‘Miss you so much’: Elton John’s stunning ONJ photo tribute

Olivia Newton-John’s ‘favourite star’ Elton John posted an emotional photo tribute evoking the era of their breathtaking 1980 duet of Candle in the Wind.

More than three decades ago, Elton John and Olivia Newton-John shared a stage to deliver a spectacular rendition of his megahit Candle in the Wind.

This week he woke up to the “saddest news” that his long-time collaborator and friend had died after a long-running battle with breast cancer at the age of 73.

“Olivia was a beautiful and courageous woman, who I never heard complain about her illness,” John said.

“A beautiful voice and a warm and loving friend. I will miss her so much. Condolences to her family and loved ones.”

The saddest of news to wake up to. Olivia was a beautiful and courageous woman, who I never heard complain about her illness. A beautiful voice and a warm and loving friend. I will miss her so much. Condolences to her family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/Ssc6h8WDKh

— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 9, 2022

His tribute is especially resonant for Newton-John, who called the Rocket Man singer her “favourite start” during her 1980 TV special in the US, Olivia Newton-John: Hollywood Nights.

She had just shot to superstardom two years earlier with the movie Grease in 1978.

The fist image John posted of the pair together was from the Grease premiere party at New York City’s famous Studio 54 that same year.

Olivia Newton-John and musician Elton John. Picture: Getty Images

Elton John and Olivia Newton-John, Picture: Ben Gibson

While other musical acts of the era joined Newton-John in her NBC special, including other major stars like Tina Turner, Cliff Richard, Andy Gibb and Buddy Holly, it was Elton who held a special place in her heart.

“We all had our favourite stars,” Newton-John said before the duet. “But for me, one stood out among the rest, and perhaps always will. Elton wrote a beautiful song.”

The stripped-back version of Candle in the Wind saw the two baby-faced singers in their prime belting out the 1973 classic only to Elton on the piano.

Their friendship endured ever since. In 2014, Elton dedicated Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me to Newton-John during his Melbourne show.

“I respect and love you so much,” Elton said to Olivia in the audience.

“It was so great to see you before the show, looking as good as you do. Bless you forever.”

Cliff Richard, Olivia Newton-John, Andy Gibb and Elton John perform on the "Hollywood Nights" TV special in March 1980. Picture: Getty Images)

Originally published as ‘Miss you so much’: Elton John’s stunning ONJ photo tribute