Olivia Newton-John has died, her husband, John Easterling, confirmed on August 8. She was 73.
Easterling shared the news to her official Facebook page, writing: “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.”
Her official cause of death was not stated, however Newton-John has battled breast cancer for decades. In his statement, Easterling requested donations to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, which supports breast cancer research, in lieu of flowers.
Paramount Pictures/Getty Images
“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” he wrote. “Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.”
The British-Australian actor shot to superstardom in 1978 as Sandy Olsson in Grease opposite John Travolta. She also released dozens of records over the last 50 years, and her song “Physical” was the longest-running hit of the 1980s, selling over a 100 million records worldwide, according to Vanity Fair. She has four Grammys, and was nominated for two Golden Globes as well as an Oscar.
Olivia Newton-John is survived by Easterling, whom she married in 2008, and her daughter Chloe Rose Lattanzi from her first marriage to actor Matt Lattanzi.
