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Olivia Newton-John Passes Away, Aged 73

Olivia Newton-John
Credit: Alamy

Dame Olivia Newton-John has tragically passed away, aged 73. 

The actress and singer, who famously played Sandy Olsen in the hit musical Grease, was confirmed to have passed in a statement released by her husband, John Easterling, on August 8.

It read: “Dame Olivia Newton-John passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends.

Watch as Olivia Newton-John discusses working alongside John Travolta on Grease

“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.

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“In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund.

“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.”

Newton-John’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed, however, according to TMZ, she had been battling cancer for many years before her passing.

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Born in England in 1948, she moved to Australia as a teenager where she began an illustrious career, with a first hit album in 1971 with ‘If Not For You’.

It wasn’t until 1978, though, that she became a household name all over the world in a cinematic depiction of Grease The Musical.

Her global superstardom came as a result of her onscreen performance – which earned her many awards, including a Golden Globe nomination for best actress.

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Written by Cal Gaunt

Cal is a former content editor at IGV who specialized in writing trending and entertainment news. He previously worked as a news reporter at the Lancashire Telegraph and earned an NCTJ in Sports Journalism.