Beloved Aussie star Olivia Newton-John touched so many hearts during her life – and her impact is evident in the tributes that have flooded social media since it was announced she died this morning following a 30-year battle with breast cancer.
“[She] passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,” a statement posted to her Facebook read. “We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
GALLERY: Olivia Newton-John: Her extraordinary life remembered
Upon hearing the news, fans shared their heartbreak on social media, as did many of Newton-John’s famous friends, with her Grease co-stars John Travolta and Stockard Channing and pop star Kylie Minogue leading the way.
“My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better,” Travolta wrote on Instagram. “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!”
READ MORE: John Travolta’s touching tribute to Olivia
Fellow Grease co-star Stockard Channing – who played Rizzo in the movie musical – also paid her respects.
“I don’t know if I’ve known a lovelier human being,” Stockard said in a statement to People. “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.”
READ MORE: Olivia Newton-John’s daughter Chloe Lattanzi shares tribute after her death
Kylie Minogue shared a sweet throwback photo with Newton-John while revealing how much she looked up to the Hollywood star.
“Since I was ten years old, I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton John. And, I always will. (Just like this picture @nfsaonline),” Minogue tweeted.
“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.”
Aussie singer and actress Delta Goodrem – who portrayed the iconic star in the 2018 biopic Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted to You – shared her heartbreak on Instagram.
“The whole world will feel this heartbreak today because the entire world felt Olivia’s unmatched light,” Goodrem wrote. “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 ❤️.”
In his tribute, Hugh Jackman revealed he used to kiss a poster featuring Newton-John every night before bed.
“I’m devastated to hear the news that @therealonj has passed away,” he wrote on Instagram. “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,” he revealed. “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.”
Aussie singer John Farnham shared his tribute in a statement.
“The Farnham family send love and sympathies to Olivia’s family,” said the Aussie legend, who performed ‘Dare to Dream’ alongside Newton-John at the opening ceremony for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
“Behind that iconic smile was a tenacious fighter,” he added. “A beautiful voice and a loyal friend. She will be greatly missed.”
Newton-John’s son-in-law, James Driskill, who is married to her daughter Chloe Lattanzi, also paid tribute as he vowed to look after Chloe now that she’s lost her mum.
“I am so lucky and grateful that I had the opportunity to learn from such an amazing woman,” he wrote on Instagram.
“You led an extraordinary life and touched so many. You taught me about grace and gratitude, love and light. You were always so generous and kind and I’m filled with joy thinking about spending the rest of my life with your beautiful daughter who also teaches me daily about how to be a more compassionate and forgiving man. Goodbye mama. I love you. I’ll take care of our weasel.”
Her niece, Aussie media personality Tottie Goldsmith, also honoured her famous aunt upon news of her death.
“Thank you Livvy, thank you for your deep heart, your playfulness, your constant encouragement and positivity,” Goldsmith wrote on Instagram. “You were more than an auntie to us and you were a gift to this world. I will miss you forever ?? love and light.”
In a separate official statement obtained by 9Honey Celebrity, Goldsmith said: “My heart is broken, like so many of us. Today marks the passing of our family matriarch and one of the worlds truly divine and magical human beings. She is irreplaceable.
“Olivia was also a beacon of light and hope for those living with cancer, and her 30-year battle with it has been instrumental in helping others find the courage and belief to keep up their own, personal fights. To those many, many people I send my strength and love. As Olivia would say, Love and Light.”
Singer and actress Barbra Streisand also mourned the death of her dear friend.
“Too young to leave this world. May she RIP. ???,” the veteran wrote on Instagram.
READ MORE: Friend Richard Wilkins reacts to news of Olivia Newton-John’s death
Aussie actress Rebel Wilson shared some heartfelt words on Instagram Stories.
“You were a true icon and I absolutely adored you,” she wrote.
Bindi Irwin also paid tribute, sharing a photo of herself and the actress at a fundraiser.
“One of the kindest and most wonderful souls the world has ever known,” Irwin tweeted.
Singer Richard Marx shared a slideshow of throwback photos as he honoured his good friend.
“My heart is broken. Rest now, sweet friend,” he tweeted. “You were as kind and loving a person as there’s ever been. I’ll miss you every day.”
Today Extra co-host David Campbell couldn’t believe the news, as he retweeted a Los Angeles Times article.
“Oh no. This is devastating news,” he wrote.
Entertainment journalist Sam Rubin also paid his respects.
“My first crush and everyone else’s too. I absolutely loved Olivia Newton John,” he tweeted. “She appeared on our program many times….and in real life she was even better. A heartbreak here. A deeply courageous woman who was so truly admired the world over.
Star Trek Legend George Takei was also among the first to praise the Grease star for her life and contribution.
“We have lost a great, iconic artist in Olivia Newton John, gone too soon from us at age 73,” Takei tweeted. “I trust she is now in the great Xanadu beyond. Know that we are forever hopelessly devoted to you, Olivia. Rest in song and mirth.”
Actress Gabrielle Union raved about how much of a fan she was.
“‘Grease’ is my #1 movie of all time and made me a lifelong Olivia Newton John fan,” she revealed in her tweet. “Me and my sister watched Xanadu more times than I could count. Sending so much love and prayers to a real gift of a woman and talent.”
Comedian Kathy Griffin shared a fun memory she made with the beloved actress over afternoon tea with Carson Kressley.
“Olivia Newton-John rolled with EVERYTHING,” she said of the clip in which Newton-John was a good sport.
Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd also expressed his condolences on Twitter.
“This is really sad news. Really sad. A great Australian woman. And a great advocate for global cancer research,” he tweeted. “Taken from her family far too early. Vale Olivia.”
British chef Nigella Lawson also paid her respects.
“Her memory is already a blessing,” she tweeted.
Savage Garden singer Darren Hayes shared some beautiful words to mark her passing.
“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,” he tweeted.
“You made us all feel held by the sweetness of your voice and the capacity of your heart. I hope you are in Xanadu.
Here are more tributes from Hollywood and beyond:
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