John Travolta, Kylie Minogue, and Mariah Carey lead tributes to Olivia Newton-John
"She was one of the kindest, most generous and lovely people I've ever met," says Mariah Carey.
Words: Emily Maskell; pictures: Wiki Commons
Tributes from celebrities and fans from around the world have been paid to Olivia Newton-John, who has died from cancer aged 73.
The British-born Australian singer and actress is best known as the 1978 musical classic Grease, Sandy, opposite John Travolta’s Danny Zuko.
Newton-John’s husband, John Easterling, announced the star’s death on the late actress’ Instagram on Monday (8 August), writing she passed peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California surrounded by family and friends.
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“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” Easterling continued. “Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.”
Her family is asking for donations in the star’s memory to be made to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund.
Many of Newton-John’s co-stars and adoring fans shared heartfelt messages online.
John Travolta’s tribute on Instagram begins: “My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better.”
“Your impact was incredible. I love you so much,” he continued. “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!” Travolta, 68, concluded.
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Another Grease co-star Stockard Channing, who played Rizzo, also shared her condolences to the family and said: “I don’t know if I’ve known a lovelier human being,” in a statement to People.
“Olivia was the essence of summer – her sunniness, her warmth and her grace are what always come to mind when I think of her,” Channing, 78, continued. “I will miss her enormously.”
Australian singer Kylie Minogue also posted her adoration for the actress: “Since I was ten years old, I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton-John. And, I always will.”
“She was, and always will be, an inspiration to me in so many, many ways,” Minogue, 54, continued. “My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. x ONJ4EVER”
Since I was ten years old, I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton John. And, I always will. (Just like this picture @nfsaonline) She was, and always will be, an inspiration to me in so many, many ways. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. x ONJ4EVER pic.twitter.com/3nE8PVDFLy
— Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) August 8, 2022
Mariah Carey shared a series of photos of her and Newton-John together over the years, writing that she fell in love with Olivia’s voice when she was a little girl: “Songs like ‘Magic,’ ‘Suddenly’ and ‘Have You Never Been Mellow’ showcased her beautiful airy tone and signature sound.”
“And THEN there was GREASE. I was obsessed,” Carey, 53, goes on to reminisce that she dressed up as Bad Sandy for Halloween when she was a child so singing ‘Hopelessly Devoted To You’ with the singer made for an unforgettable moment.
“She was one of the kindest, most generous, and lovely people I’ve ever met,” Carey continues. “She will be missed. She will be remembered. She will be loved. Olivia, I honestly love you.”
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Newton-John appeared as a guest judge on season 7 of Rupaul’s Drag Race in 2015, introduced with a variety of Grease puns.
RuPaul’s Drag Race’s post honouring Newton-John said: “Thank you for sharing your talent and inspiring us all.”
Rest in peace, Olivia Newton-John. Thank you for sharing your talent and inspiring us all. 💘 pic.twitter.com/Iu9I5ppLC4
— RuPaul’s Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) August 8, 2022
The Attitude September/October issue is available to download and order in print now and will be on newsstands from Thursday 4 August.
