Although Sandy Olsson from Grease is who Olivia Newton-John will be best remembered as, she was also a wife and mother. And while the world mourns her death, it’s her family that hurts the most.
Newton-John passed away on August 8, 2022 after a 30-year battle with metastatic breast cancer at the age of 73. A statement from her husband, John Easterling reads: “she passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California, surrounded by family and friends.”
“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” he continued “in lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund @onjfoundation.”
Chloe Lattanzi, 36-year-old daughter of Newton-John, is presumably grieving more than anyone. She shared a beautiful video tribute of the two of them singing “Window In the Wall” while standing side-by-side. The touching moment is from their music video for the 2021 duet.
The touching video below is made even more poignant with the addition of Lattanzi’s caption: “You are my lighthouse mama. My safe place. My heart space. It has been my honor and continues to be my honor to be your baby and best friend. You are an angel on earth and everyone touched by you has been blessed. I love you forever my life giver, my teacher, my mama.”
She accompanied the post with a series of beautiful photos of the two of them together, spanning from when she was a baby to more recent shots. The photos demonstrate the strong relationship between this mother and daughter.
John Travolta, famous for his role as Danny Zuko in Grease, was one of the first to express condolences upon hearing about Newton-John’s death. “My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible,” he said. “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! Your Danny, your John!”
In addition to the on-set cast, others who were part of the movie paid tribute to her through social media platforms.
“I don’t know if I’ve known a lovelier human being,” said Stockard Channing. “Olivia was the essence of summer – her sunniness, her warmth and her grace are what always come to mind when I think of her. I will miss her enormously.”
