Beloved actor Olivia Newton-John, who won hearts as Sandy in the 1978 classic movie-musical “Grease,” has died, her family confirmed on Aug. 8. She was 73 years old.
According to a post on her Facebook page, Newton-John died at her home in Southern California while surrounded by family and friends. Newton-John had battled breast cancer for years, and used her experience to start the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund.
“We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” the Facebook statement announcing Newton-John’s death said. “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.” Her family asked that donations be made to the foundation in lieu of flowers.
The statement noted that Newton-John 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 Brin and Valerie Hall.”