‘Symbol of triumph and hope’: Olivia Newton-John dies at 73
Posted August 8, 2022 3:51 pm.
Last Updated August 8, 2022 4:53 pm.
Olivia Newton-John has died at the age of 73 surrounded by family at her ranch in Southern California, her husband, John Easterling, confirmed on Monday.
In a Facebook post on her official page, Easterling said the actor and singer “passed away peacefully” this morning.
Newton-John rose to fame in 1978 when she starred as Sandra Dee “Sandy” Olsson in Grease alongside John Travolta.
The film also spawned several hit songs and became an iconic soundtrack on turntables around the world. In all, the prolific artist won four Grammys and had 14 top 10 singles in the U.S.
Travolta posted a heartfelt tribute to Newton-John on his Instagram account, saying she “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!” he wrote, referring to his role as Danny Zuko in Grease.
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Easterling said Newton-John, a longtime resident of Australia, became a “symbol of triumph and hope” after sharing her journey with breast cancer for the last 30 years.
She was first diagnosed in 1992.
She’s survived by her husband and daughter, Cloe Lattanzi, along with her two siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.
Fans rushed to social media to post tributes and mourn the loss on Monday.
“I am Devastated!” Stephania wrote on Facebook. “Rest In Peace, beautiful lady … you brought glorious sunshine to an often darkened world. I am endlessly grateful for the music, the love, the entertainment, the inspiration and joy you brought to my own life.”
“What a strong compassionate woman,” Cheryl wrote. “She was an icon not just for her singing but for her love of animals and nature. You will be very missed in this world, but I know Heaven got a real angel today.”
Newton-John served as goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme and as national spokeswoman for the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition.
With files from The Associated Press
