Dame Olivia Newton-John has died aged 73
Her husband posted the sad news in an Instagram post
Last updated 8th Aug 2022
The husband of actress and singer Dame Olivia Newton-John has today (August 8th) announced that his wife peacefully passed away surrounded by family.
Olivia's husband, John Easterling, posted the sad news on Olivia's Instagram. He shared a picture of her smiling and wrote: '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.
'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. - via John Easterling, husband, Olivia Newton-John.'
Olivia was born on the 26th September 1948 in Cambridge, England, before being raised in Australia. She was an incredibly successful singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur and activist, winning four Grammy Awards.
In 1978 Olivia starred in the hit film Grease as Sandy alongside John Travolta, The soundtrack was hugely popular, with Olivia singing on major hits including 'You're the One That I Want' and 'Summer Nights'.
John Travolta shared a tribute to his friend writing: 'My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever! My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!'
Olivia had battled against cancer in 1992 and 2013 but in May 2017, it was revealed that her breast cancer had returned and progressed to stage four.
Our thoughts are with Olivia's family and friends.
Remembering the celebrities we've sadly lost in 2022:
Kim Mi-soo
South Korean actress Kim Mi-soo, who starred in Disney+ show Snowdrop, died suddenly at the age of 29 in January.
Her agency, Landscape Entertainment, said: "Kim suddenly left us on Jan. 5. The bereaved are deep in their sorrow at the sudden sadness. Please refrain from reporting false rumors or speculation so that the family can mourn in peace."
George Rossi
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His niece confirmed the sad news on social media.
Peter Bogdanovich
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Sir Sidney Poitier
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Jack Dromey Labour MP
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A statement from his family said: "He had been a dedicated member of parliament for Birmingham Erdington since 2010. He was a much loved husband, father and grandfather, and he will be greatly missed."
Bob Saget
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His family said in a statement: "We are devastated to confirm that our beloved Bob passed away today.
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Nicholas Donnelly
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A statement from his family said: "He was a gracious, kind and lovely man, a wonderful father and grandfather.
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Hardy Krüger
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Dame Deborah James
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Mona Hammond OBE
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David Warner
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"He is survived by his beloved partner Lisa Bowerman, his much-loved son Luke and daughter in-law Sarah, his good friend Jane Spencer Prior, his first wife Harriet Evans and his many gold dust friends."
Bernard Cribbins
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She played Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in the series from 1966-1969 and was one of the first black actresses to play an authority figure in the US.
Dame Olivia Newton-John
Dame Olivia Newton-John peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Monday 8th August.
Olivia's husband John Easterling confirmed the sad news on social media, writing: '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.'
Lamont Dozier
Legendary Motown producer, singer and songwriter Lamont Dozier sadly died at the age of 81 in August, and the sad news was confirmed by his family.
He was part of the Holland-Dozier-Holland team, and was responsible for numerous big hits throughout the 60s and 70s. Lamont Dozier wrote for groups like The Supremes, The Isley Brothers, The Four Tops, and Martha and the Vandellas.
Raymond Briggs
Author-illustrator Raymond Briggs, best-known for his 1978 classic The Snowman, sadly died at the age of 88 in August, his family confirmed the news.
Darius Danesh
Darius Campbell Danesh, who rose to fame on Pop Idol in 2002, sadly died at the age of 41 in August.
Darius' family released a statement to confirm the shock news, revealing he was found unresponsive in bed in his apartment room in Rochester, Minnesota.
Bruce Montague
Former Hollyoaks actor Bruce Montague, who was also known for his role in Doctor Who audio adventures, sadly passed away at the age of 83 in August.
his talent agency Belfield & Ward announced the news on social media.
Josephine Tewson
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Her agent confirmed the news in a statement which read: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Josephine Tewson.
'Josephine passed away peacefully last night at Denville Hall at the Age of 91.'
Bill Turnbull
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His family confirmed the sad news in an online statement.
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The statement read: 'The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
'The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.'
Jean-Luc Godard
French-Swiss film director Jean-Luc Godard sadly died at the age of 91 in September.
Cherry Valentine
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Dame Hilary Mantel
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Coolio
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Dame Angela Lansbury,
Dame Angela Lansbury, who starred as Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 96 in October. Her beloved family released a statement to confirm the sad news.
Robbie Coltrane
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Leslie Jordan
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Migos rapper Takeoff
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Aaron Carter
Singer and rapper Aaron Carter, the brother of Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter, died at the age of 34 in November. His rep confirmed the sad news, saying: "Right now it's a really bad time, we're trying to figure out what happened and what the cause of it wa.
"We're just as upset as everyone and hope that fans can give thoughts and prayers to his family."
Bill Treacher
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Leslie Phillips
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Irene Cara
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Doddie Weir
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Christine McVie
Fleetwood Mac's co-lead vocalist and keyboardist Christine McVie sadly passed away at the age of 79 at the end of November, following a short illness. Her family released a statement at the time revealing she died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Kirstie Alley
US actress Kirstie Alley sadly died from cancer at the age of 71 in December, her family revealed in a statement. Kirstie, who was best known for her role in Cheers, was surrounded by her closest family at the time.
Ronnie Turner
Tina Turner's son, Ronnie Turner, sadly passed away in December after reportedly suffering from past health issues. Ronnie was a musician in the group Manufactured Funk, with Tina taking to her Instagram to announce the sad news.
Stephen 'tWitch' Boss
Stephen 'tWitch' Boss was the dancing DJ who appeared on The Ellen Show. tWitch died in December 2022 at the age of 40.
Ellen Degeneres took to social media to remember her friends saying: 'I'm heartbroken. tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children - Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.'
Ruth Madoc
Actress Ruth Madoc, best known for starring in Hi-de-Hi!, sadly died at the age of 79 in December. A statement given to the PA news agency said: "It is with much sadness that we have to announce the death of our dear and much-loved client Ruth Madoc.
"Ruth passed away on the afternoon of Friday December 9 while in hospital following surgery for a fall she had earlier in the week, which had led her to have to withdraw from panto in Torquay."
Terry Hall
The Specials frontman Terry Hall sadly died at the age of 63 in December, following a short illness. The Specials confirmed the shocking news in a statement on social media.
Jo Mersa Marley
Musician Jo Mersa Marley, grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley, sadly passed away unexpectedly on 27th December at 31-years-old. He is survived by his wife Qiara and their daughter Sunshine.
Maxi Jazz
Maxi Jazz, the lead singer of electronic band Faithless, has died aged 65. The musician, whose real name was Maxwell Fraser, was a core member of the group alongside Rollo and Sister Bliss who released a number of hit tracks together including Insomnia and We Come 1.
Pele - Edson Arantes do Nascimento
Brazil football legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known globally as Pele, sadly passed away at the age of 82 in December, with his daughter Kely confirming the sad news on social media. Following his death, tributes poured in from across the world for one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Dame Vivienne Westwood
Fashion icon Dame Vivienne Westwood sadly passed away at the age of 81 in December, dying peacefully surrounded by her family in Clapham, South London.
Barbara Walters
On the 30th December, it was announced that Barbara Walters had died aged 93. She was the first female co-host of TV show Today, and the first evening news anchorwoman in broadcast history, She was also co-creator and co-host of topical chat show The View.
Former Pope Benedict
On the 31st December, it was announced that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI had died at the age of 95. A statement from Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said: 'With pain I inform that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesia Monastery in the Vatican. Further information will be released as soon as possible.'