Olivia Newton-John 's niece recalls her beloved aunt appearing to be "really skinny and unwell" just days before her untimely death.
Tottie Goldsmith broke down in tears as she detailed her heart-wrenching final moments with the Grease star, and revealed Olivia's final wishes prior to passing away.
Olivia's husband John Easterling announced the sad news of her death on Monday night, as he shared a statement via Olivia's Facebook page with devastated fans and her famous friends, such as John Travolta and actress Barbra Streisand
The actress, who played Sandy in the hit musical movie Grease, passed away at her ranch in Southern California on Monday morning [August 8] at the age of 73.
Speaking on A Current Affair on Tuesday, the late icon's niece revealed the mum-of-one's health had deteriorated in the days leading up to her death, after spending over 30 years fighting breast cancer.
"It's not a shock, we've known how sick she's been, especially in the last five days," Tottie, 59, told host Tracy Grimshaw of her aunt's death.
She went on the explain how she had to say her final goodbyes to Olivia virtually, due to not being able to fly over to America in time.
"I couldn't get to America in time and I wanted to say goodbye, so I asked [her husband John] if he could hold the phone up to her ear... But he got me on FaceTime so I managed to see her," she poignantly recalled during the TV interview.
"I told her all the things I needed to say," Tottie continued. "She was leaving us... but I feel like she got it."
She went on to recall Olivia's long battle with cancer, and exactly how the multi-award winning star felt about death prior to her passing.
Tottie said: "There was one day at the Olivia Newtown John Centre and she was really skinny and unwell and I said to her, 'Are you afraid of dying', and she said, 'Plonker, I'm not afraid. I've done more in my life that I could have ever imagined'."
"She's struggled with a lot of pain and it's been a tough road," she added.
"It wasn't just the cancer that got her. It was other complications and being in a hospital with a very susceptible immune system."
Olivia's cause of death has not yet been made public.
Tottie - who is known for her stint in pop group, Chantoozies - also broke down in tears as she was quizzed about her late aunt's proudest achievement.
"Chloe," she promptly replied, referring to the daughter Olivia shared with ex-husband Matt Lattanzi.
"She loved that girl so much. Chloe's doing it really tough, but she's been amazing," Tottie added.
Totties comments come just hours after Chloe shared a heartbreaking tribute to her late mother in the wake of her death.
Chloe shared a series of touching snaps of herself the Grease icon throughout her life on Monday night, following her death being announced earlier in the evening.
The first image shared by the star's daughter on Instagram was a black-and-white photo of a young Chloe kissing her mother on the face during a photo shoot.
She also included other images taken throughout her childhood - including a sweet beachside snap - alongside more recent pictures.
Olivia shared Chloe with ex-husband actor Matt, whom the late star married in 1984 and divorced amicably in 1995.
The late star previously revealed that before Chloe's birth, she suffered from multiple miscarriages that left her broken-hearted, reported Fabiosa.
Discussing her experience with pregnancy loss in her memoir, Olivia wrote: "Each time my heart was broken."
While expecting Chloe in 1985, the late star was closely monitored by doctors because she was considered "an older mother" at 38 years old.
Thankfully, Chloe arrived safely in January 1986 and the actress went on to often pay tribute to her only child.
"I had a beautiful child, and if I never have another child, I’m blessed already. I can’t complain," Olivia sweetly declared as she suffered more miscarriages following giving birth to Chloe.
Olivia's husband John announced her death on Facebook, with a statement which reads: "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."
John Travolta was one of the first to publicly pay tribute to Olivia on Monday night - referencing their characters from the 1978 hit musical film in his moving Instagram post.
"My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible," John wrote.
"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!"
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct at 0207 29 33033
