‘Forever hopelessly devoted to you’: Tributes pour in for Olivia Newton-John
Following the loss of Australian icon Dame Olivia Newton-John, tributes have flooded in from notable public figures across the world.
The Grease star died peacefully surrounded by her family at her Southern California ranch, according to her husband John Easterling who announced her passing via social media.
“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,” he wrote.
Newton-John’s Grease co-star John Travolta shared a touching tribute to his beloved friend, signing off as his character from perhaps one of the most iconic duos, “Your Danny”.
“My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much,” he wrote on Instagram.
“We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever!
“Your Danny, your John!”
View this post on Instagram
Fellow Australian legend Hugh Jackman shared his sadness about the passing of his first crush, saying it was an honour to have met Newton-John.
“I’m devastated to hear the news that @therealonj has passed away,” he wrote.
“One of the great privileges of my life was getting to know her. Not only was she one of the most talented people I’ve known … she was one of the most open hearted, generous and funny. She was a one of kind spirit.
“It’s no secret Olivia was my first crush. I kissed her (poster) every night before bed. Her legacy will only grow stronger in the years to come. A fighter for healing from cancer that knows no bounds. I love you Olivia.”
View this post on Instagram
Aussie singer and actress Delta Goodrem, who portrayed the star in the 2018 biopic Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted to You, joined in on the tributes, mourning the loss of her mentor.
“The whole world will feel this heartbreak today because the entire world felt Olivia’s unmatched light,” Goodrem wrote on Instagram.
“A force for good. A force of nature. Strong and kind. my mentor, my friend, my inspiration, someone who always guided me… she was always there for me. Family to me.
“I don’t have all the words I would like to say today but I hope everyone will join in celebrating our beloved Olivia, her heart, soul, talent, courage, grace… I love you forever”
View this post on Instagram
Beloved Australian singer and songwriter, Kylie Minogue, shared her heartbreak, speaking of her deep respect for Newton-John alongside a throwback image of the pair.
Since I was ten years old, I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton John. And, I always will. (Just like this picture @nfsaonline) She was, and always will be, an inspiration to me in so many, many ways. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. x ONJ4EVER pic.twitter.com/3nE8PVDFLy
— Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) August 8, 2022
Esteemed entertainment figures Brooke Shields and Barbra Streisand also shared their condolences on social media.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
The tributes continued on Twitter from fellow performers to political figures:
My great friend Olivia Newton John has passed away. She was the perfect Lady, gorgeous, with great poise and with a certain Aussie sophistication.
Her spandex trousers in Grease were my inspiration for my ‘Da ya think I’m Sexy‘ era.
RIP Olivia
Sir Rod pic.twitter.com/Suleq8JSkX— Sir Rod Stewart (@rodstewart) August 8, 2022
We have lost a great, iconic artist in Olivia Newton John, gone too soon from us at age 73. I trust she is now in the great Xanadu beyond. Know that we are forever hopelessly devoted to you, Olivia. Rest in song and mirth.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) August 8, 2022
One of the most genuinely beautiful souls has left us. Olivia Newton-John was an amazing artist in every way. She was a dear friend to me and to all. Olivia is the definition of the phrase “Down to earth”. I love you Liv pic.twitter.com/FKyUd7WfRs
— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) August 8, 2022
Olivia Newton John was one in a million.
She gave the world her music and movies – but for Victorians she was so much more.
Her generosity through the ONJ Cancer Wellness and Research Centre has saved lives, and her advocacy has given Victorians hope as they battle cancer. pic.twitter.com/ObOL0yE0or
— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) August 8, 2022
Olivia Newton-John was a star. A bright, joyful glow in our lives. From the moment we saw her, she was a warm, enduring presence and her voice became a big part of the Australian soundtrack. Above all she was a wonderful, generous person. pic.twitter.com/0G0tc0tauI
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) August 9, 2022
For Olivia ❤️ I love you. You were everything to me. Thank you for all you did for the world. I’m so sorry you’re gone too soon. I’ll forever cherish the note you left me backstage at Wicked. #hopelesslydevotedtoyou pic.twitter.com/rU5FWDQQJH
— Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) August 8, 2022
Really sad to hear about the passing of Olivia Newton-John. My first real crush as a kid. I loved Grease & her music & I coincidentally also bought & lived in for a while the wonderful home she built in Malibu. May she Rest In Peace. ❤️ https://t.co/gP10SJWqFZ
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) August 8, 2022
Sadly, Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, she overcome the disease after undergoing a partial mastectomy and chemotherapy.
She was diagnosed with cancer a second time in 2013 before overcoming the disease yet again. However, in 2017 Newton-John was diagnosed with cancer a third time after it had spread to her bones and developed top stage four.
Throughout her illness, Newton-John managed her pain through medical cannabis and became an advocate for its use.
Newton-John is survived by her husband John Easterling, her daughter Chloe Lattanzi, sister Sarah Newton-John, brother Toby Newton-John as well as several nieces and nephews.
Explore More
Book Confidently With Us
Pay safely with us
Proudly Australian owned and operated