娱乐英语新闻:Australia's opera singer Dame Joan honored with state memorial

SYDNEY, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Australian Federal Government announced on Thursday, Australia's greatest opera singer, Dame Joan Sutherland, will be honored with a state memorial at the Sydney Opera House next month.

Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard said in an announcement, the memorial would be an opportunity for Australians to pay their respects to the much loved diva.

"Dame Joan has a special place in the heart of Australians," Gillard said

Dame Joan passed away at her home in Switzerland on October 10, 2010, after a long illness, aged 83.

The memorial will be held at the Sydney Opera House at 10:30a.m. (local time) on Tuesday, November 9.

Dame Joan's son Adam Bonynge is expected to attend.