As fans across the world attempt to come to terms with the passing of entertainment icon Olivia Newton-John, her husband has provided some insight into the late star’s final days, revealing that she was “very conscious and not in pain”.
Newton-John passed away following a long battle with cancer on August 8, 2022.
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 at the time.
“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.
“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 @onjfoundation.
“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.”
Months on from her passing, Easterling has now opened up about his late wife’s final days.
“She was very clear and very alive and very conscious and not in pain. So there was a quality of life there at that time that I think is so critical,” he told The Daily Telegraph.
Easterling also spoke of his wife’s “uncommon ability to care” and that she was a “joyful spirit” not interested in “all the accolades” that came with her life of fame.
Days earlier, Easterling described Newton-John as the “most courageous and compassionate woman” he has ever met, during the 20th anniversary G’Day USA Arts Gala in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 28.
Taking to the stage to deliver a touching tribute to his late wife, Easterling reflected on his loss and the love he shared with the Grammy winner,
“Olivia and I unexpectedly, madly, deeply, forever fell in love in the Amazon rainforest,” he began.
“For the past 15 years, I’ve been blessed to share the depth and the passion of her being. Every day with Olivia was a bit of magic. Every day with Olivia was supernatural
“She was the most courageous and compassionate woman that I’ve ever known, with a calming capacity to genuinely care about other people.”
Easterling ended his speech by saying, “there’s an old adage that like attracts like, and Olivia knew that her voice and her huge profile of talents were a gift. Her legacy continues as a joyful, healing spirit who is continuously focused on moving things, in her words, ‘into the love and the light’”.