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.
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