Olivia Newton-John has died.
The singer, songwriter and actress “died peacefully at her ranch in Southern California Monday [August 8] morning, surrounded by family and friends,” representatives confirmed.
Her husband John Easterling posted confirmation to her official Facebook page, reading: “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 Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund (ONJFoundationFund.org).
“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.”
The Physical hitmaker was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 and again in 2013. She was diagnosed for the third time in September 2018.
Following the sad news, tributes have poured in from friends and colleagues, including Olivia’s ‘Grease’ co-star John Travolta, who said she “made all of our lives so much better”.
“My dearest Olivia,” he penned. “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!”
In a post on her Instagram page, pop superstar Kylie Minogue credited Olivia as an “inspiration”, adding: “Since I was ten years old, I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton John. 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.”
“Dame Olivia Newton John would illuminate a room, just with her presence,” added Dannii Minogue. “Her heart was full of love and light, and she made it her mission to share that beautiful energy with the world.
“I was lucky to meet Olivia many times over the years. I was honoured to be asked to assist in raising money to build the Olivia Newton John Cancer & Wellness Centre in Heidelberg, Victoria. I know this hospital has helped – and will help – many people, and she was so very proud of making this dream come to life.
“Rest In Peace lovely lady. You will never be forgotten.”
In his own post, Darren Hayes said: Oh dear, sweet, magical, eternal Olivia. You gave so much to this world and to this little boy who saw acceptance in your twinkling eyes and glittering world.
“You made us all feel held by the sweetness of your voice and the capacity of your heart. I hope you are in Xanadu.”
Oh dear, sweet, magical, eternal Olivia. You gave so much to this world and to this little boy who saw acceptance in your twinkling eyes and glittering world. You made us all feel held by the sweetness of your voice and the capacity of your heart. I hope you are in Xanadu. pic.twitter.com/rCevXOR8rP
— Darren Hayes (@darrenhayes) August 8, 2022
Meanwhile, Mariah Carey shared a gallery of snaps of the pair on stage together, writing: “I first fell in love with Olivia’s voice when I was a little girl and heard I Honestly Love You. Songs like Magic, Suddenly and Have You Never Been Mellow showcased her beautiful airy tone and signature sound. And THEN there was GREASE.
“I was obsessed. I dressed up as Bad Sandy for Halloween in 5th grade and thought I was everything. Years later, THE one and only Olivia Newton-John actually 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.
“I was also blessed to be in her presence on many other occasions and she was one of the kindest, most generous and lovely people I’ve ever met.
“She will be missed. She will be remembered. She will be loved. Olivia, I honestly love you.”
Olivia was born in Cambridge, UK on September 26, 1948 and moved to Australia in 1954, where she was raised. She achieved her musical breakthrough in 1971 when she released the Bob Dylan-penned If Not For You, which hit No. 7 in the UK charts and featured on an album of the same name.
She won four Grammy awards and scored seven US No. 1 hits between 1974 and 1977.
She went on to achieve global recognition as an actress alongside John Travolta in 1978 movie musical ‘Grease’, and two years later fronted the musical fantasy flick ‘Xanadu’.
