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08th Aug 2022

Grease star Olivia Newton-John has died, aged 73

Hugh Carr

olivia newton-john

Tragic news.

Actress and singer Olivia Newton-John has died, aged 73.

The Grease Star died following a long battle with breast cancer, which began in 1992.

“Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,” wrote her husband, John Easterling.

“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 has asked that any donations be made in her memory to the foundation.

Newton-John rose to stardom following her starring role as Sandy in the 1978 movie musical Grease, along with John Travolta.

The soundtrack to the film remains one of the best selling albums of all time, following the popularity of songs like “You’re The One That I Want”, one of the best selling singles in history.

Outside of Grease, Newton-John was a successful recording artist, selling over 100 million albums worldwide.

Her song ‘I Honestly Love You’ won a Grammy for Record of the Year in 1974, and ‘Physical’, which was named Billboard’s Top 100 Single of the 80s.

In her personal life, Newton-John was an avid animal rights activist, fundraising for UNICEF and working with environmental groups worldwide.

Newton-John was also an advocate for medicinal cannabis use, with her daughter Chloe owning a cannabis farm in Oregon.

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.

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