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Grease star Olivia Newton-John has died, age 73

She had battled breast cancer for more than 30 years.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 8th August 2022

Dame Olivia Newton-John, legendary actress and singer, has died at the age of 73.

The Grease star has battled breast cancer for more than 30 years but has now ‘passed away peacefully’.

She was surrounded by her loved ones at her ranch in Southern California when she died, her husband of 14 years John Easterling has announced this evening.

A statement shared on Olivia’s official Facebook page says: “Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) 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.

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“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 (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.

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– via John Easterling, husband, Olivia Newton-John”

Tributes have already begun to pour in for the star.

Her Grease co-star John Travolta 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!”

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George Takei said: “We have lost a great, iconic artist in Olivia Newton John, gone too soon from us at age 73. I trust she is now in the great Xanadu beyond. Know that we are forever hopelessly devoted to you, Olivia. Rest in song and mirth.”

One person wrote on Twitter: “i am absolutely rocked to hear about the passing legendary olivia newton john. thank you for inspiring my childhood alongside many other young girls.may an icon rest beautifully xx”

Someone else said: “no one did it like Olivia Newton-John in Grease.”

Featured image: Paramount Pictures