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.
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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.
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. pic.twitter.com/4FFgolVQNk
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) August 8, 2022
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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"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. #RIPOliviaNewtonJohn 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/1M8lcVQuON
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) August 8, 2022
My heart is broken. Rest now, sweet friend. You were as kind and loving a person as there’s ever been. I’ll miss you every day. 💔 pic.twitter.com/Z1zkVe9CVb
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) August 8, 2022
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. ❤️ https://t.co/gP10SJWqFZ
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) August 8, 2022
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.
What is going on?!#RIPOliviaNewtonJohn
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) August 8, 2022
Farewell with love to the legend who will forever be my first crush. Rest In Peace, Olivia Newton-John. 🥲🙏🏼👼🏻 https://t.co/IDdhwtoiDX
— Daniel Dae Kim (@danieldaekim) August 8, 2022
Another angelic voice has been added to the Heavenly Choir. Not only was Olivia a dear friend, but one of the nicest people I had the pleasure of recording and performing with. I will most definitely miss her. She now Rests in the Arms of the Heavenly Father 🥲🙏🏾♥️
— Dionne Warwick (@dionnewarwick) August 8, 2022
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.
— Mia Farrow🇺🇦 (@MiaFarrow) August 8, 2022
ONJ. Angel. https://t.co/UfAf9ZlycA
— Jane Lynch (@janemarielynch) August 8, 2022
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.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) August 8, 2022
Rest In Peace, Olivia Newton-John. Hers was one of the voices of my childhood. Deepest condolences to everyone she loved and loved her.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) August 8, 2022
Rest In Peace Olivia Newton-John❤️ Love you. xoxoxo Sending my deepest heartfelt condolences to all her family and loved ones. https://t.co/lQNmFACBP8
— Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) August 8, 2022
In memory of the wonderful life and music of Olivia Newton-John 💙 pic.twitter.com/JE3kHuDt8K
— The Kelly Clarkson Show (@KellyClarksonTV) August 9, 2022
Olivia Newton-John was one of the nicest people I was lucky enough to meet and work with on Glee. Such an amazing talent and beautiful soul. ❤️#RIPOliviaNewtonJohn pic.twitter.com/p171pktthj
— Chris Colfer (@chriscolfer) August 8, 2022
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
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. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/eaS2wmURIh
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) August 8, 2022
We're hopelessly devoted to you. 💔
Our hearts are broken over the loss of legendary star and gay icon Olivia Newton-John. Thank you for the memories. #WWHL pic.twitter.com/p7LVf7J9Cr
— WWHL (@BravoWWHL) August 8, 2022
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 pic.twitter.com/Suleq8JSkX— Sir Rod Stewart (@rodstewart) August 8, 2022
Vale Olivia Newton-John
What a sad sad day.
Thank you for all you gave us
Your beautiful soul will be so missed
My deepest condolences to John, Chloe, Gregg and RodRest In Peace darling Olivia
I Honestly Love You
❤️🙏— Magda Szubanski AO (@MagdaSzubanski) August 8, 2022
Vale Olivia Newton-John.
Millions of devastated devotees all over the world are in mourning today. Your star will continue to shine on our screens, through your music, and in the legacy of your advocacy.
You'll be missed.
— Adam Bandt (@AdamBandt) August 9, 2022
Olivia Newton John so completely dominated the charts and Top Of The Pops when I was a kid, it felt like she WAS pop music. And yes, Xanadu is still a stone cold classic song. RIP x pic.twitter.com/VFfQenPcOM
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) August 8, 2022
Oh, no. My heart goes out to family and all loved ones of Olivia Newton-John. She was one of the sweetest, most sincere people I'd ever met. Her talent and stardom were natural and unforced. We were all hopelessly devoted to her. 🙏😥💔https://t.co/0vVBbvSbZp
— Leslie Uggams (@LeslieUggams) August 8, 2022
We’ve lost a true star. Olivia Newton-John defined a generation, and built a legacy that will live on.
In recent years, she dedicated herself to helping other cancer patients, while battling her own diagnosis.
Joyful, compassionate, and generous – a class act. What a loss. pic.twitter.com/OkzAU5Ctl5
— Tanya Plibersek (@tanya_plibersek) August 8, 2022
What an absolute saint Olivia Newton-John was. A beaming light of positivity who touched all that came into contact with her. Equal parts sweetheart and warrior, there will never ever be another like her. What a legacy she leaves with our sadness. pic.twitter.com/vOuOO1m0pL
— Rove McManus (@Rove) 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
Olivia Newton-John was a star. A bright, joyful glow in our lives. From the moment we saw her, she was a warm, enduring presence and her voice became a big part of the Australian soundtrack. Above all she was a wonderful, generous person. pic.twitter.com/0G0tc0tauI
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) August 9, 2022
Oh Sandy 😔 https://t.co/05dFIX6JBk
— Dr. Love (@questlove) August 8, 2022
Rest in peace, Olivia Newton-John. Thank you for sharing your talent and inspiring us all. 💘 pic.twitter.com/Iu9I5ppLC4
— RuPaul's Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) August 8, 2022
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. pic.twitter.com/MmGrhzDWfC
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 8, 2022
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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