Olivia Newton-John sadly passed away last year August at the age of 73. As it would have been her birthday today (September 26), Daily Star has taken a look at her final days
Actress Olivia Newton-John left the world in a state of mourning last year August when it was revealed that she had sadly passed away at the age of 73.
The British-Australian actress and singer rose to fame in 70s, securing international success with her first solo album. But her career soared in 1971 when she played the role of Sandy in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical, Grease.
Starring alongside actor John Travolta who played protagonist Danny Zuko, Oliva’s portrayal went down in history as one of the greats. She later went on to star in a number of films and TV shows as well as headline a number of tours around the globe.
However, away from the limelight, Olivia’s life was also plagued with illness as she suffered with breast cancer which later lead to her demise. As we celebrate the birth of a legend, Daily Star has taken a look at her final days before her passing.
Cancer battle
Throughout her life, Olivia battled breast cancer three times after first being diagnosed in 1992. For 30 years, she publicly shared her fight, her treatments and her never-ending hope.
Over the years the Hollywood icon underwent chemotherapy, a mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery. In May 2017, it was revealed that her breast cancer had returned and metastasised to her lower back.
She later revealed to fans that this was her third bout with breast cancer, as she had a recurrence of the disease in 2013. With the 2017 recurrence, the cancer had now spread to her bones and unfortunately progressed to stage IV.
Talking about her journey, the star confessed that she tried to not let the disease take over her life. She told NBC’s Today: “Cancer can engulf your mind and engulf your being and I try not to live my life with that in my mind all the time.”
Touching goodbyes
Days before her tragic passing, Olivia’s husband John Easterling reached out to her friends Amy Sky and Beth Nielson Chapman. As he knew his wife’s health was worsening he wanted her friends to be able to communicate with her.
Although Olivia was unable to speak to her pals on the call, they described the moment as “such a gift” to have closure. While on the phone with her, they sang her songs and shared their love.
Speaking about the special moment, Amy told HELLO!: “I’m so grateful her husband John two days before she died called Beth and I and asked if we wanted to say goodbye to her which we did over the phone. She wasn’t able to speak but we felt she was hearing. That’s such a gift to have closure.”
Tragic death
Olivia passed away on August 8 2022 at at her home in the Santa Ynez Valley of California.
Following her death, Olivia’s widower told The Telegraph that she was not in any pain. He said: “She was very clear and very alive and very conscious and not in pain. So there was a quality of life there at that time that I think is so critical.
‘”That was part of Olivia’s great contribution with the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Center… providing a real quality of life for people was close to her heart. That’s a lot of the focus there and was with Olivia too through her entire journey.”
Later on, John released a statement to announce her death. Parts of the statement read: “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.”
Tributes were shared from fans across the world and Olivia’s celeb pals. She is survived by her widower John and her daughter Chloe Lattanzi.