Olivia Newton-John sadly passed away on Monday 8th August 2022. The actress was best known for her role as Sandy in the mega-hit movie Grease which today, is still an iconic movie. After a long battle with breast cancer, Olivia died surrounded by her family at home in Southern California.
John Easterling, Olivia’s husband, told fans and those who followed his wife that Olivia’s final wishes were for people to donate to the Newton-John Foundation Fund, ‘in lieu of flowers.’ The foundation raises money for research into plant-based medicine and holistic treatments for cancer.
Her Instagram profile @therealonj reads in her bio ‘Singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist and cancer thriver.’ 3 days ago, Olivia uploaded a beautiful picture of her and her husband in the outdoors, before another picture was uploaded 9 hours ago announcing her death. In the picture, Olivia is smiling wearing all white, with the caption reading:
‘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 @onjfoundation
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 Bring and Valerie Hall.
– via John Easterling, husband, Olivia Newton-John’
Olivia was a true influencer and icon to millions of people. Her Facebook page has 1.3 million followers, and her Instagram page has 640k followers. Some of her best moments include working alongside John Travolta in the hit movie Grease. John Travolta also uploaded a post onto his Instagram captioning it ‘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!’
The post was very emotional, as the film, they both starred in still has an impact on many today with the film being played on television screens, and the songs being played at parties or on long drives. There is a connection Olivia shared with many of the people she met, and her power as an influencer shined a light on helping others through charities and of course, her Foundation to help other cancer patients.
Although Olivia Newton-John has passed, her legacy lives on through her Foundation and is a reflection on how influencers should use their voice for good.
Stay updated on all of our latest news on the ITP Live website by subscribing to our Newsletter below.