The touching moment Olivia Newton-John secretly visited a critically injured girl in Perth

Olivia Newton-John secretly visited a grieving girl in hospital after she was injured in a car crash that killed her mother, it has been revealed.

The Australian icon died peacefully at her home in southern California, surrounded by family and friends on Monday. 

Now a former hospital worker has revealed the touching tale, who was known for many selfless acts in her lifetime. 

Emily Barker was only 11 and in critical condition in Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth after a car crash killed her 39-year-old mother Catherine in 2003.

Their car had hit a truck in the Perth suburb of Beechboro after lightning hit traffic lights.

While in hospital, Emily’s father Ron contacted Newton-John’s label – knowing she was in Peth for a gig – and tried to arrange a visit to the hospital.

Emily Barker (pictured) was only 11 and in critical condition in Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth after a car crash killed her 39-year-old mother Catherine in 2003.

The Grease star did not hesitate, but asked that her visit remain a secret.

‘It was such a tragic story and Olivia was very aware of what she was up against,’ MJ Wallace, the then public relations officer of Princess Margaret Hospital, told The West Australian on Wednesday. 

‘She still came in and sat on the bed and held Emily’s hand for such a long time, it was just lovely. 

‘Olivia was soft and gentle and so naturally giving of her time and the father talked to me about how wonderful it was a lot of times after that.’

Just days before her death, Olivia Newton-John posted a heartwarming photo to Instagram with her husband John Easterling

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

Olivia’s husband John Easterling broke the news of the star’s death in a heartbreaking Facebook post on Monday morning, following her brave and extraordinarily decades-long battle with cancer.

‘Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,’ Mr Easterling wrote.

‘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.’

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

Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in the iconic 1978 movie Grease that catapulted her career. He was among the first to pay tribute to her on Monday