Dame Olivia Newton-John has died, aged 73.
The Grease star, who famously played Sandy in the beloved musical opposite John Travolta, died earlier this morning.
Her husband, John Easterling, confirmed the news in a statement.
‘Dame Olivia Newton-John passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,’ it read.
‘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 Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund.’
The statement concluded: ‘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.’
Her cause of death has not yet been confirmed but the late actress was battling cancer before she died.
Newton-John was born in England in 1948, but moved to Australia as a teenager.
She began a successful career in the spotlight soon after, releasing her first album in 1971, titled If Not For You.
The late star also impressed with singles including Banks Of Ohio, and covers of Take Me Home, Country Road, and What Is Life.
But it wasn’t until 1978 that she became a global star when she landed the role of a lifetime in the big screen adaptation of Grease.
She was cast as Sandy Olsen, Travolta’s holiday romance turned love interest when she transferred to Rydell High.
The musical – which also starred Michael Tucci, Stockard Channing, Didi Conn and Eddie Deezen – was an instant hit, transporting her to superstardom.
Thanks to the role, she landed a People’s Choice Award for favorite film actress, and was nominated for a Golden Globe for best actress in a musical.
Many of her songs from the hit musical also topped the charts, including You’re The One That I Want, Hopelessly Devoted To You and Summer Nights.
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