Grammy-winning singer and actor Olivia Newton-John dies at 73

Olivia Newton-John, who has died at the age of 73, was born in the UK and brought up in Australia [File: Phil McCarten/Reuters]

Olivia Newton-John, the Grammy-winning superstar who reigned on pop, country, adult contemporary, and dance charts with such hits as Physical and You’re the One That I Want and won countless hearts as everyone’s favourite Sandy in the blockbuster film version of Grease, has died. She was 73.

Newton-John, a longtime resident of Australia whose sales topped 100 million albums, died Monday at her southern California ranch, John Easterling, her husband, wrote on Instagram and Facebook. “We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” the message said.