R.I.P. Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John has died. Billboard reports that shed died of breast cancer today after a 30-year battle. She was 73.
Olivia Newton-John’s husband, John Easterling, posted a statement on Facebook: “Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) 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.
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. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund (ONJFoundationFund.org).
Olivia is survived by her husband John Easterling; daughter Chloe Lattanzi; sister Sarah Newton-John; brother Toby Newton-John; nieces and nephews Tottie, Fiona and Brett Goldsmith; Emerson, Charlie, Zac, Jeremy, Randall, and Pierz Newton-John; Jude Newton-Stock, Layla Lee; Kira and Tasha Edelstein; and Brin and Valerie Hall.”
The Australian artist began performing as a teenager, and in 1971 released her debut album, If Not For You. In 1973, she made her debut in the U.S. with Let Me Be There, originally titled Music Makes My Day in the United Kingdom, and its title track was her first U.S. top 10 single. In 1978 she starred opposite John Travolta in Grease, which became a massive hit, and its soundtrack went eight times platinum in the U.S. Three years later, she released Physical, her most successful solo album, which went double platinum.
She continued to release music throughout her career, her last studio album being 2016’s Friends for Christmas with John Farnham, as well as a live album in 2015.