Dame Olivia Newton-John, who is best known for her role as Sandy in Grease, has passed away at the age of 73, her husband has confirmed.
Olivia, who starred in the iconic movie in 1978, was surrounded by her family and friends when she died at her ranch in Southern California on Monday August 8. The star had been battling breast cancer for 30 years, however Olivia's cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
In a statement from her husband, it read: "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. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund (ONJFoundationFund.org).
"Olivia 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."
Travolta paid tribute to her in a social media post. He played her love interest Danny Zuko in the iconic film. He wrote on Instagram: "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!"
The Australian star shared news of her latest cancer diagnosis in November 2018. She was first diagnosed in 1992 and had been given the all-clear after undergoing chemotherapy and a mastectomy only for the cancer to return.
In 2013 after a car accident the actress found out that she had cancer in her shoulder after doctors treated her. Speaking in January 2020, Olivia said she was using medicinal cannabis and natural remedies as well as conventional medicines during her health battle.
Amid her battle, Olivia took the time to share a heartwarming tribute to her Grease co-star John Travolta's late wife Kelly Preston, who passed away after a secret breast cancer battle.
She said: "It was obviously [hard]. Kelly was a wonderful, beautiful spirit inside and out."
Olivia said the tragedy has only inspired her to continue her work on finding a cure with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation, which is researching holistic therapies for sufferers.
"It was incredibly sad strengthened my resolve and foundation, even more now," she said during an appearance on Loose Women.
"I've lost a few friends in past year more determined to see a world beat cancer."
Over the years, Olivia has stayed friends with her "lovely" and "talented" Grease co-star John.
She said: "We're still friends. He's a lovely lovely guy. So talented."
Following her hit movie appearance, songs from Grease such as You're the One I Want, Summer Nights and Hopelessly Devoted To You became became huge hits. Olivia went on to release the song Physical in 1981. She also went to appear on Xanadu and Two of a Kind, reuniting with her Grease co-star John Travolta.
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