Actress and singer Olivia Newton-John has died. She was 73.
Her husband, John Easterling, announced the news on her Instagram account. “Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,” he wrote. “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,” he continued. “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 family requested for her memory to be honored by making donations to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, which supports global research into plant medicine for cancer.
The news sparked an outpouring from Hollywood across social media. “What a loss. RIP to the loveliest lady,” Kelly Ripa commented on the Instagram post.
Grease co-star John Travolta also paid tribute on Instagram. In a post, he 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!”
Newton-John and Travolta starred in the 1978 musical film together as star-crossed lovers Sandy and Danny. Grease dominated at the box office, as did the soundtrack. Their duets “You’re the One That I Want” went platinum and “Summer Nights” went gold.
Also fostering a career in music, Newton-John is known for songs “Physical,” “Let Me Be There” and “I Honestly Love You,” which won a Grammy for Record of the Year. She was also a devoted philanthropist.
Other celebrities like Viola Davis, Antonio Banderas, Gabrielle Union and Jason Alexander honored Newton-John on Twitter. “Oh man!!! You were my childhood!! Your talent, poise, beauty!! Rest in glorious peace,” Davis wrote. “God bless your family....and thank you for creating eternal memories.”
On TikTok, country singer Kelsea Ballerini posted a short cover of “Hopelessly Devoted To You” from Grease.
See more reactions below.
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
"Grease" is my #1 movie of all time and made me a lifelong Olivia Newton John fan. Me and my sister watched Xanadu more times than I could count. Sending so much love and prayers to a real gift of a woman and talent. #RIPOliviaNewtonJohn https://t.co/1M8lcVQuON
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) August 8, 2022
Rest in peace, Olivia Newton-John. Deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/EeefzKBKCO
— Antonio Banderas (@antoniobanderas) August 8, 2022
Olivia Newton John so completely dominated the charts and Top Of The Pops when I was a kid, it felt like she WAS pop music. And yes, Xanadu is still a stone cold classic song. RIP x pic.twitter.com/VFfQenPcOM
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) August 8, 2022
I never met Olivia Newton-John. I was only a hopelessly devoted fan. I’m told she was one of the dearest and kindest people. My sympathy to all her loved ones. #RIPOliviaNewtonJohn
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) August 8, 2022
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.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) August 8, 2022
There are some people you never meet but when they’re gone you still feel the loss personally.
— Ken Olin (@kenolin1) August 8, 2022
Olivia Newton John is one of those people. RIP pic.twitter.com/tpvSph6kLK
I had the pleasure of meeting Olivia Newton John many years ago when I played celebrity tennis. Saddened to hear about this lovely lady. #RIPOliviaNewtonJohn pic.twitter.com/a4qOtcEx4K
— Micky Dolenz (@TheMickyDolenz1) August 8, 2022
Vale Olivia Newton-John
— Magda Szubanski AO (@MagdaSzubanski) August 8, 2022
What a sad sad day.
Thank you for all you gave us
Your beautiful soul will be so missed
My deepest condolences to John, Chloe, Gregg and Rod
Rest In Peace darling Olivia
I Honestly Love You
RIP the biggest icon of my childhood. I loved Olivia Newton John with all my girlish heart Grease brought me pure joy- singing and dancing with my friends till we dropped. She sings with the angels now pic.twitter.com/vGUxgVmMco
— Gina Bellman (@Ginabellman) August 8, 2022
olivia newton-john forever pic.twitter.com/FzbrgFIOzB
— Kelsea Ballerini (@KelseaBallerini) August 8, 2022
Photography by: Getty Images/Keystone
