Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Abigail Nicholson

John Travolta's heartbreaking tribute to 'dearest Olivia'

John Travolta gave a heartbreaking tribute to his Grease co-star Olivia Newton-John after she died.

The singer and actress, who was born in the UK, died "peacefully" at her Ranch in Southern California surrounded by family and friends, her husband, John Easterling has said. It comes after Dame Olivia's 30 year battle with breast cancer.

Dame Olivia is best known for her starring role in the 1978 film Grease, in which she starred opposite John Travolta as Sandy. The now 68-year-old has paid tribute to his "dearest Olivia".

READ MORE: Coleen Rooney's exclusive VIP party after Wagatha Christie court battle

John Travolta wrote: "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 moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!"

A post on Dame Olivia's official Facebook page said: "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 )."

Her first big break was winning a talent contest on “Sing, Sing, Sing,” which earned Olivia a trip to London. By the age of fifteen she formed an all-girl group called Sol 4 and, in 1963, Olivia was appearing on local daytime TV shows and weekly pop music programs in Australia.

The star enjoyed a successful music career with hits such as If Not For You, and Let Me Be There. In 1974 she was the British entrant to the Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton.

Dame Olivia was made O.B.E. (Order Of The British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth in 1979. Following her hit movie appearance in Grease, she went on to release the hit Physical in 1981. She also went to appear on Xanadu and Two of a Kind, reuniting with her Grease co-star John.

Tributes to the iconic actress have already began pouring in as George Takei tweeted: "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."

Olivia is survived by her husband John, 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.

READ NEXT:

Dad 'felt sick' after seeing daughter, 4, hit by teens on electric bike

Ofgem warning as movement to not pay energy bills grows

M62 crash sees eight people rushed to hospital

Man arrested after shooting in pub car park

Woman to appear in court as man, 60s, attacked at bus stop

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.