Olivia Newton-John star and singer dies aged 73

Chart-topping singer and Grease star Olivia Newton-John has died at age 73.

Her husband, John Easterling, shared the news on social media. “Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,” he wrote on Facebook. “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,” Easterling 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 Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund.”

Newton-John’s myriad career highlights include four Grammy wins, five No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, 10 additional Top 10 hits, two No. 1 albums and global sales of over 100 million records. She is perhaps best known for her starring role in the 1978 musical film Grease alongside John Travolta. The soundtrack, which has sold approximately 28 million copies worldwide, produced the chart-topping duet “You’re the One That I Want,” as well as the No. 2-peaking “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and the No. 6-peaking “Summer Nights.”

John Travolta just posted about Olivia’s passing, saying, “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!

Aside from her acting and singing careers, Newton-John was also an activist for environmentalism and animal rights, as well as an advocate for breast cancer research since her diagnosis of the disease in 1992. In 1979, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire, and in 2020 she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to charity, cancer research and entertainment.