Beloved Singer and “Grease” Actress Olivia Newton-John Dies of Breast Cancer at 73

Olivia Newton-John, the singer-songwriter whose breathy voice made her one of the most successful pop stars of the 1970s and whose natural beauty captivated generations of viewers – most particularly in the romantic comedy film Grease – died on Monday (August 8). She was 73.

Her husband, John Easterling, announced the heartbreaking news through a statement posted on Newton-John’s official Instagram account. According to the post, the singer died peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California, with her family and friends nearby.

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“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years, sharing her journey with breast cancer,” Easterling wrote.

It also revealed that her aspiration to use plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, an independent group that sponsors global research of plant-based and other natural treatments for cancer. The family has also asked that donations be made to the foundation in lieu of flowers.

Her Long Battle With Cancer

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The four-time Grammy Award winner was 44 years old when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. She then underwent various treatments, including breast reconstruction.

This led to remission – until twenty years later when a test on a lump on her right shoulder showed that her cancer had returned. She quietly fought cancer for four years. In 2017, Newton-John revealed that she had been diagnosed with stage four breast cancer that had spread to her back. Despite the difficult battle, the singer tried to maintain a positive mindset. 

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Our thoughts and prayers go to Olivia Newton-John, and her loved ones. She will be laid to rest with a memorial service in Australia as a celebration of Newton-John’s life, music, film, and all the other contributions she had made. A venue and date for the service will soon be announced.