RIP to Sandra Dee.
Actress Olivia Newton-John, perhaps best known for playing Sandy in the film adaptation of the Broadway hit “Grease,” passed away at 73 on Monday, as her husband revealed in a statement shared to her official Facebook page.
“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” read the post by her spouse, John Easterling. “Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.”
Also see: Olivia Newton-John, pop singer and ‘Grease’ star, dies at 73 after battle with breast cancer
Tributes began pouring in on social media from grieving “Hopelessly Devoted” fans of the Australian actor and musician, who scored a hit single with 1981’s “Physical.” She also starred in “Xanadu” with Gene Kelly in 1980. So it’s no surprise that “Olivia Newton-John” began trending in real-time Google searches and on Twitter on Monday afternoon, along with several her most iconic songs and roles.
Her “Grease” costar and on-screen love interest John Travolta wrote a touching post on his Instagram page.
“My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much,” he wrote. “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!”
“We have lost a great, iconic artist,” tweeted George Takei. “Rest in song and mirth.”
Actress Marlee Matlin, who starred in the 1996 drama “It’s My Party” with Newton-John, tweeted that “she was the sweetest and brightest light and I loved getting to know her.”
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) said that Newton-John “captured our hearts and brought joy to so many” on stage and on screen.
Newton-John is survived by her husband of 14 years, and her daughter Chloe Lattanzi, 36.
