Dame Olivia Newton-John has passed away, her husband has confirmed.
The singer and actor, who most famously starred in the film 'Grease' and had several hit songs over her career has died at the age of 73, her official Facebook page announced this evening.
Her husband, John Easterling, said in a statement that she passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by friends and family.
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The statement reads: "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 Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund ( ONJFoundationFund.org ).
"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."
Dame Olivia is best known for her starring role in the 1978 film Grease, in which she starred opposite John Travolta as Sandy.
Her performance saw her nominated for multiple awards including two Golden Globes, and various other film accolades.
She is also a multi-platinum selling singer, with two singles and two albums having earned the stamp from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Dame Olivia also represented the UK in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Long Live Love.
She finished fourth in the competition, held in Brighton, losing out to Abba, with their hit song Waterloo.
Tributes to the iconic actress have already began pouring in and were lead by John Travolta who shared a photo of Olivia on his Instagram page and wrote a touching message to his co-star in the caption, the Mirror reports.
It read: "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 moment I saw you and forever!
He signed the message off with: "Your Danny, your John!"
Paying tribute to Dame Olivia, Star Trek actor George Takei tweeted: “We have lost a great, iconic artist in Olivia Newton John, gone too soon from us at age 73.
“I trust she is now in the great Xanadu beyond. Know that we are forever hopelessly devoted to you, Olivia. Rest in song and mirth.”
And actress Marlee Matlin added: "I am SO saddened at the news of the passing of Olivia Newton John. I remember being so star struck when I met her at my first Hollywood gathering for Paramount. She was the sweetest and brightest light and I loved getting to know her on "It's My Party." RIP dear, sweet Olivia."
American actress Rosanna Arquette, who won a best supporting actress Bafta for her performance in 1985’s Desperately Seeking Susan, was among those paying tribute.
She tweeted: “Fly with the angels Olivia Newton John.”
James Gunn has paid tribute to Dame Olivia Newton-John, calling her his “first real crush” and revealing that he previously bought her home in Malibu.
The American filmmaker and actor tweeted: “Really sad to hear about the passing of Olivia Newton-John.
“My first real crush as a kid.
“I loved Grease & her music & I coincidentally also bought & lived in for a while the wonderful home she built in Malibu.
“May she Rest In Peace.”
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