Grease star Olivia Newton-John passes away aged 73, celebrities pay tribute

Olivia Newton-John has passed away aged 73 following her battle with cancer.

The Australian actress’ death was announced by her husband John Easterling in a statement on her Instagram account.

“Dame Olivia Newton-John 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,” the statement read.

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A post shared by Olivia Newton-John (@therealonj)

“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.”

Newton-John had been in the midst of her third battle with cancer, which she revealed to the public in September 2018. Prior to that, the actress had overcome breast cancer in the 1990s and in 2017.

The singer was perhaps best known for her role in the 1970s hit film Grease, where she starred alongside John Travolta. She went on to forge an impressive acting and music career for herself spanning over four decades.

Following the announcement of her death, tributes from around the world flooded in, including from celebrities.

John Travolta shared a photo from Newton-John’s early career on Instagram, sharing a heartfelt message from her “Danny”.

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“My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much,” he said. “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!”

Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra posted an iconic shot of the actress in Grease on her Instagram story. “Rest in peace Olivia Newton-John. Your legacy will always shine on,” she said.

Fellow Australian singer Kylie Minogue also shared a tribute to her “inspiration”.

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“Since I was ten years old, I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton John And, I always will,” she said. “She was, and always will be, an inspiration to me in so many, many ways. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.”

Newton-John is survived by her husband John Easterling and her daughter Chloe Lattanzi.