The Australian singer Olivia Newton-John, died on Monday, according to a statement from her husband. She was 73.
Olivia Newton-John was known for her beautiful voice and wholesome beauty that made her one of the biggest pop stars of the ’70s. She charmed generations of viewers with the movie “Grease”.
Her husband, John Easterling, wrote in a statement:
“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. Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.”
Back in September 2018, the singer revealed that she was treating cancer at the base of her spine. It was her third cancer diagnosis, following breast cancer in the early ’90s and in 2017.
Olivia Newton-John was known for country and soft-rock hits, then she play Sandy in 1978’s “Grease,” one the most popular movie musical of all time. Even if she had little acting experience ( she turned 29 during filming), Olivia Newton-John gave an indelible performance as Sandy, a sweet-natured Australian transfer student who fell in love Danny, played by John Travolta.
Olivia Newton-John recorded her first single in England in 1966. She scored a few international hits, but she reached the heart of US audiences in 1973, when “Let Me Be There” became a top-10 hit on both the adult contemporary and the country charts.
Then, more hits followed, including “I Honestly Love You,” “Have You Never Been Mellow” and “Please Mr. Please.”
The movie “Grease” became an enduring cultural phenomenon, and gave Newton-John an opportunity to change her squeaky-clean image. In fact, she will be featured in black leather on the cover of her next album, “Totally Hot”.
Olivia Newton-John had to face her share of troubles and tragedy. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and was forced to postpone and cancel several tours. Her then-boyfriend, Patrick McDermott, disappeared at sea while on a fishing trip off the coast of California in 2005. He was never found.
Newton-John never stopped recording and performing, even when her career profile darkened in her later years.