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!”
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.”
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”
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.
Esteemed entertainment figures Brooke Shields and Barbra Streisand also shared their condolences on social media.
The tributes continued on Twitter from fellow performers to political figures:
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.