Singer and Grease actor Olivia Newton-John has died aged 73.
Newton-John died peacefully at her ranch in Southern California on Monday (August 8), as confirmed by her husband John Easterling in a statement.
A post on her Instagram read: “Dame Olivia Newton-John 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 singer overcame her original cancer diagnosis in 1992. She was in remission until 2013, when she was diagnosed again with the disease. In 2017, she announced her breast cancer had returned ahead of a concert tour.
Newton-John won four Grammys over the course of her music career, including Best Female Country Vocal Performance for the single ‘Let Me Be There’ and Record Of The Year for ‘I Honestly Love You’ in 1974.
In the same year she represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest with the track ‘Long Live Love’, where she finished fourth behind ABBA’s winning track ‘Waterloo’ for Sweden.
ABBA’s Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad (aka Frida) each paid tribute to Newton-John in a pair of statements that were shared on the band’s Facebook account.
In their own words.
Posted by ABBA on Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Newton-John’s other notable tracks include ‘Physical’, ‘If You Love Me’ and her cover of Bob Dylan‘s ‘If Not For You’.
She’s arguably best known for her role as Sandy Olsson in the 1978 musical Grease, starring opposite John Travolta. She is noted for her vocal performances in the tracks ‘Summer Nights’ and ‘You’re The One That I Want’ – which is still one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Travolta, who played Danny Zuko in Grease, paid tribute to the late star on Instagram, 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!”
Newton-John is survived by her husband, daughter Chloe Lattanzi, sister Sarah Newton-John, brother Toby, 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.
A flurry of tributes to Newton-John have been shared on social media after the news of her death was confirmed, with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Elton John, Rod Stewart and Dionne Warwick paying tribute.
The saddest of news to wake up to. Olivia was a beautiful and courageous woman, who I never heard complain about her illness. A beautiful voice and a warm and loving friend. I will miss her so much. Condolences to her family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/Ssc6h8WDKh
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 9, 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
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
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
Olivia Newton-John 🕊 pic.twitter.com/5z5uGFpZj1
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) 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
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
Everything she did was infused with a joyousness that was absolutely contagious. We loved her & she loved us.
❤️🙏👍😍#RIP_OliviaNewtonJohn pic.twitter.com/gX5j1u7eYb— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) 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
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
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