Dame Olivia Newton-John has died at the age of 73 after a long battle with cancer, her husband has announced.
The British-born but Australia-raised singer and actress rose to fame appearing as Sandy in a movie adaptation of the musical Grease in 1978, while her long career in music included songs such as 'Physical', 'Xanadu' and 'Hopelessly Devoted To You'.
In 1992 Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer but after successfully overcoming the disease, it returned in 2013 then again in 2017.
A statement posted by her husband John Easterling on Facebook said: "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 Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund (ONJFoundationFund.org).
"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 Brin and Valerie Hall."
Newton-John - a strong advocate for environmental issues and animal rights - was given a Damehood by The Queen in 2020 for services to charity, cancer research and entertainment.
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