Australian stars pay heartfelt tribute to Olivia Newton-John as the Grease star passes away

Australian celebrities have paid tribute to Olivia Newton-John following her death aged 73 after a brave and extraordinarily public decades-long battle with cancer.

The Grease star passed away peacefully at her home in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends following a lengthy battle with breast cancer. 

Kylie Minogue paid tribute to the iconic actress by sharing a throwback photo of herself and Olivia and writing: ‘Since I was ten years old, I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton John. And, I always will.’

‘She was and always will be, an inspiration to me in so many, many ways. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. x ONJ4EVER.’

Delta Goodrem also posted a sweet photo of herself embracing Olivia and said: ‘The whole world will feel this heartbreak today because the entire world felt Olivia’s unmatched light.’

‘A force for good. A force of nature. Strong and kind. my mentor, my friend, my inspiration, someone who always guided me… she was always there for me. Family to me.’

‘I don’t have all the words I would like to say today but I hope everyone will join in celebrating our beloved Olivia, her heart, soul, talent, courage, grace… I love you forever,’ Delta said.

Delta Goodrem posted a sweet photo of herself embracing Olivia and said: ‘The whole world will feel this heartbreak today because the entire world felt Olivia’s unmatched light’

Bindi Irwin also shared a photo of herself holding the iconic actress’ hand during a charity event and wrote: ‘One of the kindest and most wonderful souls the world has ever known’

Bindi Irwin shared a photo of herself holding the iconic actress’ hand during a charity event and wrote: ‘One of the kindest and most wonderful souls the world has ever known.’

Meanwhile, Hugh Jackman wrote: ‘I’m devastated to hear the news that @therealonj has passed away. One of the great privileges of my life was getting to know her. Not only was she one of the most talented people I’ve known … she was one of the most open hearted, generous and funny.’

 ‘She was a one of kind spirit. It’s no secret Olivia was my first crush. I kissed her (poster) every night before bed. Her legacy will only grow stronger in the years to come. A fighter for healing from cancer that knows no bounds. I love you Olivia.’

Studio 10 reporter Angela Bishop also said: ‘Dame Olivia Newton-John has passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern California at the age of 73.’

‘She will be remembered forever for her incredible musical legacy and her tireless work helping improve the treatment of others with breast cancer. Vale Olivia.’

Today Extra host David Campbell added: ‘Utterly devastated this morning. Everyone adored Olivia. There was a reason for this. She was exactly who you thought she was and more. So kind, so incredibly talented. I always pinched myself when I sang with her. My heart goes out to Chloe and John.’

Today Extra host David Campbell said: ‘Everyone adored Olivia. There was a reason for this. She was exactly who you thought she was and more. So kind, so incredibly talented’

‘Love and Light ONJ. You were a true icon and I absolutely adored you,’ Rebel Wilson also said.

Jessica Rowe wrote: ‘Heartbroken to hear the news about Olivia Newton John. When I was 8 years old I wanted to be her and own a pair of those black pants when I saw Olivia in Grease.’

‘I remember staging a roller skating ‘show’ of Xanadu with my friends. Later I wore a ‘physical’ headband & ripped sloppy joe. And as a grown up I was starstruck interviewing her along with my pals on Studio 10. What an extraordinary woman- who touched so many lives. Vale Olivia.’

Magda Szubanski Tweeted: ‘Vale Olivia Newton-John. What a sad sad day. Thank you for all you gave us. Your beautiful soul will be so missed. My deepest condolences to John, Chloe, Gregg and Rod. Rest In Peace darling Olivia.I Honestly Love You.’

Meanwhile, Darren Hayes wrote: ‘Oh dear, sweet, magical, eternal Olivia. You gave so much to this world and to this little boy who saw acceptance in your twinkling eyes and glittering world. You made us all feel held by the sweetness of your voice and the capacity of your heart. I hope you are in Xanadu.’

Kylie Minogue paid tribute to the iconic actress by sharing a throwback photo of herself and Olivia and writing: ‘Since I was ten years old, I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton John. And, I always will’

Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said: ‘This is really sad news. Really sad. A great Australian woman. And a great advocate for global cancer research. Taken from her family far too early. Vale Olivia.’

Malcolm Turnbull also said: ‘Thank you Olivia Newton-John for your remarkable life – you lit up our lives with music and dance and you saved so many lives with your passionate and advocacy for cancer research and treatment.’

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet Tweeted: ‘From Grease to Xanadu, to the Sydney Olympics, a 4 time Grammy award winner, a tireless and courageous ambassador for never giving up.

‘For 30 years she fought cancer and inspired people around the world with her courage. Forever an icon. Vale Dame Olivia Newton John.’

‘Love and Light ONJ. You were a true icon and I absolutely adored you,’ Rebel Wilson also said

Among the first to pay tribute to Olivia following her death on Monday was John Travolta, her co-star in Grease – the 1978 movie that catapulted her career.

‘My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. 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! Your Danny, your John!’ he said in an Instagram post.

John Travolta was among the first to pay tribute to Newton-John on Instagram

Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in the iconic 1978 movie Grease that catapulted her career

Olivia’s husband John Easterling announced her death on her Facebook page. 

‘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,’ he said. 

Newton-John’s husband announced her death on her Facebook page on Monday. She was 73 

Her husband John grew medicinal cannabis for Olivia on their ranch in the U.S to ‘help with her symptoms’.

Olivia previously said it is a ‘healing plant’ and added: ‘Medicinal cannabis is something that should be available to everyone who is going through a chronic illness or pain’. 

Olivia, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and twice before in 1992 and 2013, has spent years lobbying the Australian government to approve the use of medicinal cannabis for cancer patients.

‘It really is a magical miracle plant.’

 The Olivia Newton-John foundation aims to help fellow cancer sufferers.

Olivia, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and twice before in 1992 and 2013, has spent years lobbying the Australian government to approve the use of medicinal cannabis for cancer patients. Pictured Olivia and husband John Easterling