Grease star Dame Olivia Newton-John has passed away at age 73.
In 1992, Olivia Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer. More recently, in 2017, the star announced that the disease had spread to her lower back. She also began the Olivia Newton-John Foundation, which is an independent charity sponsoring global research into plant medicine for cancer.
The beloved Australian actor “passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,” a statement on her social media accounts explains. “We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
Read the statement in full below.
“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.”
“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.”
Olivia Newton-John is known for starring opposite John Travolta in 1978’s Grease. She’s also famous for her hit 1981 single, “Physical.”
Earlier today, it was reported that Teenage Head guitarist Gord Lewis was reportedly murdered in a Hamilton, Ontario apartment, according to the Hamilton Spectator. One of the newspaper’s staff reportedly called 911 to inform the police of suspicious emails sent to their newsroom throughout the weekend form someone named Jonathan Lewis. Jonathan is believed to be Gord Lewis’ son.
