Olivia Newton-John has died aged 73
Joe Harker
Featured Image Credit: Paramount/Shutterstock
Dame Olivia Newton-John has died aged 73, her family has confirmed in a post on her official Facebook page.
They said she 'passed away peacefully' at her home in Southern California surrounded by family and friends.
John Easterling, Olivia's husband, wrote a statement which read: "Dame Olivia Newton-John 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."
It continued: "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."
The statement was met with a huge wave of grief and sorrow with many people saying they were 'so saddened' to hear of her death.
Plenty offered their condolences and prayers to the family and paid tribute to an 'amazing' woman with incredible talent.
One person wrote that she had been a 'true warrior during her fight with cancer each time', while another said Newton-John 'brought glorious sunshine to an often darkened world'.
Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 when she was just 43 years old, and in 2017 announced that it had returned while also revealing she had privately dealt another diagnosis of the disease in 2013.
Since her first diagnosis the Grease star had championed the cause of raising awareness for breast cancer, and in 2008 built the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, Australia.
Most famous for her role in Grease alongside John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John donned Sandy's costume once again in 2019 as part of a reunion held more than 40 years on from the original movie.
Initially nervous about taking on a role as a high school student when she was 29 as filming began, a successful screen test with Travolta led to her accepting the part.
Her character was changed to accommodate her Australian accent, with Sandy becoming an Australian who holidays in the US before moving there.
Before making her most famous performance, she also represented the UK in the Eurovision song contest with the song 'Long Live Love', finishing fourth as ABBA won with Waterloo.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677