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The Latch

‘Grease’ Icon Olivia Newton-John Has Passed Away At the Age of 73

August 9, 2022
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Iconic actor and singer Olivia Newton-John has passed away at the age of 73. The British-born Australian entrepreneur and activist was best known for playing Sandy in the 1978 classic Grease. 

Her passing was confirmed by her family in a post on Facebook. She died after a decades-long battle with breast cancer, diagnosed in 1990. She fought her health battle publicly, founding the Olivia Newton-John Foundation fund in support of research into the disease.

She was confirmed to have passed on Monday, August 8, at her ranch in Southern California while surrounded by friends and family.

“We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” the Facebook statement announcing Newton-John’s death said.

“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.”

Chloe Lattanzi — Newton-John’s daughter from her marriage to first husband Matt Lattanzi — posted a carousel of images of them together over the years with no caption.

Newton-John’s friend and Grease co-star John Travolta posted a sweet tribute to her, writing: “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!”

 

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Travolta and Newton-John also starred in 1983’s Two of a Kind together, and even released a Christmas album, titled This Christmas, together in 2012.

Via a press release, Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum offered his condolences, writing:

“Tonight, the stars will shine a little brighter and I am heartbroken! Livvy, as I call her, was one of those rare people who had a profound effect on the world and the people in it.”

He continued: “Her purity was real, her passion for life was unwavering. A Grammy Award winning recording artist, an extraordinary wife, mother and humanitarian, Liv’s tireless work has changed millions of lives and her legacy will live on forever.

“To me, Liv is family. My heart is broken. There simply will never be another like her.”

Delta Goodrem — who portrayed Newton-John in the 2018 biopic Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted to You — also shared a tribute to the late star on social media.

“The whole world will feel this heartbreak today because the entire world felt Olivia’s unmatched light,” Goodrem wrote. “A force for good. A force of nature. Strong and kind.”

 

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Goodrem went on to say that Newton-John had been a friend, mentor and inspiration to her, and that she was like “family”.

“I don’t have all the words I would like to say today but I hope everyone will join in celebrating our beloved Olivia, her heart, soul, talent, courage, grace…” she wrote. “I love you forever ❤️?.”

Barbra Streisand also shared her condolences, writing that Newton-John was “too young to leave this world”. Many other celebrities, including Rebel Wilson, Kylie Minogue and Viola Davis have also posted tributes to the late icon.

 

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rebel wilson olivia newton john tribute
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Her family has asked that donations be made to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation in lieu of flowers.

The statement noted that Newton-John 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 not only an actor but a platinum-selling pop and country singer, known for hits including “Hopelessly Devoted to You”, “Xanadu”, and “Physical”.

In 2020 she was recognised for her achievements in film and music by Queen Elizabeth who made her a Dame in her 2020 New Year’s Honours list.

Related: John Travolta and Olivia Newton John’s Grease Reunion 40 Years On

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