Olivia Newton-John shifts charity to US

Callum GoddeAAP
Olivia Newton-John and husband John Easterling are moving their charity to the US.
Camera IconOlivia Newton-John and husband John Easterling are moving their charity to the US.

Our Olivia is moving her cancer charity overseas, just over two months after setting up shop in Melbourne.

Australian singer and breast cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John has decided to voluntarily de-register her foundation after launching it in early October.

The fledgling charity, which funds research into plant-based medicine and other holistic and wellness therapies, will shift operations to an undisclosed location in the US where she lives permanently.

Speaking on behalf of the 72-year-old, publicist Michael Caprio cited tax concessions for US donors as partially motivating the call.

"Both Olivia and her husband John Easterling have been very active directors of the charity since its establishment, and have stated that they look forward to continuing their support for plant medicine research, specifically for cancer, in the USA," he said in a statement.

"The ONJ Foundation received significant and positive public support after a soft-launch in October 2020, primarily from USA residents, and Olivia is keen to make sure these donors receive maximum tax benefits and support."

A formal shutdown of the charity's activities in Melbourne has been initiated by the board and operational team.

Mr Caprio said the Grease star and her husband remain dedicated to realising a world beyond cancer through plant medicine research.

"They are excited to continue their efforts and vision through the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund in the USA," he said.

AAP has contacted Mr Caprio for further comment.

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