Pop Culture Icon Olivia Newton-John Has Passed Away At 73

News broke yesterday of Dame Olivia Newton-John’s passing after a decades-long battle with cancer. The singer and actress, best known for playing Sandy Olsson in the 1970s smash hit Grease, has been praised on social media and by the public for her ever-lasting impact on pop culture and the film and music industry. 

Newton-John’s husband, John Easterling, celebrated Olivia’s courageous spirit when fighting cancer in a statement confirming her passing. The film producer wrote in the message: “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.” 

Olivia’s co-stars and friends took to social media yesterday and today to express their deepest condolences and reflect on the star’s remarkable life. John Travolta, Olivia’s love interest in Grease, shared a tribute post on his Instagram yesterday; the caption read, “My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much.” Another friend of the late actress was Elton John, who also touched on the star’s uplifting spirit while battling cancer. The British singer wrote, “ Olivia was a beautiful and courageous woman, who I never heard complain about her illness. A beautiful voice and a warm and loving friend.”

Olivia Newton-John is survived by her husband John Easterling, her daughter Chloe Rose Lattanzi, her brother Toby Newton-John, and her sister Sarah Newton-John.