Hollywood has lost one of its brightest, most beautiful stars – one who has been a true icon and inspiration.
Olivia Newton-John has sadly passed away. She was 73 years old. The heartbreaking news about the Grease actress, who owned the iconic role of Sandy opposite John Travolta’s Danny, was confirmed by her family via a post on Facebook:
“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.”
The family’s message also touchingly spoke of how Olivia inspired and brought hope to countless others:
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 ask that any donations be made in her memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund (ONJFoundationFund.org).”
The statement concluded:
“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, Lalya Lee; Kira and Tasha Edelstein; and Brin and Valerie Hall.”
The actress was a four-time Grammy Award-winner who was known for hits including “Physical,” “Have You Never Been Mellow,” and “I Honestly Love You.”
Olivia was an outspoken advocate for breast cancer research and both traditional and holistic treatments. She was first diagnosed with cancer in 1992 and underwent a partial mastectomy, nine months of chemotherapy, and breast reconstruction. She privately overcame the disease once more in 2013.
In May 2017, she was told that the cancer has metastasized and spread to her bones. Her team said at the time that she would be completing photon radiation therapy.
In addition to the conventional medical treatments, she turned to “plant medicine” during her breast cancer journey. In the years following her initial 1992 diagnosis, Olivia became an advocate for early detection and research. She eventually raised funds to build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, Australia.
Olivia’s co-star John Travolta paid sweet tribute to his longtime friend. He shared a photo of a younger Olivia on social media and wrote:
“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!”
Stars have been paying tribute to the Hollywood icon:
Barbra Streisand:
“Too young to leave this world. May she RIP.”
Julianne Hough:
“Like so many, Olivia has always been my hero. Discovering her magnetic energy as an artist and actress came first but it was her heart that truly captured mine. Forever an icon and legend.”
Gabrielle Union:
“Grease is my #1 movie of all time and made me a lifelong Olivia Newton John fan. Me and my sister watched Xanadu more times than I could count. Sending so much love and prayers to a real gift of a woman and talent.”
Kathy Griffin:
“Olivia Newton-John rolled with EVERYTHING.”
Fran Drescher:
“Dear sweet wonderfully talented @therealonjOlivia Newton John has passed at 73. She lived a big life, always shining her light on us all with her warmth and radiance. My heart breaks for her family, for they most of all know what a profound loss this is. She was a selfless human being, far better than most, and the world just got a little darker without her light.”
George Takei:
“We have lost a great, iconic artist in Olivia Newton John, gone too soon from us at age 73. I trust she is now in the great Xanadu beyond. Know that we are forever hopelessly devoted to you, Olivia. Rest in song and mirth.”
Viola Davis:
“Oh man!!! You were my childhood!! Your talent, poise, beauty!! Rest in glorious peace. God bless your family….and thank you for creating eternal memories. ❤️❤️❤️❤️”
Michael Rosenbaum:
“this is crushing. I absolutely loved this woman. what a damn shame. so young. so talented. RIP Olivia Newton John.”
Mia Farrow:
“Very sad that lovely, talented, brave Olivia Newton- John has died. I never got to meet her, but everyone says she was wonderful- always kind.”
Lea Salonga:
“Rest In Peace, Olivia Newton-John. Hers was one of the voices of my childhood. Deepest condolences to everyone she loved and loved her.”
Ruby Rose:
“Rest In Peace Olivia newton john. Legends never die.”
Rick Springfield:
“Sweet Olivia has gone home. She was a beautiful soul and I know of no one who didn’t love her or know what a great humanitarian she was. The world is out of balance when we lose these magnificent people. God speed Livvy. We will all meet again.”
Marlee Matlin:
“I am SO saddened at the news of the passing of Olivia Newton John. I remember being so star struck when I met her at my first Hollywood gathering for Paramount. She was the sweetest and brightest light and I loved getting to know her on “It’s My Party.” RIP dear, sweet Olivia.”
Sara Bareilles:
“#OliviaNewtonJohn was one of my biggest influences and greatest musical loves. Rest In Peace you extraordinary sweet, kind, loving heart. You were and are a gift.”
Dane Cook:
“RIP Olivia Newton-John. Thank you so much for wonderful music and fun memories.”
James Gunn:
“Really sad to hear about the passing of Olivia Newton-John. My first real crush as a kid. I loved Grease & her music & I coincidentally also bought & lived in for a while the wonderful home she built in Malibu. May she Rest In Peace.”
Yvette Nicole Brown:
“Olivia Newton-John has died. That’s it. I’m done guys. Heartbroken doesn’t even BEGIN to cover it. I ADORED her. I hate this so much. She was only 73.”
Daisy Fuentes Marx:
“She was a childhood idol, a super talent, so brave, always elegant & one of the most beautiful souls I’ve ever met. RIP Olivia. Sending condolences, love & light to her family.”
Daniel Dae Kim:
“Farewell with love to the legend who will forever be my first crush. Rest In Peace, Olivia Newton-John.”
