Tributes flow for ‘incredible’ Olivia
John Kidman |
Tributes are flowing for beloved Australian entertainer and international star Olivia Newton-John following her death aged 73.
The British-born, Melbourne-raised performer died peacefully in her sleep at her home in California, according to a social media post from husband John Easterling.
The singer and actress, who is best known for her role alongside John Travolta in the smash movie musical Grease, had endured a recurring battle with breast cancer.
Travolta was among the first to pay tribute to his former co-star, posting on Instagram: “My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much.”
However the impact of Newton-John’s passing also hit hard among her Australian fans and peers on Tuesday.
Kylie Minogue, whose career path followed that of Newton-John with her elevation to international fame from humble beginnings in Melbourne, said on Twitter: “Since I was 10 years old, I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton-John. And, I always will.
“She was, and always will be, an inspiration to me in so many, many ways.”
Singer Delta Goodrem, who played Newton-John in a 2018 biopic, wrote on Instagram that the star was both a mentor and friend.
“The whole world will feel this heartbreak today because the entire world felt Olivia’s unmatched light,” she said.
“I don’t have all the words I would like to say today, but I hope everyone will join in celebrating our beloved Olivia, her heart, soul, talent, courage, grace … I love you forever.”
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles told ABC radio it was a “really sad day for Australia”.
“I think for people of my generation who grew up with Grease, it’s one of these moments where you feel like an era has come to an end and the world is a little emptier,” he said.
Debbie Sheill, director of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Centre in Melbourne, said it was an especially sad day for everyone involved in the facility.
“It is because of her that the centre is here,” she told ABC TV.
“This was her dream and this was her legacy, and … something she was really proud of.”
Former prime ministers Kevin Rudd and Malcolm Turnbull both paid tribute to Olivia-Newton on Twitter.
“A great Australian woman. And a great advocate for global cancer research,” Mr Rudd wrote, while Mr Turnbull thanked the entertainer for her remarkable life.
“You lit up our lives with music and dance and you saved so many lives with your passionate … advocacy for cancer research and treatment,” he said.
Victorian premier Daniel Andrews said Newton-John’s generosity had saved lives and her advocacy had given people hope.
Newton-John was admitted to the Australian Recording Industry Association Hall of Fame in 2002 and made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2019.
Veteran Seven Network entertainment report Peter Ford described her death as Australia’s “Princess Diana moment”.
AAP
