John Travolta, the icon's daughter and more famous friends and fans share tributes on social media.
"Grease" star and four-time Grammy winner Olivia Newton-John has died. She was 73.
Her husband John Easterling released a statement on Monday, August 8, confirming her death -- saying she "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," he added. No cause of death was revealed, but a source told TMZ, that "After a 30-year cancer journey, she lost her battle to metastatic breast cancer."
"Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer," his statement continued. "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."
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In addition to her husband, the actress is survived by her daughter Chloe Lattanzi, sister Sarah, brother Toby and her nieces and nephews.
Australia-born Newton-John first found success in the United States as a country artist, but reached new heights following the release of "Grease" in 1978, in which she played good girl Sandy alongside John Travolta. Both the film and its soundtrack were massive successes.
She followed up that film with her album "Totally Hot," before the soundtrack for "Xanadu" also became a huge hit. While the movie itself was a critical and commercial flop, it has since become a cult classic. Newton-John's most successful album, "Physical," would release the following year in 1981.
She continued to release music and act throughout her life, appearing as both herself and in character on projects including "Sordid Lives," "Sharknado 5" and "Glee." She also appeared on reality shows like "RuPaul's Drag Race," "American Idol" and "Dancing with the Stars."
Throughout her career, Newton-John has also been very open about her battle with breast cancer, for which she was first diagnosed in 1992 before it returned in 2013. In 2017, she was told that it had metastasized and spread into her bones.
Following her death, celebrity friends and fans turned to social media to share their tributes. Among the first to react was her "Grease" costar John Travolta, who 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 daughter Chloe Lattanzi also shared a carousel of photos of the mother-daughter duo, without caption.
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Sweet Olivia has gone home. She was a beautiful soul and I know of no one who didn’t love her or know what a great humanitarian she was. The world is out of balance when we lose these magnificent people. God speed Livvy. We will all meet again ❤️❤️❤️ @olivianj 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/8tV5j8XvII
— Rick Springfield (@rickspringfield) August 8, 2022 @rickspringfield
My heart is broken. Rest now, sweet friend. You were as kind and loving a person as there’s ever been. I’ll miss you every day. 💔 pic.twitter.com/Z1zkVe9CVb
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) August 8, 2022 @richardmarx
Another angelic voice has been added to the Heavenly Choir. Not only was Olivia a dear friend, but one of the nicest people I had the pleasure of recording and performing with. I will most definitely miss her. She now Rests in the Arms of the Heavenly Father 🥲🙏🏾♥️
— Dionne Warwick (@dionnewarwick) August 8, 2022 @dionnewarwick
Like so many, Olivia has always been my hero. Discovering her magnetic energy as an artist and actress came first but it was her heart that truly captured mine. Forever an icon and legend! pic.twitter.com/8RDc0hzIgW
— Julianne Hough (@juliannehough) August 8, 2022 @juliannehough
"Grease" is my #1 movie of all time and made me a lifelong Olivia Newton John fan. Me and my sister watched Xanadu more times than I could count. Sending so much love and prayers to a real gift of a woman and talent. #RIPOliviaNewtonJohn 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/1M8lcVQuON
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) August 8, 2022 @itsgabrielleu
For Olivia ❤️ I love you. You were everything to me. Thank you for all you did for the world. I’m so sorry you’re gone too soon. I’ll forever cherish the note you left me backstage at Wicked. #hopelesslydevotedtoyou pic.twitter.com/rU5FWDQQJH
— Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) August 8, 2022 @KChenoweth
I am SO saddened at the news of the passing of Olivia Newton John. I remember being so star struck when I met her at my first Hollywood gathering for Paramount. She was the sweetest and brightest light and I loved getting to know her on "It's My Party." RIP dear, sweet Olivia. pic.twitter.com/4FFgolVQNk
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) August 8, 2022 @MarleeMatlin
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.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) August 8, 2022 @GeorgeTakei
Very sad that lovely, talented, brave Olivia Newton- John has died. I never got to meet her, but everyone says she was wonderful- always kind.
— Mia Farrow🇺🇦 (@MiaFarrow) August 8, 2022 @MiaFarrow
Very sad news. Great admiration for how she bravely faced breast cancer. Condolences to her loving family and friends. 🙏🏾💕 https://t.co/O5xuNjbAx4
— Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) August 8, 2022 @RobinRoberts
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. ❤️ https://t.co/gP10SJWqFZ
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) August 8, 2022 @JamesGunn
Devastated to hear this news. I loved Olivia. ❤️ https://t.co/2nOSGYx0Y0
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) August 8, 2022 @katiecouric
Rest In Peace, Olivia. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3EMmyEXbns
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) August 8, 2022 @katiecouric
Olivia Newton-John has died. 💔 That’s it. I’m done guys. Heartbroken doesn’t even BEGIN to cover it. I ADORED her.
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) August 8, 2022 @YNB
I hate this so much. She was only 73.
What is going on?!#RIPOliviaNewtonJohn
Rest In Peace Olivia Newton-John❤️ Love you. xoxoxo Sending my deepest heartfelt condolences to all her family and loved ones. https://t.co/lQNmFACBP8
— Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) August 8, 2022 @MoMcCormick7
Olivia Newton-John rolled with EVERYTHING ❤️🙏💔 https://t.co/Pg2WYtEgvM
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) August 8, 2022 @kathygriffin
Along with having one of the most gorgeous, effortless voices in pop music. One of my first pop obsessions. RIP icon. ❤️
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) August 8, 2022 @billyeichner
Farewell with love to the legend who will forever be my first crush. Rest In Peace, Olivia Newton-John. 🥲🙏🏼👼🏻 https://t.co/IDdhwtoiDX
— Daniel Dae Kim (@danieldaekim) August 8, 2022 @danieldaekim
Grease is the word. Thank you for your gifts #OliviaNewton-John pic.twitter.com/oejcS2t54C
— John-a-thon Schaech (@JohnSchaech) August 8, 2022 @JohnSchaech
RIP Olivia Newton-John
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) August 8, 2022 @DaneCook
Thank you so much for wonderful music and fun memories. pic.twitter.com/QBUnxEgmtn
Olivia Newton John so completely dominated the charts and Top Of The Pops when I was a kid, it felt like she WAS pop music. And yes, Xanuda is still a stone cold classic song. RIP x pic.twitter.com/k8wR1bi5G0
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) August 8, 2022 @edgarwright
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