- Culture
- 09 Aug 22
"My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better," John Travolta has said of his Grease co-star.
Friends, fans, family and co-stars are continuing to pay tribute to Olivia Newton-John this morning – following the sad news of her death at the age of 73.
Her husband, John Easterling, confirmed the news in a statement shared on the English-Australian singer and actress's social media accounts, announcing that she "passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California" yesterday morning, "surrounded by family and friends."
"Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer," the post continues. "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 Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund (ONJFoundationFund.org)."
Newton-John, a four-time Grammy Award winner, will be best remembered for her starring role in the film Grease (1978). She was also a hugely successful singer, scoring multiple No.1 hits across her career.
Last year she released a 40th anniversary deluxe edition of her classic 1981 album, Physical. The title track was a major hit at the time of its original release – occupying the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 weeks.
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Taking to Instagram last night, Newton-John's Grease co-star John Travolta shared a moving tribute.
"My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better," he wrote. "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!"
Kylie Minogue also took to social media to share her memories of her fellow Australian star.
"Since I was ten years old, I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton John," she remarked. "And, I always will.
"She was, and always will be, an inspiration to me in so many, many ways. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones."
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 pic.twitter.com/3nE8PVDFLy
— Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) August 8, 2022
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Elton John described Newton-John's death as the "saddest news to wake up to" this morning.
"Olivia was a beautiful and courageous woman, who I never heard complain about her illness," he resumed. "A beautiful voice and a warm and loving friend. I will miss her so much. Condolences to her family and loved ones."
See more tributes to Olivia Newton-John below:
I dressed up as Bad Sandy for Halloween in 5th grade and thought I was everything. Years later, THE Olivia Newton-John walked out onto my stage in Melbourne, Australia and we sang our hearts out together to "Hopelessly Devoted To You." This is a moment I will never ever forget. pic.twitter.com/P4jsfV9Dsp
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) August 9, 2022
Sad to hear of Olivia Newton-John’s passing. She was a beautiful artist and a brave warrior as she battled breast cancer with grace. Rest In Peace, Olivia. pic.twitter.com/Tr2PCD5Tnp
— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) August 9, 2022
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In loving memory of our Sandy, Olivia Newton-John.❤️ pic.twitter.com/QGOiCrQSM3
— Grease (@GoGrease) August 8, 2022
Olivia Newton-John 🕊 pic.twitter.com/5z5uGFpZj1
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) August 8, 2022
Olivia Newton-John, we'll always be hopelessly devoted to you pic.twitter.com/rkj14qLmMx
— Spotify (@Spotify) August 8, 2022
Long Live Olivia ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Dzir8lIi4T
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) August 8, 2022
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One of the most genuinely beautiful souls has left us. Olivia Newton-John was an amazing artist in every way. She was a dear friend to me and to all. Olivia is the definition of the phrase “Down to earth”. I love you Liv pic.twitter.com/FKyUd7WfRs
— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) August 8, 2022
I didn't know Olivia Newton-John personally but I admired her for the way she faced her health battles. Beautiful & strong, she fought to the end. My heart goes out to her family & all who love her. It's just not fair. Godspeed, Olivia. We'll always be hopelessly devoted to you. pic.twitter.com/X33Yj24SEE
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) August 9, 2022
So sad that Olivia Newton John has died. pic.twitter.com/zmCkSqQp2d
— Marty Whelan (@martylyricfm) August 9, 2022