Heartbroken Delta Goodrem shares tribute to ‘mentor and friend’ Olivia Newton-John after her death

Delta Goodrem has paid tribute to her close friend and Grease star Olivia Newton-John, after her shock death at the age of 73 after her lengthy cancer battle. 

The 37-year-old singer shared a series of pictures of herself hugging the icon in happier times and said that Olivia was her ‘mentor and friend’ and ‘like family’ to her. 

‘I love you forever,’ Delta wrote in her moving post, after Olivia’s death was announced by her husband John Easterling on Facebook on Monday.

‘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,’ Delta began. 

‘My mentor, my friend, my inspiration, someone who always guided me… she was always there for me. Family to me.’

She added: ‘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 ❤️.’

‘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,’ Delta began

Delta and Olivia were close, having recorded songs in the studio together, while Delta also played the icon in the 2018 TV miniseries Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted to You. 

The pair were also bonded together after their respective battles with cancer, with Delta diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma at the age of 18. 

Olivia’s death was announced by her husband John Easterling on Monday on her social media pages, saying she died surrounded by family and friends. 

Delta and Olivia were close, having recorded songs in the studio together, while Delta also played the icon in the 2018 TV miniseries Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted to You. The pair were also bonded together after their respective battles with cancer

Olivia’s death was announced by her husband John Easterling on Monday on her social media pages, saying she died surrounded by family and friends

Olivia had been battling stage-four metastatic breast cancer for years.

‘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.

Olivia had been battling stage-four metastatic breast cancer for years

‘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.

The family asked for donations to be made to her cancer organization, the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, instead of flowers.

She is survived by her 36-year-old daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, 36.

The actress famously beat breast cancer twice but was diagnosed again in 2017.

She spent the last few years at home, campaigning for animals’ rights and raising money for her charity online.

She also was a strong campaigner for the use of medical cannabis for treatment in Australia. 

She is survived by her 36-year-old daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, 36. The actress famously beat breast cancer twice but was diagnosed again in 2017

In a haunting interview with The Guardian in 2020, she said of the disease: ‘It’s been a part of my life for so long.

‘I felt something was wrong. It’s concerning when it comes back, but I thought ‘I’ll get through it again”.

In other interviews, when asked how she battled the disease so bravely, she said: ‘I’ve had and am having an amazing life so I have no complaints.

‘I really don’t. Everyone goes through something. We all have something we need to go through in life. This has been my challenge.’ 

Earlier this year, Olivia said how she tries to keep positive amid her battle, telling Who magazine: ‘I focus on the positive side of things, no matter what the challenge.’

In light of her diagnosis, Olivia said at the time that she doesn’t focus on statistics or time limits.

‘Positive thinking is so important to living a healthy and happy life,’ she said.

Earlier this year, Olivia said how she tries to keep positive amid her battle, telling Who magazine: ‘I focus on the positive side of things, no matter what the challenge’