Grammy Award-Winning Singer and Actress Olivia Newton-John Dies at 73

Published: August 8, 2022

Grammy Award-Winning Singer and Actress Olivia Newton-John Dies at 73

By Movieguide® Staff

Singer and actress Olivia Newton-John, best known for her role in 1978’s GREASE, died on August 8, 2022. She was 73.

Olivia’s husband, John Easterling, confirmed the news on her official Facebook page.

“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,” he wrote.

Although a cause of death was not listed, Newton-John battled breast cancer three times, with the latest diagnosis coming in 2017.

“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,” her husband added.

Movieguide® previously reported:

Despite her third diagnosis, Newton-John remains optimistic. She mentioned the support and care that spouse, John Easterling, provides comfort for her in this time, “My husband’s always there, and he’s always there to support me.” Even more, the singer has hope that she will again beat cancer, “I believe I will win over it, and that’s my goal.”

The four-time Grammy winner reflects on how to keep moving forward while battling the sickness, “Support your spirit and have people around you who are positive. Focus on doing things every day for yourself, whether it’s taking a walk, going to a movie, being creative or having a good laugh.”

Newton-John previously attended the Movieguide® Awards Gala and Report to the Entertainment Industry where she performed with her band, Liv On.

Despite some edgier songs early in Newton-John’s career like her 1981 hit “Physical,” the four time Grammy-winning artist also sang songs motivated by her Christian faith, including many Christmas albums and a 2006 album called “Grace and Gratitude.”

Music historian Joel Whitburn ranked Newton-John as the No. 1 female soloist of the ’70s. Newton-John’s legacy in the entertainment world continued through subsequent decades after her success in GREASE.

Newton-John’s GREASE co-star John Travolta also wrote a tribute which he posted to his 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!”

Please pray for her family at this time.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Travolta (@johntravolta)

25MGA Olivia Newton John Performance from Movieguide® TV on Vimeo.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.