Grease Star Olivia Newton-John Dies At 73

Olivia Newton-John has died aged 73.

The Grease star died with loved ones by her side at her ranch home in Southern California on Monday (Aug 8), according to her husband, John Easterling, who did not give a cause of death.

A Facebook post read: We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

However, a source known to TMZ said: "After a 30-year cancer journey, she lost her battle to metastatic breast cancer,” which was first diagnosed in 1992. In 2013, it resurfaced before going into remission again until it reappeared in 2017.

Newton-John got her big break in the 1978 movie musical as goody two shoes teenager Sandy Olsen —  in which she starred opposite John Travolta’s hunky bad boy Danny Zuko — and originated the new song ‘Hopelessly Devoted To You’.

This came after her pop career — which began in the early 70s — where Netwon-John made her name with a string of pop hits, such as ‘If Not for You’, ‘Let Me Be There’ and the smash hit ‘Have You Never Been Mellow’.

The Glee guest star had daughter Chloe Lattanzi, now 36, with ex-husband Matt Lattanzi, whom she married in 1984 and split from in 1995. Newton-John tied the knot with Easterling in 2008, who appealed for donations to her cancer charity in her memory.

He added on the post: “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).”

Easterling concluded: “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 took to Instagram to pay tribute to Newton-John. 

The 68-year-old actor 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 first moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!”

Elsewhere, Grease director Randal Keiser praised her for being “one of a kind, and so very kind”.

He told the Hollywood Reporter: “I’m Heartbroken. She was one of a kind, and so very kind. For over four decades of our friendship she exuded nothing but love to everyone she met. Olivia was exactly the way you imagined her. I will miss her forever.”

George Takei lamented that Hollywood “lost a great, iconic artist” with her passing.

He wrote on Twitter: “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.”

Gabrielle Union shared how much Grease meant to her and her sister and how much she loved Xanadu.

She wrote on Twitter: "’Grease’ is my #1 movie of all time and made me a lifelong Olivia Newton John fan. Me and my sister watched Xanadu more times than I could count. Sending so much love and prayers to a real gift of a woman and talent.”

Motown legend Dionne Warwick paid her respects to her “dear friend”. She tweeted: “Another angelic voice has been added to the Heavenly Choir. Not only was Olivia a dear friend, but one of the nicest people I had the pleasure of recording and performing with. I will most definitely miss her. She now Rests in the Arms of the Heavenly Father.”

Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin shared how she was “saddened” by the death of her It’s My Party co-star.
She said on Twitter: “I am SO saddened at the news of the passing of Olivia Newton John. I remember being so star struck when I met her at my first Hollywood gathering for Paramount. She was the sweetest and brightest light and I loved getting to know her on "It's My Party." RIP dear, sweet Olivia.”

Mia Farrow added: “Very sad that lovely, talented brave Olivia Newton-John has died. I never got to meet her, but everyone says she was wonderful - always kind.”

Glee star Jane Lynch tweeted: “ONJ. Angel”.

Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gun revealed that the icon was his “first real crush”.

He wrote on Twitter: “Really sad to hear about the passing of Olivia Newton-John. My first real crush as a kid. I loved Grease her music I coincidentally also bought lived in for a while the wonderful home she built in Malibu. May she Rest In Peace.”

Broadcaster Katie Couric wrote: “Rest In Peace, Olivia.”

TV chef Nigella Lawson tweeted: “Her memory is already a blessing.”

—  BANG SHOWBIZ