Olivia Newton-John has died at the age of 73 after battling breast cancer for more than 30 years.

The sad news was shared via Newton-John's official Facebook account, revealing that the Grease star had died on Monday morning. She passed away peacefully at her Southern California home, surrounded by loved ones.

A message from her husband, John Easterling, 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).

"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."

The actress had said in October 2021, that she was battling Stage 4 breast cancer and also revealed that she was using medical marijuana to help with the pain.

Newton-John was first diagnosed with cancer in 1992, then again in May 2017 and a final time in September 2018.

Speaking to The Guardian in 2020, she said of the disease: "It’s been a part of my life for so long. I felt something was wrong. It’s concerning when it comes back, but I thought 'I’ll get through it again.'"

Originally a singer-songwriter, Newton-John's acting career kicked off with a bang in 1978, with the release of the beloved movie musical Grease, in which she played an innocent high school student named Sandy. She played the role opposite John Travolta and it went on to earn her a Golden Globe nomination.

Some two years later, she starred in another movie musical, Xanadu, and later appeared alongside Travolta once again in the 1983 movie, Two of a Kind.

Our thoughts are with Newton-John's loved ones at this difficult time.

This is a developing story. More to follow...

Featured image credit: Sipa US / Alamy

Tributes have been paid after it was confirmed that Blondie drummer Clem Burke has died aged 70.

News of Burke's death was shared by the band, who confirmed that he had passed following a battle with cancer.

Sharing a photo of Burke, the band's statement read: "It is with profound sadness that we relay news of the passing of our beloved friend and bandmate Clem Burke following a private battle with cancer. 

"Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie. His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable.

"Beyond his musicianship, Clem was a source of inspiration both on and off the stage. His vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm and rock solid work ethic touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him."

They added: 'Clem’s influence extended far beyond Blondie. A self proclaimed 'Rock & Roll survivalist', he played and collaborated with numerous iconic artists, including Eurythmics, Ramones, Bob Dylan, Bob Geldof, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, Chequered Past, The Fleshtones, The Romantics, Dramarama, The Adult Net, The Split Squad, The International Swingers, L.A.M.F., Empty Hearts, Slinky Vagabond, and even the Go-Go’s. His influence and contributions have spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on every project he was a part of.

"We extend our deepest condolences to Clem’s family, friends, and fans around the world. His legacy will live on through the tremendous amount of music he created and the countless lives he touched. As we navigate this profound loss, we ask for privacy during this difficult time. Godspeed, Dr. Burke. Debbie, Chris, and the entire Blondie family."

Burke had joined Blondie shortly after it was formed by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein in 1975.

He is credited with having kept the nu-wave group together after Stein and Harry considered disbanding after original bassist Fred Smith left.

Born in New Jersey in 1954, Burke recalled one of his earliest memories being playing his father's drum kit to the music of the Four Seaons, before drumming in the local drum and bugle corp.

By the time he reached his teens, Burke had played at the famous New York club CBGB and also performed at a battle of the bands contest with his group The Total Environment at Carnegie Hall when he was just 14.

After joining Blondie, he also brought on his friend Gary Valentine as bassist, and he also went on to perform with other bands including The Ramones during Blondie's 15-year hiatus from 1982 to 1997.

Burke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 along with his bandmates from Blondie.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen Burke.

Our thoughts go out to Burke's family, friends, and fans at this heartbreaking time.

Featured image credit: Suzan Carson/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Luna Alves, a rising Brazilian singer, tragically passed away at the age of 39, just hours after performing at a local bar in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso.

Her sudden death has left her family, friends, and fans devastated.

Alves, who was also employed full-time at an agricultural company, had been in good spirits after her performance on the night of August 10.

She even shared a heartfelt video on Instagram before going to bed, thanking God for the "gift of life" and her "voice."

In the video, she expressed deep gratitude for the love and support she received from her fans and colleagues, per G1.

"I'm home, I'm going to sleep. But first, of course, I want to thank God immensely, from the bottom of my heart, for the gift of life, for the gift of my voice," she said in her final message.

"I am truly grateful. Only Him, only Him and I, deep within. And the people who work with me, and the contractors, friends, partners, the people who like my work. It's great that you do work where people praise you, where people like what you do. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

She also thanked her fans for their compliments and support, saying, "I received so many compliments, so many good things, so many requests granted today. I just have to thank you. And that's it. May God bless you and me. Kisses."

Later that night, Alves went to bed with her husband, musician Guilherme Schreiner, by her side.

Schreiner, who was also her musical partner, recalled that she had been in good health when they went to sleep.

"I went to bed at 1:40AM, and she was doing great," he told Brazilian news outlet G1. "We started watching videos and then went to sleep."

However, just a few hours later, Schreiner noticed that something was wrong.

"Around 5:10AM, I heard her feeling unwell in bed and got up to call emergency services," he recalled.

The emergency operator stayed on the line, providing instructions as paramedics were dispatched, but tragically, Alves was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

Her cause of death was later confirmed as a heart attack, according to her death certificate.

Schreiner shared the heartbreaking news of his wife's passing on social media, expressing his sorrow. "I lost a woman, I lost a partner. I just ask God for strength to be able to carry on. I love you," he wrote.

Alves, who began her singing career in 2019, was a beloved local performer, frequently appearing at bars and cultural venues in Cuiabá.

Despite her full-time job in the administrative sector of an agro-industrial company, Alves pursued her dream of singing, hoping for national recognition.

According to Schreiner, she had recently expressed excitement about performing at the Chapada dos Guimarães Winter Festival in 2026.

Her family and fans are mourning the loss of a talented woman whose music and positive energy touched many.

Alves leaves behind her husband, Schreiner, whom she was married to for three and a half years, and two daughters, aged 9 and 19 from a previous relationship, per the Daily Mail.

Her eldest daughter, Maria Queiroz, shared a heartfelt tribute on Alves' Instagram, saying, “I love you forever, mom. My Lucinha.”

Alves’ sudden passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media. Fans and loved ones have shared their memories of the singer, who was known not only for her voice but for her warmth and kindness.

One fan wrote: “I will miss your new videos coming out. You gave me a smile when I needed one. Rest well.” Another shared: "The world has lost an angel. R.I.P. my thoughts and prayers to your loved ones."

"She had this dream of being recognized nationally, but she also made it clear that she would be happy just singing, regardless of where she was," Schreiner shared, reflecting on her humble yet passionate approach to her music.

Featured image credit: Instagram / lunaalvescantora

Eddie Van Halen has died at the age of 65.

The news of the rock legend's passing was broken by his son, Wolfgang Van Halen (known simply as Wolf), on Twitter.

Writing a statement alongside a photograph of his smiling father, Wolf said that Eddie died on Tuesday (October 6) following a "long and arduous" battle with cancer.

[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/WolfVanHalen/status/1313561314598350848]]

"I can’t believe I’m having to write this but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning," Wolf said in the tweet.

"He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift.

"My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss."

Wolf ended the statement by writing: "I love you so much, Pop."

TMZ reports that Van Halen died at St Johns Hospital in Santa Monica surrounded by his family.

Eddie Van Halen was best known for performing in his eponymous band, which he formed in California back in 1972, alongside his brother Alex on drums, David Lee Roth on vocals, and Michael Anthony on bass.

Anthony was replaced on bass by Wolf back in 2006.

Throughout the band's iconic career, they sold more than 80 million records and was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

Eddie received his first cancer treatment back in 2000, undergoing surgery to have roughly one-third of his tongue removed. He was declared cancer-free in 2002.

Sadly, however, it was reported last year that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer.

Wolfgang was Eddie's only son, whom he shared with his ex-wife, actress Valerie Bertinelli.

Bertinelli and Eddie were married in April 1981, and spent 24 years together before Valerie filed for divorce in 2005, with the divorce eventually being was finalized in December 2007.

Eddie went on to find love with Janie Liszewski, proposing to the actress and stunt-woman in 2008. The couple married at his Studio City estate on June 27, 2009. Eddie's brother, Alex, officiated the ceremony, and Wolf was his father's best man.

Our thoughts are with Eddie's family, friends, and fans at this time.