The British-Australian world star Olivia Newton-John has passed away from breast cancer at the age of 73. Her husband, John Easterling has posted a touching statement, announcing the passing of his beloved wife, on Facebook:
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.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. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund (ONJFoundationFund.org).
Olivia Newton-John has started her career as a singer through the band Toomorrow and was, among others, discovered by Eurovision star Cliff Richard who worked with her since 1970. In 1971 she released the single If Not for You which reached a top 10 ranking in the British charts and led to her national recognition as a professional singer. In 1973 she worked in the US and released the country album Let Me Be There, which sold more than a million times and won the American Music Award for the best country album.
In 1974, Olivia Newton-John represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton with the song “Long Live Love“, where she finished in a shared fourth place. You can watch her Eurovision performance here!
After Eurovision, Olivia Newton-John rose to even bigger fame, when she accepted her lead role as Sandy Olsson in the musical movie Grease, alongside John Travolta. The movie was an enormous international success, receiving cuslt status with songs like You’re The One That I Want or Summer Nights, getting worl wide recognition. Olivia Newton-John became a world star, with countless prices, including four Grammys and several Billboard and People’s Choice Awards.
Olivia Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer twice, in 2017 and 2018. Since then she has been an advocate for breast cancer awareness and it is with great sorrow, that she has passed from this disease now. Just a half hour after the reveal of her passing, the hashtag “Rest In Peace” started to trend on Twitter, which shows the impact that she has left on this world. We are all very sad about this news and would like to express our condolences to the friends and family!
Thank you, Olivia Newton-John, for the impact you have left on this world and for being a part of the Eurovision community!
