John Travolta leads tributes to ‘Grease’ co-star Olivia Newton-John after her passing

Published Aug 9, 2022

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Dame Olivia Newton-John's family are to be offered a state funeral for the late star.

The 'Grease' actress - who was born in England, but her family emigrated to Australia when she was six years old - passed away at her ranch home in Southern California on Monday aged 73, and now Daniel Andrews, the Premier of Victoria, is planning to contact her family to propose a memorial in the Australian state.

He said: "As for celebrating her life ... her music and film and all the other amazing contributions that she made, we would, of course, want to speak to the family and be as respectful as we can."

In Victoria, Newton-John, who had battled breast cancer for 30 years, already has a building named after her, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, and Andrews admitted it is a "lasting legacy".

He added: "She took her cancer journey and used that to save lives and change lives, and that’s just a deeply impressive thing.

"The research that’s done there [at the cancer and wellness centre], the treatment, the care, the love and support that is central to that place is a lasting legacy to the person that she was."

Newton-John’s husband of 14 years, John Easterling, shared a statement across the star's social media channels on Monday, confirming she had passed away.

It 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.

"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.

Newton-John was best known for starring opposite John Travolta in 1978 movie musical 'Grease' as students Sandy Olsson and Danny Zuko, who fell for each other following a summer romance.

Travolta has led tributes to the late actress, admitting she made lives "so much better".

He wrote on Instagram: "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!"