Legendary Grease actress Dame Olivia Newton-John has died at the age of 73 after battling stage-four breast cancer.
The star passed away at her home in Southern California surrounded by her family and friends.
Dame Olivia’s role as Sandy in the 1978 film adaption of Grease catapulted her to worldwide fame.
Movie fans fell in love with her portrayal of innocent student Sandra Dee and her romance with John Travolta’s young hoodlum Danny Zuko in 1950s America.
But she was diagnosed with breast cancer in the early 1990s which led to her being a leading advocate for cancer research.
Her cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but her representative said that Olivia died peacefully.
A statement posted on her official social media account read: “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.”
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It continued: “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.”
(Image: Getty Images)
It added that the family had asked that instead of flowers,
The iconic Australian actress was sadly diagnosed with cancer for the third time in November 2018 after she’d previously been given the all-clear back in 1992 after undergoing chemotherapy and a mastectomy.
Over two decades later, the star who is better known for her role as Sandra “Sandy” Dee in the hit teen film Grease, confirmed that her cancer had returned following a car accident.
At the time of the incident, doctors had almost missed the tumour but Olivia insisted on additional testing which confirmed her worst fears.
(Image: Getty Images)
Just five years on and Olivia found herself going through the motions all over again after she had been diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer.
What had been a shambolic year for most with the outbreak of Covid-19 proved to be even tougher for John Travolta’s former Aussie co-star.
In spite of her battle, Olivia looked well as she tried to share some positivity among her social media following.
Taking to Instagram, she said: “I just want to wish you all the happiest and healthiest holiday season.
(Image: CBS via Getty Images)
“We’ll get through this. This too will pass.
“I hope that 2021 brings us new things and better news, and just keep your spirits up and think positive thoughts.”
Earlier in the year, the movie star also paid tribute to Grease co-star John Travolta’s late wife Kelly Preston, after she had lost her fight with breast cancer.
Kelly had secretly battled breast cancer for two years before she died at the age of 57, in her family home in Florida.
(Image: FilmMagic)
During a Loose Women appearance, Olivia said: “It was obviously [hard]. Kelly was a wonderful, beautiful spirit inside and out.
“It was incredibly sad strengthened my resolve and foundation, even more now.
“I’ve lost a few friends in past year more determined to see a world beat cancer.”
Kelly’s death only spurred the actress on to continue to raise awareness in support of the Olivia Newton-John Foundation, which is researching holistic therapies for those diagnosed with cancer.
Dame Olivia’s charity, the Olivia Newton John Foundation, has raised millions of pounds to support research.
Her efforts in the field were recognised by Queen Elizabeth, who honoured her with a Dame in 2020 New Year’s Honours list.
She is survived by her daughter Chloe Lattanzi, 36, and husband of 14 years, John Easterlin
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
