"Grease" Star Olivia Newton-John Dies At 73
The world fell in love with the 1978 cult classic "Grease," especially the protagonist Sandra Dee. Olivia Newton-John played the iconic role across from John Travolta; sadly, she has just died at 73 years old.
Olivia Newton-John is known for her beautiful vocals and her beloved role in Grease, but she was also a fierce fighter of cancer for many years. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in the 1990s and in 2017. She also battled cancer in her spine in 2018. Her family confirmed on Monday that she died at 73.
"Grease" Star Olivia Newton-John Dies at 73
Olivia's husband shared the news that her life came to an end. "Dame Olivia Newton-John 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," John Easterling wrote in a statement. "Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer."
Even in the midst of her multiple cancer battles, Olivia faced immense tragedy in her life. In 2005, her then-boyfriend Patrick McDermott disappeared when he was on a fishing trip off the coast of California and he was never found. She said it was an extremely difficult thing to go through.
"It's very hard to live with that," she told Larry King in 2006. "It's probably the hardest thing I've ever experienced, and I've been through a lot of things."
Her singing career was one of her greatest passions, and even though her albums and singles weren't at the top of the Billboard charts for her entire career, she always said singing was what she loved most.
"That's all I've ever done since I was 15, so it's my life. I feel very grateful that I can still do it and people still come to see me," she said in 2017. Olivia was a four-time Grammy award winner and loved to perform live.
“Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer," her husband wrote in the announcement of her death.
Olivia's family requested that her fans and loved ones donate to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund rather than sending flowers.