Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Olivia Newton-John passed away on August 8 after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 73.
Olivia was a singer turned actress, well-known for starring as Sandy in the 1978 musical romantic comedy film Grease. The actress was a strong advocate of cancer awareness. Read on to know more about the star and her unfortunate death.
Newton-John’s husband Confirmed her Death
The news of Olivia’s death was shared by her husband, John Easterling, on her official Facebook page on Monday. He wrote, “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,” the post further read.
The family has said that, in lieu of flowers, any donations be made in her memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund on ONJFoundationFund.org.
The actress was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. In 2013, cancer was found in her shoulder following a car accident. In 2017, she had announced that she was battling the illness for the third time.
Talking about whether she was scared of the disease, she said in an interview in 2017, “I’d be lying if I said I never go there. There are moments; I’m human. If I allowed myself to go there, I could easily create that big fear. But my husband’s always there, and he’s there to support me. I believe I will win over it. That’s my goal.”
Tributes Pour in from the Entertainment World
Following the news of her sad demise, Olivia’s friends and colleagues from the industry have been remembering the actress and paying their tributes. Star Trek actor George Takei called her a ‘great, iconic artist’ and wrote, “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.”
Actress Marlee Matlin, who starred with Olivia in the 1966 film It’s My Party, tweeted, “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.”
The Hollywood Chamber Of Commerce has also said that flowers will be laid on Olivia Newton-John’s star on the Walk Of Fame in Los Angeles.
Olivia Shot to Fame with her 1971 track If Not For You
After trying to make it as a singer for some time, Olivia shot to success with her 1971 song If Not For You, which was penned by Bob Dylan. She gained massive popularity following her 1974 album Let Me Be There.
In 1977, she switched to acting and landed the role of Sandy in the film version of the musical, Grease. The role earned her a Golden Globe nomination for best actress in a musical. The show’s soundtrack also featured two hit singles by the actress along with her co-star John Travolta.
In January 2021, she released a new single, Window in the Wall, with her daughter Chloe Lattanzi.
Our deepest condolences to the family of the departed soul. Stay tuned for more news and updates.