Olivia Newton-John lost her 30-year battle with breast cancer today. On her Instagram, a message written by her husband was shared about her passing:
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.
– via John Easterling, husband, Olivia Newton-John
John Travolta, who starred alongside Newton in her most notable acting endeavor, the musical Grease, shared a tribute to Olivia on Instagram as well:
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!
John Travolta lost his wife Kelly Preston to cancer in 2020 as well.
The Australian-born singer was well known for her music, but Grease brought her to a whole new level of fame. Many people have been touched by her and many of them shared tributes to the late singer as well.
Singer Kylie Minogue shared that she has looked up to Olivia Newton-John since she was ten.
“Since I was ten years old, I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton John. And, I always will. (Just like this picture @nfsaonline) She was, and always will be, an inspiration to me in so many, many ways. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. x ONJ4EVER”
The Academy Awards shared a picture of Newton-John and Travolta from the 50th Awards show.
“Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta at the 50th Academy Awards (April 3, 1978). A few months later, they took the world by storm as Sandy and Danny in ‘Grease’ – which went on to become the highest grossing film of 1978, proving that Grease is (and forever will be) the word.”
Singer Rod Stewart shared that Grease was the inspiration for his hit “Da ya think I’m Sexy”.
“My great friend Olivia Newton John has passed away. She was the perfect Lady, gorgeous, with great poise and with a certain Aussie sophistication. Her spandex trousers in Grease were my inspiration for my ‘Da ya think I’m Sexy‘ era. RIP Olivia Sir Rod”
Actor Antonio Banderas also paid tribute to her on Twitter.
“Rest in peace, Olivia Newton-John. Deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.”
Spotify, Grease’s official Twitter account as well as Muppet History Twitter all shared tributes to the late singer as well:
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