Although Newton-John was born in England, she considered herself to be very much an Australian after growing up in Melbourne from the age of six to well into her early adulthood. Source: Twitter.
Family of the legendary Australian singer and actress have confirmed that Olivia Newtown-John passed away early this morning.
Her husband John Easterling took to Instagram and shared the devastating news, asking for privacy at this difficult time.
“Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.”
Olivia Newton-John came to fame in the early 70s, originally finding success in the country music industry with If Not for You before going on to release albums Let Me Be There and If You Love Me, Let Me Know.
In 1978 she landed the role of Sandy in arguably one of the most popular films of all-time -Grease.
The film shot her international fame, even greater than before and ushered in a new era of music for the Australian songstress.
She released Totally Hot in 1978 and later released one of her most notable albums and songs Physical in 1981.
Over her five decade career she sold over 100 million albums worldwide, won four Grammys and had five number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100.
In the late 80s Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she fought through and survived. She went onto have breast cancer a second time in 2013 and a third in 2017 which doctors said had spread to her spine.
Newton-John was a fierce advocate for breast cancer and established the Olivia Newton-John Foundation which provided vital funding for research and even helped to open the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in Melbourne.
Her Grease co-star and long-time friend John Travolta paid tribute 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 moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!”
Countless of stars around the world have shared their sadness over the death of no doubt one of Australia’s most successful talents.
Since I was ten years old, I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton John. And, I always will. (Just like this picture @nfsaonline) She was, and always will be, an inspiration to me in so many, many ways. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. x ONJ4EVER pic.twitter.com/3nE8PVDFLy
— Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) August 8, 2022
My great friend Olivia Newton John has passed away. She was the perfect Lady, gorgeous, with great poise and with a certain Aussie sophistication.
Her spandex trousers in Grease were my inspiration for my ‘Da ya think I’m Sexy‘ era.
RIP Olivia
Sir Rod pic.twitter.com/Suleq8JSkX— Sir Rod Stewart (@rodstewart) August 8, 2022
Olivia Newton-John has passed away at the age of 73. What a life.
Olivia over the years…pic.twitter.com/TjXnPJw11S
— Rex Chapman?? (@RexChapman) August 8, 2022
Oh man!!! You were my childhood!! Your talent, poise, beauty!! Rest in glorious peace. God bless your family….and thank you for creating eternal memories. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/eaS2wmURIh
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) August 8, 2022
She is survived be her husband John Easterling and her daughter Chloe Lattanzi as well as several other family members.
Vale Olivia Newton-John.
