn't we love her for that," he says.

He says Newton-Johns performances and music have been "indelibly stamped on the DNA of generations", from Sandy in Grease to the leg warmers in the Physical film clip.

But despite that, he says, "she was never arrogant or gloating".

"She was always so happy for others, eager to support and assist at every opportunity," he says.

"Fame is a double-edged sword and Olivia embraced the accolades and accepted the unrelenting exposure as part of the job description.

"Whether on the street or an A-list event, Olivia switched her attention from stranger to friend, adult to child, colleague to fan, with seamless grace.

"No small feat to do that for more than half a century through all the challenges and scrutiny of a very full and public life.

"At the end of the day, Olivia will not only be remembered for the wonderful music, the fabulous films and all those awards. The record sales, chart positions, box office receipts but for the life and light she brought into the world and received in return."