ABBA have paid tribute to Dame Olivia Newton-John as the “nicest, kindest and most loving woman” and hailed her “brave fight” against an “invincible enemy” following her death from cancer.
The British-born singer and actress died “peacefully” at her ranch in Southern California on Monday morning at the age of 73, with her husband John Easterling confirming the news on social media.
Dame Olivia, who grew up in Australia, was best known for her starring role as Sandy in the 1978 film Grease, in which she appeared opposite John Travolta, who played Danny Zuko.
READ MORE:Olivia Newton-John dies aged 73 after 30-year battle with breast cancer
She came fourth at the Eurovision Song Contest 1974 in Brighton, where Swedish pop outfit Abba triumphed with Waterloo, launching their careers.
(Image: Getty Images)
Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Agnetha Faltskog, who performed alongside Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson in the group, paid tribute in statements shared on the official Twitter page for the Super Swedes.
Lyngstad, known as Frida, said: “What do you feel, what do you say when the nicest, kindest and most loving woman leaves us to travel somewhere else? The heart aches to know Olivia’s brave fight against an, in her case, invincible enemy.
“That she never gave up or complained about her situation, but instead told us her story so that we would understand and want to help others affected.
(Image: Getty Images)
“I am grateful to have known a person like you, Olivia, and you will always be in my heart. With love, your friend Frida.”
Faltskog added: “So sad to hear of Olivia’s passing … A fine person has left us – and there are many of us who mourn her now.
“My thoughts go out to the family, and her music and personality will always remain in memory.”
Tributes also came from Dame Olivia’s close friends Hollywood actress Jane Seymour and Australia-based TV presenter Richard Wilkins.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Former Bond girl and Golden Globe winner Seymour met Dame Olivia in 1976 after moving to Los Angeles from the UK.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, she clutched two photographs showing them together and said: “She was a really special person. She changed the world in many ways, especially in terms of what she did with cancer.
“Basically, instead of hiding things in her life, she opened up and said: ‘This is what I’ve got, this is what it looks like.’”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
