Olivia Newton-John
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 16: Olivia Newton-John performs during Fire Fight Australia at ANZ Stadium on February 16, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cole Bennetts/Getty Images)

Olivia Newton-John has sadly passed away aged 73. Her husband John Easterling confirmed the news in a social media post to the singer’s Instagram account. She reportedly died peacefully at her ranch in Southern California, surrounded by family and friends. A cause of death has not been confirmed however she was suffering from breast cancer.

Australian actress and singer Olivia Newton-John holds a press conference at the Inn On The Park, London, UK, 29th November 1978. She is starring in the 1978 film adaptation of the musical ‘Grease’. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

“We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” Easterling wrote. “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 @onjfoundation.

“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.”

Newton-John was born in Cambridge in 1948 and was moved to Melbourne with her parents at six-years-old. Newton-John formed girl group Sol Four at 14 and released the chart-topping track “I Honestly Love You”. In 1974 she performed in Eurovision where she placed fourth. In 1978 she was catapulted to global fame with the starring role of Sandy Olsson in the film adaption of Grease alongside John Travolta.

Travolta was just one of many celebrities to pay tribute to the actress on Tuesday morning. He 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!”

Delta Goodrem and Kylie Minogue have also honoured the actress while fans have flocked to the Hollywood Walk of Fame to pay their respects.