‘Grease’ star Olivia Newton John dies at 73

Olivia Newton John, the Grammy winning superstar who rocked the pop, country, adult contemporary and dance charts with hits including “Physical” and “You’re the One That I Want” has died at age of 73. She is remembered for her memorable performance as Sandy in the blockbuster musical movie “Grease”.

A longtime resident of Australia, Olivia died on Monday at her Southern California ranch, and is survived by her husband John Easterling, who wrote on Facebook and Instagram, “Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.” He added, ““We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

Ruled the country with her ‘Grease’ performance

Olivia was among the top entertainers of world during 1973-83. She had 14 top ten singles in the United States alone and was winner of four Grammys awards. She also starred with John Travolta in musical “Grease” and with Gene Kelly in “Xanadu.” The blockbuster Travolta-Newton-John duet, “You’re the One That I Want,” was one of the biggest hits of that era, selling more than 15 million copies.

“My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better,” Travolta wrote in an online post remembering his co-star. “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! Your Danny, your John!”

Tributes flow in remembering Olivia

Australian singer Kylie Minogue shared a photo of herself on Twitter with Newton John from 1988 Royal Bicentennial Concert. “Since I was 10 years old, I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton John. And, I always will,” she wrote. “She was, and always will be, an inspiration to me in so many, many ways. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. x ONJ4EVER”

“From the moment we saw her, she was a warm, enduring presence and her voice became a big part of the Australian soundtrack. Above all she was a wonderful, generous person,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted calling her “a bright, joyful glow in our lives”.