Dame Olivia Newton-John has died, aged 73.
The star, who famously played Sandy in Grease alongside John Travolta, died earlier this morning (August 8).
Her performance in Grease saw her nominated for multiple awards including two Golden Globes, along with various other film accolades and she went on to become a multi-platinum selling singer.
Dame Olivia also represented the UK in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, held in Brighton, with the song Long Live Love.
She came fourth in the competition, with ABBA placing first for their hit song Waterloo.
Rest in Peace, Dame Olivia Newton-John, who had died aged 73. #rip #olivianewtonjohn #dameolivianewtonjohn #grease pic.twitter.com/XAEd1WVOwm
— GLUE magazine 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️ (@thegluemagazine) August 8, 2022
Her husband, John Easterling, confirming the news in a statement.
‘Dame Olivia Newton-John passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,’ the statement reads.
‘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.’
The statement ends: ‘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.’
Sandy in Grease inspired generations of gays to glow-up before we even knew what a glow-up was.
Rest in peace, Dame Olivia Newton-John #rip pic.twitter.com/ji9xqsCpA2— Gay Memes ItsLitGayShit (@itslitgayshitt) August 8, 2022
Grease co-star John Travolta paid tribute on Instagram, in a touching post:
“My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better,” he wrote.
“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!”
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