Olivia Newton-John, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and actor in hit musical Grease, has passed away. She was 73.
The Hopelessly Devoted singer battled with cancer for 30 long years, and was an inspiration and hope to millions struggling with cancer across the globe, according to sources.
“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!” John Travolta, her co-star in Grease posted in Instagram.
Olivia Newton John passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern Califonia on Monday morning surrounded by family and friends, ONJFoundationFund.org said in a statement, appealing to all to respect the family's privacy during this difficult time.
"Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer... In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund," the foundation, an independent charity sponsoring global research into plant medicine for cancer, stated.
Apart from several honours and awards, Olivia got eight Grammy nominations and was awarded the Academy Award four times.
1973 – Best Female Country Vocal Performance: "Let Me Be There"
1974 – Record of the Year: "I Honestly Love You"
1974 – Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: "I Honestly Love You"
1982 – Video of the Year: Olivia Physical
In celebration of the British-Australian musical icon, her life, her journey and contributions, the city will be lit up in pink, says Dan Andrews, Premier of Victoria.
"Tonight, landmarks across our city will be lit up pink to remember Olivia Newton John, and her enormous contribution to cancer awareness, research and treatment. Vale Olivia Newton John," Andrews announced in a tweet.
Singer Kylie Munogue also posted a picture of her and Olivia on Twitter and captioned: "Since I was ten years old, I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton John. And, I always will. (Just like this picture@nfsaonline) She was, and always will be, an inspiration to me in so many, many ways. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. x ONJ4EVER".
Announcing her death, singer Rod Stewart too posted on social media: "My great friend Olivia Newton John has passed away. She was the perfect Lady, gorgeous, with great poise and with a certain Aussie sophistication. Her spandex trousers in Grease were my inspiration for my ‘Da ya think I’m Sexy‘ era. RIP Olivia" Sir Rod.
As family, fans and friends expressed deep sorrow in losing the musical icon, American actor 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".
