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Olivia Newton-John dies updates: Tributes flow for Australian screen and music icon — as it happend

Music and film contemporaries are sharing their tributes for Grease star Olivia Newton-John, who has died aged 73.

Look back on the updates as the tributes poured in.

Live updates

By Shiloh Payne

We're going to close the blog here

Thank you for joining us today, and for your heartfelt tributes.

We've collated some of the words you've sent in today, you can find them in the link at the bottom of this post.

Until next time, you can continue to stay up to date with the latest headlines here on the ABC News website and on our app.

By Shiloh Payne

Old friend 'proud to have known' Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John's friend of nearly six decades Marcie Jones has told ABC Radio Melbourne she was in shock at the news of her passing.

"Beautiful girl, spirit ... funny, naughty ... she had a naughty sense of humour and I'm so proud to have been her friend, but just to have known this special girl," Ms Jones says.

By Shiloh Payne

ICYMI: Fans descend on Hollywood Walk of Fame to pay tribute to star

If you missed it earlier, the star of Olivia Newton-John has been adorned with flowers in Los Angeles.

By Shiloh Payne

Olivia Newton-John's life had many twists and turns

Through all the success in Olivia Newton-John's career, there were plenty of hard times as well.

Despite her success, her life had many twists and turns and not everything was perfect.

 Newton-John's relationship with cameraman Patrick McDermott is one of mystery.

The couple dated on and off for nine years before McDermott disappeared at sea.

He was on an overnight fishing trip off the California coast in 2005 soon after the couple had broken up.

At the time, US Coast Guard investigators concluded that he most likely drowned at sea.

  • You can read about more of Newton-John's twists and turns with the link below

By Shiloh Payne

Can you name a more iconic duo?

Opening up about his friendship with Olivia Newton-John  in 2018, John Travolta said the two shared a bond.

"When you share that kind of meteoric success — and nothing has been able to exceed it — you share a bond. I've been through her having a child, getting divorced, losing her sister. She's been through my getting married, having children. It's wonderful and full of shared memories."

The duo decided against starring in Grease 2, but they co-starred again in romantic comedy film Two of a Kind in 1983.

But it was the original film that often publicly reunited the pair.

Newton-John and Travolta reprised their roles as Sandy and Danny at the Coral Sky Amphitheatre in Florida in December 2019.

It was also Travolta who presented Newton-John with the Lifetime Achievement award in Los Angeles in 2006.

A few years later the pair released the album This Christmas, benefiting her Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre and his Jett Travolta Foundation for children with special needs.

By Shiloh Payne

Melinda Schneider on working with Newton-John

Country singer Melinda Schneider recalls the time she worked with Olivia Newton-John, there the duo recorded a song called Courageous.

Singer Melinda Schneider recalls time working with Olivia

By Shiloh Payne

Rove remembers Newton John as 'equal parts sweetheart and warrior'

Australian comedian and TV host Rove McManus has paid tribute to Olivia Newton-John on social media.

He described her an "an absolute saint".

By Shiloh Payne

Key Event

'To me, Liv is family': Molly Meldrum on loss of Newton-John

Australian music icon Ian 'Molly" Meldrum says the stars will shine brighter tonight after the loss of Olivia Newton-John.

"Tonight, the stars will shine a little brighter and I am heartbroken," he said.

"Livvy, as I call her, was one of those rare people who had a profound effect on the world and the people in it."

"Her purity was real, her passion for life was unwavering. A Grammy Award winning recording artist, an extraordinary wife, mother and humanitarian, Liv’s tireless work has changed millions of lives and her legacy will live on forever. "

"To me, Liv is family. My heart is broken. There simply will never be another like her."

By Shiloh Payne

Wonder Woman actress remembers friend as 'a true light in this world'

Lynda Carter, who played the original Wonder Woman, shared an on-screen moment of herself and Olivia Newton-John to pay tribute.

"She was a true light in this world and I loved all the times we worked together," she said.

By Bridget Judd

Olivia Newton-John's producer reflects on recent phone call with his 'favourite artist'

Olivia Newton John's death has come as a shock for many.

Her music producer, Chong Lim, says the singer called him just a few weeks ago.

"She said hi, it's livvy, remember me... that's her style, very chirpy," he told The World Today.

"She was a very dedicated musician and she's literally my favourite artist to work with."

By Bridget Judd

'She was the role model in which every little girl should aspire to be' — how Olivia Newton-John shaped your life

Earlier this morning, we asked you to share your memories and messages on Newton-John's passing.

From a role model to young women, to a "star in the making", here are some of your stories:

ONJ was an icon. From Countdown, to Grease and Xanadu to Physical. Olivia Newton John was what every Aussie little girl wanted to be, myself included. Her presence in Australia and the world will leave a hole. Hopelessly devoted. Vale. — Mackala

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

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

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

By Bridget Judd

'The definition of the phrase down to earth' —musicians reflect on the loss of Newton-John

Representatives for the late rock star Janis Joplin wrote on social media that the "legendary actress and singer" had left an "impact on the world".

Newton-John actually covered Janis and Kris Kristofferson's Me and Bobby McGee or her debut album.

By Bridget Judd

Remembering Olivia Newton-John — take a look back through the archives

As tributes flow for the Australian screen and music icon, our friends over at ABC iView have put together a collection of interviews and footage from the archives and beyond.

You can find all that and more over here.

By Bridget Judd

'She was one of a kind': Grease director Randal Kleiser reflects on 'over four decades of friendship'

Reflecting on their friendship, Grease director Randal Kleiser says Olivia Newton-John "exuded nothing but love to everyone she met".

"I’m Heartbroken. She was one of a kind, and so very kind.," he said in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter.

"For over four decades of our freindship she exuded nothing but love to everyone she met. Olivia was exactly the way you imagined her. I will miss her forever.”

By Bridget Judd

'She was the light at the end of the tunnel for so many'

The director of Melbourne's Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre has vowed to continue pursuing the entertainer's dream of seeing an end to cancer.

Since the ONJ Centre opened, thousands of cancer patients have come through its doors.

"We will honour everything that Olivia has started here. We’re so proud that she chose to work with us," director Debbie Shiell says.

Ms Shiell says people's faces would "light up" when Newton-John visited the centre.

"Just watching her walk into the room, the faces light up … She was the light at the end of the tunnel for so many people," she says.

By Bridget Judd

Delta Goodrem remembers 'my mentor, my friend, my inspiration’

Singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem has posted an emotional tribute to Olivia Newton-John, who oversaw Goodrem’s career from early on.

Goodrem, who became friends with Newton-John after forging a professional relationship with her, likened the star to family.

"She was always there for me. Family to me. I don’t have all the words I would like to say today," Goodrem wrote on social media.

The pair recorded several songs together, and Goodrem often covered Newton-John hits when performing live shows.

The pair also found common ground in their shared battles with cancer and subsequent charitable work for cancer research.

Goodrem also played Newton-John in the 2018 biopic Hopelessly Devoted to You and said at the time she had been "fiercely protective" of the project given their close relationship.

By Bridget Judd

Key Event

Stockard Channing, who played Rizzo, pays tribute to Grease co-star

Channing, who played Pink Lady Betty Rizzo in Grease, says she doesn't know "if I've known a lovelier human being".

 "Olivia was the essence of summer – her sunniness, her warmth and her grace are what always come to mind when I think of her," the actress said in a statement to PEOPLE.

"I will miss her enormously."

By Bridget Judd

Key Event

'I wore leg warmers and danced around to Physical' — how Olivia Newton-John shaped your life

We've been sharing your messages and memories this morning as Australians have woken to the news Olivia Newton-John has died.

From belting Xanadu through your headphones to watching Grease at the drive-in movies, here's how you're remembering the late entertainer.

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

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

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

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, 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

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 boy hood crush and favorite person. Then as I grew my Gay icon.. thank you sweet sandy you have know idea what you have given this world.. fly on and be free ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ — Daved

By Bridget Judd

The Hollywood Walk of Fame has been adorned with flowers

By Bridget Judd

From the archives — Newton-John and Molly Meldrum on the set of Countdown

We've had a look in the vault and found these gems from 1980.

Olivia Newton-John and Molly Meldrum were presenting the Xanadu Dance Competition episode of Countdown.

Do you remember watching it?

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