Dame Olivia Newton-John, an actress and singer famous for her part as Sandy in Grease and for songs like “Physical,” has died at the age of 73. Her husband, John Easterling, made the announcement on Facebook, and he has requested seclusion for the star’s loved ones. With her family and close friends at her side, Dame Olivia Newton-John, age 73, died away quietly at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, as reported by Easterling. In this most trying time, we ask that you give the family some space.
Newton-John fought breast cancer for thirty years, during which time she also raised money for research into the disease and treatment for both herself and others. The statement went on to say that Olivia Newton-John has established a fund at her foundation to study the link between plant medicine and cancer, continuing the legacy of her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine.
The family requests that memorial contributions be given to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund in lieu of flowers. It was in 1974 that Newton-John first came to widespread attention when she competed for the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest. After starring as the sweet Sandy alongside John Travolta in the 1978 picture Grease, she became a global icon and received heartfelt tributes from fans and colleagues alike upon her untimely death. Over the course of her legendary career, which spawned several leg warmer-wearing Halloween costumes, Newton-John won four Grammys and had five No. 1 singles.
References to “Physical,” arguably her most well-known tune, may be found in popular TV shows including “Glee” and the 2021 series that shares the title of the single. Newton-John was an environmentalist, animal rights activist, and health advocate. In 2015, Olivia Newton-John founded the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute in Heidelberg, Australia, in addition to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, which supports studies of alternative cancer therapies based on plants. She is survived by her husband Easterling, daughter Chloe Lattanzi, and various nieces and nephews, in addition to her sister Sarah.