On August 13th, The Chicks paid tribute to the late Olivia Newton-John with a cover of her Grease hit, “Hopelessly Devoted to You.”
Olivia Newton-John passed away on August 8th after a 30-year fight with breast cancer. Taking to the Gorge Amphitheatre in George, WA, The Chicks played a moving cover of the 1978 hit in honour of Newton-John. “Hopelessly Devoted to You” was a perfect honky tonk tune for The Chicks, and the audience seemed to love it.
“We lost a worldwide sweetheart last week,” frontwoman Natalie Maines told the crowd. “I thought I was Olivia Newton-John from like four until 12. And then I just wished I was Olivia Newton-John from then on.”
Watch The Chicks’ cover of “Hopelessly Devoted to You” below.
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.”
Olivia Newton-John is known for starring opposite John Travolta in 1978’s Grease, where she played “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” She’s also famous for her hit 1981 single, “Physical.”
“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.”
