Olivia Newton-John has passed away at the age of 73 following a long battle with breast cancer.
On Monday of this week, her husband confirmed via a post on social media that the Grease star had died.
The post read:
"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.
"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 John Easterling; daughter Chloe Lattanzi; sister Sarah Newton-John; brother Toby Newton-John; nieces and nephews Tottie, Fiona and Brett Goldsmith; Emerson, Charlie, Zac, Jeremy, Randall, and Pierz Newton-John; Jude Newton-Stock, Layla Lee; Kira and Tasha Edelstein; and Brin and Valerie Hall."
Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 and since then has helped raise millions in the battle against the disease via here Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund.
After initially finding fame as a country singer, she hit superstardom thanks to her role as Sandy in Grease alongside John Travolta.
Olivia Newton-John tributes
Travolta led the tributes to his co-star, writing on Instagram:
"My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever!
"Your Danny, your John!"
Grease director Randal Kleiser said that Newton-John "never changed, she was always exactly the way everyone imagines her.
"She was charming, lovely, warm... There are so many clichés you can say about her but in her case it was all true."
Speaking to BBC 5 Live, Kleiser was asked what his favourite memory of Newton-John is.
He responded: "Hanging out with her at her ranch. Seeing the real Olivia which was exactly like the Olivia she projected. No cameras around, no people around... she was exactly the same and as loving as ever."
Fellow Aussie Hugh Jackman posted on social media:
"I’m devastated to hear the news that Olivia Newton-John has passed away. One of the great privileges of my life was getting to know her. Not only was she one of the most talented people I’ve known … she was one of the most open-hearted, generous and funny. She was a one of kind spirit. It’s no secret Olivia was my first crush. I kissed her (poster) every night before bed. Her legacy will only grow stronger in the years to come.
"A fighter for healing from cancer that knows no bounds. I love you Olivia."
Related Movie
Grease
Music / Romance
1978 • 110 minutes
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