John Travolta ‘heartbroken and finding it hard to talk’ after Olivia Newton-John’s death

Olivia Newton-John's friend Richard Wilkins has spoken of how heartbroken her Grease co-star John Travolta is following the actress' death aged 73

Olivia Newton-John's friend says John Travolta is "heartbroken" and "too raw to talk" following her death.

Richard Wilkins, who knew Olivia well and spent time with her throughout the years, broke down on Australian TV as he paid tribute to his good friend and spoke of her close bond with John.

He appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain today where he revealed he had texted John to offer his condolences, and he admitted the actor - who starred in Grease alongside the late actress - is understandably very cut up about her death.

Richard had known Olivia for several years, both professionally and personally.

Olivia and John had been firm friends for decades

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( AFP via Getty Images)

He said: "I texted John. One of the weird things about the job I do, when something like this happens - it is almost exactly 12 hours ago that I got the phone call from one of our producers who told us the horrible news.

"You go to work, talk about Olivia all day and you find yourself reaching out to people. Most of the people around her who you would expect and like to hear from aren't ready to talk publicly, and such is the nature of social media that people can issue statements. But aside from that, a lot of people - John is heartbroken; he's too raw to talk."

Richard Wilkins paid tribute to Olivia

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( ITV)

Speaking on the ITV breakfast show, he added: "They, of course, shared an enormously close bond after starring in one of the world's favourite movies together. Olivia leaves such a great hole in the world."

John Travolta penned an emotional and heartbreaking statement in remembrance of Olivia.

"My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible," he penned, "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!"

The pair are known for their starring roles in Grease

Image:

( Getty Images)

He ended the heartbreaking statement with the words: "Your Danny, your John!"

Olivia's husband John Easterling announced the sad news of her death via Olivia's Facebook page yesterday, writing: "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 is survived by her husband John, 70, and daughter Chloe, 36.

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