Dame Olivia Newton John has died aged 73, it has been confirmed. A statement, shared by the singer's husband, said the Grease star passed away peacefully at her ranch in southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends.
John Easterling, who married the British-born singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur and activist in 2008, said: "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."
Olivia, who played Sandy in the hit musical movie Grease, had been battling breast cancer for 30 years. The star also enjoyed a successful music career with hits such as If Not For You, and Let Me Be There.
In 2007, Olivia retraced her Welsh roots to the Cardiff drinking spot where her dad was born. She was stunned to discover her links to the O’Neill’s pub on the Hayes as she researched her family history for BBC show Coming Home.
Her dad Brinley Newton-John was born in the pub when it was the New Market Tavern and her grandmother Daisy worked behind the bar.
And there was another surprise for Australian Olivia, whose family emigrated Down Under when she was five years old. When she visited the pub for the programme she met a distant relation who was still a manager at the time.
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