Olivia Newton-John Dies; Beloved Grease Star Was 73
Olivia Newton-John, a veteran singer and movie star who will forever be remembered for her featured role opposite John Travolta in the movie Grease, died on Monday morning.
She was 73 years old.
TMZ broke the sad news after speaking to the actress’ husband, John Easterling.
He said that his spouse passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern California Monday morning… surrounded by family and friends.
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No cause of death has been announced.
“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” said Easterling in a statement.
“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.”
Concluded this sad message:
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.
The versatile star struck it big in 1971 with songs such “If Not for You,” and in 1973 “Let Me Be There.”
She followed that up with a mega hit, “Have You Never Been Mellow.”
However, her true breakthrough came in 1978 with the release of Grease.
She portrayed heroine Sandy in the musical comedy, while belting out such memorable tracks as “You’re the One that I Want,” “Summer Nights,” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You.”
Newton-John proceeded to star in Xanadu — and then sky-rocketed to number-one (for 10 weeks) on the charts with the single “Physical.”
The long-time actress was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992.
But it went into remission and it came back in 2013.
It then went back into remission … but surfaced again in 2017.
Newton-John won four Grammy Awards over the course of her impressive career.
In total, she was nominated for 12 Grammys, winning Video of the Year with “Physical” in 1982.
Newton-John was also recognized with multiple Country Music and American Music Awards, as well as four People’s Choice Awards.
Eight years before her death, Newton-John was honored with the Medal of the Order of Australia.
We send our condolences to the friends, family members and loved ones of Olivia Newton-John. May she rest in peace.
