Socialites, join us in sending love, prayers, and condolences to the family of Olivia Newton-John. The Australian singer-songwriter and actress known for her iconic role as “Sandy Olsson” in ‘Grease’ has passed away at the age of 73, following a long battle with cancer.
Singer & ‘Grease’ Actress Olivia Newton-John Dies At 73 Of Breast Cancer
Her husband, John Easterling, shared the news on Monday (Aug. 8). His statement read:
“Dame Olivia Newton-John 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 @onjfoundation.”
Singer & ‘Grease’ Actress Olivia Newton-John’s Bouts With Breast Cancer
It is reported that Newton-John was one of the first celebrities to publicly share their health crisis.
In 1992, she revealed her first diagnosis with breast cancer. She would go on to eventually get a partial mastectomy, chemotherapy, and breast reconstruction.
She would also create the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in Melbourne. For decades, she was seen as an advocate for cancer awareness and research.
After her first bout in 1992, Newton-John would announce that she was again diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2017.
The cancer had metastasized to the sacrum. She underwent photon radiation therapy, plus natural wellness therapies, after consulting with her medical team at her center in Melbourne.
Around the time of the 40th-anniversary screening of ‘Grease,’ in August 2018, Newton-John appeared noticeably thinner, although radiant. And in January 2020, she told reporters that she wasn’t letting cancer slow her down.
She said, “I’m winning over it well and that’s how I see it. I don’t think about it a lot, to be honest. Denial is a really good thing and I’m getting stronger and better all the time! I’m doing well!”
By September 2018, Newton-John announced she was treating cancer at the base of her spine. This would be the singer/actress’ third cancer diagnosis.
RELATED: Australian Mother Labeled A ‘Monster’ After Removing Newborn’s Facial Birthmark With Laser
In addition to the 1978 blockbuster film ‘Grease,’ Newton-John also starred in several other big-budget movies, including the musical fantasy ‘Xanadu.’
She also appeared alongside her ‘Grease‘ co-star John Travolta for the 1983 film ‘Two of a Kind.’ It was a romantic comedy-fantasy that tried to live up to the actors’ first film, but didn’t quite hit the mark.
Regardless, Newton-John had a lengthy and successful career, that left her with four Grammy Awards and over 100 million albums sold.
Speaking on her career, Newton-John previously told CNN, “I’ve had many lives in music. I’ve had country when I started, then I crossed over into pop,. I had ‘Xanadu’ and ‘Grease,’ many songs in between. I feel very grateful. I have such a large repertoire to choose from.”
#Socialites, be sure to check out the post below, then leave us your thoughts in a comment after!
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram