Olivia Newton-John death: Daughter posts moving tribute to Grease star, who has died aged 73
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Your support makes all the difference.Hollywood legend Olivia Newton-John has died of breast cancer. She was 73 years old.
The actor’s husband John Easterling announced her death on her Facebook page on Monday afternoon (8 August).
“Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,” the post read.
“We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
Easterling continued: “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.”
Olivia Newton-John death: Actor, singer and activist dies aged 73
Olivia Newton-John told women to ‘trust their instincts’ after first mammogram failed to pick up breast cancer
Grease The Musical star: It was surreal to break Dame Olivia’s death to audience
There was more to Olivia Newton-John than just Grease
Newton-John told women to ‘trust their instincts’ about breast cancer
In 2020, Newton-John shared surprising details about her breast cancer battle at the launch of the Olivia Newton-John Foundation – that her initial mammogram didn’t detect her breast cancer.
“I knew immediately that something was wrong. I had a mammogram and the mammogram was benign and then I had a needle biopsy that was also benign,” the actor said, per Prevention magazine. “And I don’t say this to scare women, but you just have to trust your instincts.”
She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 and beat the disease, before being diagnosed again with stage 4 breast cancer in 2017.
The American Cancer Society estimates that there is a 13 per cent chance women will develop cancer in their lifetime, and about 287,850 new cases will be diagnosed in women each year. That is why it is so important for women to receive regular mammograms.
How Olivia Newton-John's first mammogram missed breast cancer
Actor previously revealed in 2020 that her initial mammogram didn’t detect the illness
John Travolta says meeting Newton-John was the best thing about his ‘Grease’ experience in throwback interview
E! News shared a touching past interview with Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta.
Travolta, asked what memory stands out the most from shooting the film, replies immediately: “Meeting Olivia. Beyond a shadow of a doubt.”
Newton-John answered: “I have to say the same.”
Newton-John remembered for her ‘angelic voice'
Newton-John will rightly be remembered for her iconic role in Grease, however, plenty of musicians have paid tribute to her singing talent in the wake of her passing.
She made her name as a folk musician and competed against ABBA at Eurovision before becoming a trail-blazing music video star.
Dionne Warwick, who recorded a duet with Newton-John in 2006, tweeted: “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.
Meanwhile, Mariah Carey wrote: “I first fell in love with Olivia’s voice when I was a little girl and heard ‘I Honestly Love You.’” She also praising Newton-John’s “beautiful airy tone and signature sound”.
Olivia Newton-John hailed as an ‘angelic voice’ following death aged 73
Soul singer Dionne Warwick and Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin were among those sharing messages.
Newton-John's Eurovision competitors Abba share words of praise
Before Grease, Newton-John performed at the Eurovision Song Contest 1974 in Brighton, the winners of which were Swedish pop outfit Abba who triumphed with “Waterloo”, launching their careers.
Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Agnetha Faltskog, who performed alongside Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson in the group, paid tribute in statements to the PA news agency.
Lyngstad, known as Frida, said: “What do you feel, what do you say when the nicest, kindest and most loving woman leaves us to travel somewhere else? The heart aches to know Olivia’s brave fight against an, in her case, invincible enemy.
“That she never gave up or complained about her situation, but instead told us her story so that we would understand and want to help others affected. I am grateful to have known a person like you, Olivia, and you will always be in my heart. With love, your friend Frida.”
Faltskog added: “So sad to hear of Olivia’s passing … A fine person has left us – and there are many of us who mourn her now.
“My thoughts go out to the family, and her music and personality will always remain in memory.”
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