Celebrity

Olivia Newton-John: John Travolta, Mariah Carey and Kylie lead tributes to late icon

Olivia Newton John And John Travolta In 'Grease'

Olivia Newton John and John Travolta in a scene from the film ‘Grease’, 1978. (Paramount/Getty Images)

Tributes have poured in after the death of the incomparable Olivia Newton-John, aged 73.

The iconic singer and actor passed away from cancer on Monday (8 August), her husband John Easterlig announced.

Newton-John was diagnosed with cancer for a third time in 2019. She was first diagnosed in 1992, with the cancer returning in 2013, and she spent much of her later life advocating for medical cannabis.

Easterling wrote: “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.”

Over her almost 60-year career in show-business, Olivia Newton-John left a mark in the industry that will not easily be forgotten. 

From playing Sandy in Grease, to her unforgettable “Let’s Get Physical” music video and her time on Eurovision, the Australian music icon has shaped many cultural moments

After the news broke, her Grease co-star John Travolta shared a touching message in memory of their friendship. 

“My dearest Olivia,” he wrote on Instagram, “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!”

 

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Wonder Woman actor Lynda Carter said: “I am crushed to hear that my friend @olivianj has died. She was a true light in this world and I loved all the times we worked together. My love goes out to her family and her friends. What a beautiful human.”

Stockard Channing, who played Rizzo in Grease, told People: “I don’t know if I’ve known a lovelier human being, Olivia was the essence of summer – her sunniness, her warmth and her grace are what always come to mind when I think of her.”

Singers who Newton-John met and collaborated with over the years also paid tribute to her astonishing talent. 

Fellow Australian pop-icon Kylie Minogue wrote: “Since I was 10 years old, I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton John. And, I always will.  

“She was, and always will be, an inspiration to me in so many, many ways. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.”

Mariah Carey added: “I dressed up as Bad Sandy for Halloween in 5th grade and thought I was everything. Years later, THE Olivia Newton-John walked out onto my stage in Melbourne, Australia… 

“We sang our hearts out together to “Hopelessly Devoted To You.” This is a moment I will never ever forget.”

Rock singer Rod Stewart, who was close to Newton-John, shared a sweet message in memory of her iconic Sandy.

“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.”
Chris Colfer reminisced on the time Newton-John also made an memorable cameo on Glee.

“Olivia Newton-John was one of the nicest people I was lucky enough to meet and work with on Glee. Such an amazing talent and beautiful soul.”

Friend and musician Peter Frampton added: “One of the most genuinely beautiful souls has left us. Olivia Newton-John was an amazing artist in every way. 

“She was a dear friend to me and to all. Olivia is the definition of the phrase “Down to earth”. I love you Liv”

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