With the film "Grease" Olivia Newton-John danced and sang her way into the hearts of many musical fans in the 70s. In addition to her career in show business, her legacy also includes fighting cancer. The singer has died at the age of 73.
Australian singer and actress Olivia Newton-John has died at the age of 73. This was announced by her husband John Easterling on Facebook. Newton-John rose to fame with chart hits like "Physical," "Have You Never Been Mellow," and "You're the One That I Want." Her role in the musical "Grease" and the duets with John Travolta are also remembered.
"Olivia was a symbol of triumph and hope for over 30 years as she shared her journey with breast cancer," her husband wrote. "Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicines continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund." According to her husband, the 73-year-old died peacefully with her family on Monday morning at her ranch in Southern California.
In 2017, Newton-John shared that the breast cancer she first contracted in 1992 had returned and spread to her spine. In 2013 she had received a second cancer diagnosis, but she didn't mention it. After her initial diagnosis, Newton-John became a prominent activist and founded the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Research Center in Melbourne. She championed cancer research and better treatments - a legacy as important as her showbiz career, which has included four Grammy wins and sales of more than 100 million records.
Her role in the 1978 film adaptation of the Broadway musical Grease will be remembered by most. The then 29-year-old had to be persuaded to accept the role because she feared she was too old for the role of a high school student. "Grease" became the biggest box office hit of the year and the soundtrack stayed at #1 in the US for 12 straight weeks. Newton-John's performance was nominated for a Golden Globe and she appeared at the 1979 Academy Awards in Hopelessly Devoted to You.
After "Grease" she was right back in front of the camera in 1980 for the fantasy musical "Xanadu" on roller skates to disco suits with the hit songs "Xanadu", "Magic" and "Suddenly". A year later, Newton-John released their most successful album "Physical".
Her former film partner John Travolta paid tribute to Newton-John's career and their time together with a post on Instagram. "My dearest Olivia, you have made all of our lives so much better. Your impact has been amazing. I love you so much," Travolta wrote. "We will see you again at the end of our journey and we will all be together again. I was yours from the moment I saw you and always will be. Your Danny, your John!"
