Dame Olivia Newton-John has passed away at age 73, her family has announced.
Her Grease co-star John Travolta has led tributes to the actress, calling her his "dearest Olivia" in a heartfelt Instagram post.
Newton-John starred as Sandy alongside Travolta's Danny in the film adaption of Grease in 1978, which catapulted her to worldwide fame.
Travolta wrote: "My dearest Olivia, 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!"
Newton-John's family announced the sad news on Facebook today (August 8), writing: "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.
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"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)."
Many of the British-Australian actress's friends and colleagues have paid tribute to her.
Barbra Streisand took to Instagram, writing: "Too young to leave this world. May she RIP. #OliviaNewtonJohn."
Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn tweeted: "Really sad to hear about the passing of Olivia Newton-John. My first real crush as a kid. I loved Grease & her music & I coincidentally also bought & lived in for a while the wonderful home she built in Malibu. May she Rest In Peace."
Star Trek star George Takei wrote: "We have lost a great, iconic artist in Olivia Newton John, gone too soon from us at age 73. I trust she is now in the great Xanadu beyond. Know that we are forever hopelessly devoted to you, Olivia. Rest in song and mirth."
Born in Cambridge, England, Newton-John was a four-time Grammy Award winner and one of the best-selling music artists from the second half of the 20th century. She was honoured with a Dame in the Queen's 2020 New Year's Honours list.
Tasha is a freelance writer for with a particular interest in the representation of women in film and TV. After graduating with a Literature degree then journalism qualifications with News Associates a few years further back than she’d like to admit, Tasha began her freelance career. She’s worked as a writer, editor and commissioning editor for a number of publications including Digital Spy. She is also a theatre critic. LinkedIn
