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Former schoolmates, neighbours, cancer survivors and lifelong fans share their fond memories of Dame Olivia Newton-John

Remembering the life and career of Olivia Newton-John

Dame Olivia Newton-John's talents were adored by millions.

She was awarded Grammys, a damehood and was hailed for her passionate work in promoting cancer research and wellness care after living with the disease for 30 years.

Her world-famous music and film contemporaries have shared tributes to the star after her death. 

And here are some of the memories you've shared. 

Her contribution to cancer research and care among her most powerful legacies 

The Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre has helped many hundreds of cancer patients.

Olivia was a large part of the soundtrack of my life. Her courage in facing breast cancer supported me when I faced it myself. Vale Olivia. We were fortunate to have you — Robyn

As a patient of the ONJ centre in Melbourne, I want to express my deep gratitude for all Olivia did to raise awareness and provide practical, sensitive support for those going through breast cancer. Her investment into that facility and research is a wonderful legacy — Rosie

Myself as a breast cancer ‘thrivivor’, a mum, a wife, someone who loves to sing, who tries to be active in community work, gosh Olivia was an inspiration and a lovely, lovely human — Trish

Heartbreaking news to wake up to. Dame Olivia Newton John AC AO OBE DBE. Incredible Australian, for which we should be so proud. Olivia has been a pivotal champion in our Nation's fight for cancer research & treatment, dedicating her life to helping improve Australia's arcane Immunotherapy treatments, access to plant medicines, is one of the key advocates [who] overturned the illegality of marijuana for medical use & shortly before her moving on, started her own Research Institute in Melbourne, for which her estate will be fully dedicated to. If you're unfamiliar with the abbreviations at the end of her name, Olivia is one of only a handful of Australians in history to be honoured with all 4 of the highest awards by her Majesty, for her service to our human family — Jake

She impacted those she met, if only for a moment

A sad day. I'm surprised how emotional I feel, maybe I shouldn't so surprised. Grease is an eternal link to my final high school years, Physical 1st yr uni and of course all the early 70s memories. I accidentally met her at the markets on San Juan Island near Seattle in the 90s - heard an aussie accent and just said hello before I realised who it was. She was lovely, kind and happy to chat. So gracious. RIP — Rose

So very sad to hear of ONJ's passing. What an inspiration to many. I have fond memories of having the privilege of being invited to play in a Samba band at her 60th birthday party at her Gaia retreat. And her running along in front of us blowing kisses, calling "I love you all" we were mostly just amateur local funsters ... she was a star! — Gwen

In her first year at University High School, Olivia performed in a concert at UHS. I was a sixth former, she was in Form 3. I thought: who's this jumped-up little pipsqueak? Then she delivered on that makeshift stage in the assembly hall and the crowd was blown away. The confidence! The vivacity! I reckon we all knew she was a star in the making — Zelda

Woke up this morning in Bangkok seeing our favourite Aussie icon, actress, singer passed away. Had the pleasure of meeting her in Genting Highlands, in Malaysia, many, many years ago and it was definitely memories for me. Vale ONJ! — Will

Her father was the principal at my father’s school back in Cambridge where I was also born. I met and photographed her back in 1998 and I’ve still got the signed CD from that occasion. She had a voice that was rare for a white woman — it had such a beautiful, deep quality. I’ve always loved Magic. ONJ was just a beautiful, decent woman whose honesty touched so many. Yes … she will be missed — Roy

Elise Beattie said Olivia Newton-John was inspiring, brilliant, gracious and beautiful. (Supplied: Elise Beattie)

I was so blessed to have been able to perform with the Victoria Police Showband & co-diva Daina Jowsey many years ago at the opening of the ONJ Wellness Centre. She was inspiring & brilliant, gracious & beautiful. Thank you for helping so many cancer patients & families. Your legacy will live on with you in our hearts — Elise

I new her very well when she was young. She learnt to ride my pony, Tiger, and that's how she got into horses. l kept in touch until she was in her early 20s then she went overseas — Simon

For countless people, she was a pivotal part of their childhood

Olivia wasn't just another singer or actress she was an icon and absolutely adored by all Australians. She was the role model in which every little girl should aspire to be. I remember dancing in my leg warmers and getting my hair done like hers for Physical. I've seen Grease multiple times and been to a sing-a-long of it at the Astor. I listened to her songs over and over growing up. I absolutely loved Twist of Fate that she recorded with John Travolta. Thankyou for the memories that will live on for generations to come, Livvy, and condolences to your beautiful family xxx — Donna

Like so many children of the 80s, I feel like we have lost a huge part of our childhood. Rest in peace Olivia, may your light shine brightly forever — Karina

Olivia's music was a cornerstone in my life … both her and Judith Durham were early and profound influencers in the way l sang and fashioned my life. I feel bereft without them both — Kay

Australian fans react to the death of Olivia Newton-John.

On a rainy day in the 1980s, when i was four years old, we had a movie day. We watched Star Wars and Grease. I have loved Olivia since that day. Utterly devastated to wake up to the news of her death. She was a pure talent, gorgeous, kind, giving, passionate, and so much more. A true Australian legend who we all adored. A terribly sad day for us all — Loz

Vale Olivia Newton-John. So sad to hear the news of her passing. I can't believe how upset I am. I saw Grease for the first time, at the drive-In, in the back of my Dad's panel van, age 8. I bought my first cassette tape with my own pocket money: Xanadu Soundtrack, at age 10. When Physical was released in the 80's I just wanted to be Livvy! Then Koala Blue made it cool to be an Aussie. She made the whole world fall in love with Australia. I feel like I somehow knew her. Love & Light. RIP xxx — Elise

I named my doll Jolene, I wore leg warmers and danced around to Physical, I roller skated around my garage to Xanadu, I knew all the words and moves to the Grease songs, I got teary when singing along “Sam, Sam you know where I am” … So many memories. I’ll be listening to you in the car today ONJ. Rest In Peace lovely one — Sad

I spent many a day rolling around the town with my roller skates, leg warmers and Xanadu playing through my headphones. She was my Queen. Rest Easy Beautiful 💔 — Louie

Tributes flow for Australian icon Olivia Newton-John.

Dearest Olivia thank you for all the years of love music and happiness you have given us and always being warm and loving … though a greater loss to your family. We, as the world, share in the heartache. You were my boyhood crush and favourite person. Then, as I grew, my gay icon. Thank you, sweet Sandy, you have no idea what you have given this world. Fly on and be free ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ — Daved

A true superstar in artistry and life. The world is a sadder place and the stars shine less brightly. Much loved by all. RIP Olivia — Kimba

I was showing my friend the news, because he loves Olivia Newton-John. Even a teacher, who neither us have, suddenly stopped and was like: "No, that must be fake." Rest In Peace Olivia — Izzy

So very sad to hear of ONJ passing. She has and will continue to be an inspiration to me and many many others. My deepest condolences to her family and friends … RIP Olivia, you were a beautiful human inside and out ♥️ — Jackii

Such sad news but brings back wonderful memories of singing into a hairbrush as a little girl, pretending to be Olivia. Such a talented singer and strong, kind and compassionate woman. I’ll be putting the back-catalogue on high-rotation today. Vale ON-J and Rest In Peace. — Julesy

What an Australian. She will lead the Angel's choir — Mark Monahan

Visit ABC iview for our Remembering Olivia Newton-John collection.

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