Entertainment Icon Olivia Newton-John Has Passed Away

Dame Olivia Newton-John has died, aged 73. A global stage and screen icon, Newton-John passed away following a lengthy fight with breast cancer.

Newton-John's passing was confirmed by her husband, John Easterling, in a post on Facebook. In the post, which you can read below, Easterling shares that Olivia died at home, surrounded by friends and family. 

"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).

The English-born, Melbourne-raised Newton-John rose to worldwide fame following a star-making performance as Sandy Olsson in the 1978 movie musical Grease. One of the most celebrated performances of all time, Newton-John's on-screen pairing with John Travolta's Danny Zuko in Grease helped to launch her career into the stratosphere. 

The soundtrack for Grease remains one of the highest-selling albums in history, spending 12 weeks at #1 upon release, with Newton-John's lead tracks Hopelessly Devoted To You and Summer Nights seeing her become just the second female performer to have two Top 5 Billboard hits simultaneously.

The soundtrack version of her on-screen duet with Travolta You're The One That I Want is one of the most enduring and popular works of the era, selling over 15 million physical copies and remaining a constant cultural presence to this day.

A singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur, and activist, Newton-John was a multiple-time Grammy Award-winner, with a legacy of hits including Physical and I Honestly Love You. Her 1981 single Physical was a worldwide smash hit. Accompanied by one of the most instantly recognisable video clips ever made, for which it received the Grammy for 'video of the year, Physical is a cornerstone of early '80s pop. 

Since being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, Newton-John dedicated much of her time to supporting efforts and raising funds to find a cure for cancer. Newton-John's work in that space includes the establishment of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne, and the establishment of the Olivia Newton-John Foundation.