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: ā€œOlivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.Ā 

“Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.ā€

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

From playing Sandy in Grease, to her unforgettable ā€œLetā€™s Get Physicalā€ music video and her time on Eurovision, the Australian music icon has shaped many cultural moments

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

ā€œMy dearest Olivia,ā€ he wrote on Instagram, ā€œyou made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much.Ā 

ā€œWe 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!ā€

 

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Wonder Woman actor Lynda Carter said: “I am crushed to hear that my friend @olivianjĀ 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 ā€“ 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.Ā 

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

ā€œShe was, and always will be, an inspiration to me in so many, many ways. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.ā€

Mariah Carey added: ā€œI 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, Australiaā€¦Ā 

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

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

ā€œMy great friend Olivia Newton John has passed away. She was the perfect Lady, gorgeous, with great poise and with a certain Aussie Ā sophistication.Ā 

ā€œHer spandex trousers in Grease were my inspiration for my ā€˜Da ya think Iā€™m Sexyā€˜ era.ā€
Chris Colfer reminisced onĀ the timeĀ Newton-John also made an memorable cameo on Glee.

ā€œOlivia 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.ā€

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

ā€œShe was a dear friend to me and to all. Olivia is the definition of the phrase ā€œDown to earthā€. I love you Livā€

https://twitter.com/danieldaekim/status/1556730015059890176?s=20&t=8qnOHJT2USgHsAV0ukWKaQ

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