Olivia Newton-John posts video in response to rumours of her death

'I am doing great and want to wish all of you the happiest, healthiest 2019 as possible'

Olivia Newton-John has dismissed recent reports speculating about her health.

The Australian actor – who shot to fame after a starring role in the musical Grease – revealed in September she had been diagnosed with cancer for the third time in three decades. Media outlets in the US began reporting last month that she only had “weeks” to live.

Responding to the reports in a video posted to Facebook, Newton-John assured fans she is “doing great”.

“Happy New Year everyone, this is Olivia Newton-John and I just want to say that the rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated, to quote a very famous quote,” she said.

“And I am doing great and want to wish all of you the happiest, healthiest 2019 as possible and thank you all for your wonderful love and support for me and for my Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness Centre in Melbourne, Australia.”

Newton-John announced she had been diagnosed once again with cancer last year, telling Australian news programme Sunday Night that doctors found a tumour in her lower back in 2017 while she was undergoing a medical evaluation.

The 70-year-old said she was treating the cancer with “modern” medicines along with natural remedies. She said she had cut sugar completely from her diet and was using marijuana to help with the physical pain. Her husband, John Easterling, founded the Amazon Herb Company and grows cannabis at their Californian ranch.

“My husband’s always there, and he’s always there to support me, and I believe I will win over it and that’s my goal,” she said.