Olivia Newton-John, famous for her starring role as “Sandy” in the classic 1978 film, “Grease,” with John Travolta, died at her ranch in Southern California on Monday, August 8. Her death was announced on Instagram by her family. She was 73-years-old.
“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,” the post said.
The Australian actress/singer was also known for her top song hits, including “You’re the One That I Want,” which was featured in “Grease,” and her 1981 song “Physical,” which not only was the biggest hit of her career, but was the biggest hit of the 1980s, spending 10 weeks on the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
Her first Number 1 song to hit the charts was “I Honestly Love You.”
“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” her husband, John Easterling, 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.”
Newton-John spent years as advocate for cancer patients and survivors. She was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992.
Newton-John had kept her breast cancer diagnosis and treatments secret, but revealed the news when she was diagnosed again in 2017.
