Olivia Newton-John dies surrounded by family as tributes paid to Grease star

Olivia Newton-John, who is best known for her starring role as Sandy in Grease, has died 'peacefully' at her home, her husband has confirmed

Olivia Newton-John has passed away at the age of 73

Olivia Newton-John, who is best known for her starring role in Grease, has passed away at the age of 73, her husband has confirmed.

The actress' husband John Easterling announced the sad news as he shared a statement via Olivia's Facebook page.

Olivia, who played Sandy in the hit musical movie Grease, passed away at her ranch in Southern California on Monday August 8.

The star, who had been battling breast cancer for 30 years, was surrounded by her family and friends.

Olivia Netwon-John has passed away 'peacefully' at the age of 73, her husband has announced

Olivia's cause of death has not been confirmed.

She is survived by her husband John, 70, and daughter Chloe, 36.

It read: "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. 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).

Actress Olivia is best known for her iconic role on Grease

"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."

Olivia was best known for her role as Sandy in Grease but the star also enjoyed a successful music career with hits such as If Not For You, and Let Me Be There.

But, the star's break came in 1978 when she starred alongside John Travolta in Grease.

Olivia starred alongside John Travolta as Sandy

Olivia played the starring role as Sandy, who became an icon in popular culture.

Meanwhile songs from the movie such as You're the One I Want, Summer Nights and Hopelessly Devoted To You became a hit.

Following her hit movie appearance, she went on to release the hit Physical in 1981.

She also went to appear on Xanadu and Two of a Kind, reuniting with her Grease co-star John.

John Travolta shared a heartfelt message to Olivia

Tributes to the iconic actress have already began pouring in and were lead by John Travolta who shared a photo of Olivia on his Instagram page and wrote a touching message to his co-star in the caption.

It read: "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 moment I saw you and forever!

Remembering Olivia Newton-John

Surrounded by rolling hills and lush vegetation, Olivia relished the tranquility afforded by her home where she lived with beloved husband John, a dog, cats and numerous chickens.

I was lucky enough to visit her beautiful Californian ranch, which was an hour’s drive north of Santa Barbara, in 2019.

Opening the door, she greeted me with a huge smile, and an even huger glass of wine.

To say Olivia was a whirlwind of positivity, is an understatement.

She had incredibly learned to walk again after being confined to a wheelchair as her cancer returned in 2017 which left her with a fractured back.

And she took great pride in being able to take me on a personal tour of her gorgeous garden, each step a testament to her incredible resolve in getting better.

“It’s been difficult but i keep looking forward,” she told me. “I will and am getting better.”

She was also still brimming with ambition despite so many years in the spotlight.

Singing me a new song she had been working on, her voice was as pitch perfect as ever.

As we chatted, her house filled up with friends and the sound of laughter.

Hours after our interview ended, we were still sat in her house as she kept filling our glasses to the brim. Here’s to you Olivia..

He signed the message off with: "Your Danny, your John!"

Meanwhile, George Takei tweeted: "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."

And actress Marlee Matlin added: "I am SO saddened at the news of the passing of Olivia Newton John. I remember being so star struck when I met her at my first Hollywood gathering for Paramount. She was the sweetest and brightest light and I loved getting to know her on "It's My Party." RIP dear, sweet Olivia."

Olivia Newton-John dies surrounded by family as tributes paid to Grease star

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