Olivia Newton-John has died aged 73.
The British-born Australian singer and actor “passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends”, according to a post on social media from her husband, John Easterling.
“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” Easterling said.
“Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.”
The star was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, which eventually went into remission, before her cancer returned in 2013 and she was then told in 2017 that the cancer had metastasised to her bones.
She became an ardent advocate of medical cannabis after being diagnosed with cancer. “Medicinal cannabis is something that should be available to everyone who is going through a chronic illness or pain,” she said.
She established the Olivia Newton–John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in her hometown of Melbourne in 2012.
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In her performing career, the star is best known for her role as Sandy in the hit 1978 musical film Grease alongside John Travolta as Danny.
Songs featured in the musical and the film, including “You’re the One That I Want”, “Summer Lovin'”, “Greased Lightnin” and “Hopelessly Devoted To You”, went on to sell millions and catapulted the two actors into stardom.
The shedding of Sandy’s good-girl image in the movie was mirrored in Newton-John’s real life when it came to her music following the film. Her 1981 hit song “Physical” was banned by some radio stations in the U.S. due to raunchy lyrics. But it went on to top the U.S. pop charts and became one of the best-selling singles of the decade.
Travolta, who remained close friends with Newton-John, has led tributes to the star on social media after news of her passing.
“My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better,” he wrote. “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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