Grease star Olivia Newton-John has died of cancer aged 73, her family has told the media.
According to her husband, John Easterling, the actress “passed away peacefully” at their California ranch on Monday morning.
Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer in the early 1990s and became an advocate for scientific research on the disease.
She created a charity, the Olivia Newton-John Foundation, raising millions of pounds to support scientific efforts on cancer treatment.
In a statement posted via social media, Easterling praised his wife’s actions, describing her as “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 continue with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer,” he added.
The hospital running the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Center in Melbourne also released a statement, saying that she “encouraged, inspired and supported” medical staff and cancer patients every day. It added that her “generous support and gift provided hope and changed the lives of thousands of cancer patients.”
“She was the light at the end of the tunnel for many, many people,” the statement read.
Newton-John, an actress and musician, was a successful country singer who sold millions of records worldwide. However, it was her portrayal of Sandy, a high school student, in the smash-hit musical Grease that made her famous all over the world.
The film, also starring John Travolta, became the biggest box office hit in 1978. The project also netted Newton-John three major singles, including “You’re the One That I Want,” starring alongside the actor.
After her death was announced, Travolta took to social media to express his condolences. “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!” he wrote, adding that the actress had “made all of our lives so much better.”
Newton-John was born in Cambridge, UK, in 1948 but grew up in Australia after her family moved there in 1954. Her music career began after she released the Bob Dylan-penned song “If Not For You.”
She had seven US number one hits between 1974 and 1977 and won four Grammy Awards.
