Olivia Newton-John dead: Tributes pour in for Aussie star
Daryl Braithwaite has shared a school photo of Olivia Newton-John with “all her friends back in 1961”, as tributes continue to pour in for the much-loved star.
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Pop icon Daryl Braithwaite has shared memories and an old class photo of his schoolmate Olivia Newton-John as the world continues to mourn the effervescent entertainer who died of cancer at 73.
The shot of the Christ Church Grammar’s forms seven and eight featured Newton-John with “all her friends back in 1961”.
“Olivia is 2nd from the right and 3rd row from the bottom,” Braithwaite shared on Facebook.
“She also loved all animals and was a beautiful soul who has left a legacy that will endure forever,” he wrote.
“My thoughts are with her family and fiends. May she rest in peace. Daryl.”
The pair would both go on to pursue music careers and at one time, shared a manager in Australian impresario Roger Davies who took Sherbet to success before becoming a global hitmaker helping steer the careers of Tina Turner, Joe Cocker and now Pink.
Davies was the man who took Physical to Newton-John after the song was rejected by Turner and Rod Stewart.
Braithwaite and Newton-John shared a beautiful moment backstage reconnecting at the Fire Fight benefit concert in Sydney in February 2020.
The much-loved Aussie actor passed away at her California ranch after a long battle with breast cancer, aged 73.
Her daughter Chloe Lattanzi was lost for words, sharing only a series of photos of her mum.
Heartbroken fans are leaving floral tributes for Newton-John on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Flowers on Olivia Newton-John's star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. pic.twitter.com/flOpWwh7ti
— Variety (@Variety) August 8, 2022
Molly Meldrum said: “Tonight, the stars will shine a little brighter and I am heartbroken Livvy, as I call her, was one of those rare people who had a profound effect on the world and the people in it. Her purity was real, her passion for life was unwavering. A Grammy Award winning recording artist, an extraordinary wife, mother and humanitarian, Liv’s tireless work has changed millions of lives and her legacy will live on forever,” he said.
“To me, Liv is family. My heart is broken. There simply will never be another like her.”
The star’s leading man in Grease, John Travolta, was among the first to leave a tribute.
“My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much,” he wrote on Instagram.
“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!”
Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman posted online that “Livvie brought the most divine light into the world”.
“So much love, joy, inspiration and kindness … and we will always be hopelessly devoted to you,” they said.
Delta Goodrem, who played her idol in the Hopelessly Devoted To You mini-series in 2018 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 friends, 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 but I hope everyone will join in celebrating our beloved Olivia, her heart, soul, talent, courage, grace … I love you forever.”
Pop princess Kylie Minogue said she had looked up to ONJ since she was 10, while her sister Dannii shared her heart break for the family, adding “What a true shining light Olivia was in every day, in every way”.
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) 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 pic.twitter.com/3nE8PVDFLy
— Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) August 8, 2022
Hugh Jackman said described his friend as “one of the most open, generous and funny people I’ve known.”
He continued: “She was a one of a 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.”
During his Australian tour in 2019, Jackman filmed a special tribute to the singer as she endured her latest bout of cancer. He had 15,000 people in his audience yell “we love you, Olivia” in the middle of his show, filmed it and sent the clip to his dear friend.
An emotional Richard Wilkins broke down while paying tribute to his longtime friend on the Today show on Tuesday morning.
“Nobody was prepared for this. Everybody knew it was coming and Olivia’s health had been declining in recent times, but it’s still such a great shock,” Wilkins said.
The veteran entertainment reporter explained that he’d received the phone call with the heartbreaking news in the early hours of the morning.
“I was just sort of numb. I just lay there. You know, all the dates and facts and figures and things just disappear and I just felt completely numb, I didn’t really know what to think,” he said.
He was left in tears after an old interview he did with Newton-John was played.
Australian TV networks have made changes to programming schedules to honour the singer and actress.
Later on Nova’s Fitzy & Wippa show, Wilkins said he was “shaken” and “numb”.
One of the most successful recording artists of all time, with global sales of more than 100 million records, Olivia joined the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2002. Three years earlier she won the ARIA Award for the Highest Selling Album for Highlights From The Main Event, a collaboration with John Farnham.
ARIA and PPCA CEO, Annabelle Herd, said: “Olivia made a remarkable contribution to the global entertainment industry and will be greatly missed. From her first No.1 hit in Australia, Banks Of The Ohio, in 1971 to a string of hits across the 1970s and 1980s – including Physical and the extraordinarily successful Grease soundtrack – Olivia was a true superstar.
“Her success here and around the world and the personal battles she faced over the years were truly inspirational. We extend our deepest condolences to Olivia’s family and friends.”
Musical director John Foreman paid tribute to his friend’s “steely determination”.
“She shared her toughest moments with her audience and brought people on the journey with her … but there was never a sense of her giving up,” he told Sky News on Tuesday.
“Regardless of everything that was thrown at her in life …”
Foreman said Newton-John’s battles only “increased her generosity”.
Singer Richard Marx also posted a heartfelt message.
“My heart is broken. Rest now, sweet friend. You were as kind and loving a person as there’s ever been. I’ll miss you every day,” he wrote, ending his post with a broken heart.
Comedian Kathy Griffin and actor Titus Welliver both responded: “Oh no!”.
My heart is broken. Rest now, sweet friend. You were as kind and loving a person as there’s ever been. I’ll miss you every day. 💔 pic.twitter.com/Z1zkVe9CVb
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) August 8, 2022
Australian actor and rocker Rick Springfield posted an adoring tribute to his friend.
“Sweet Olivia has gone home. She was a beautiful soul and I know of no one who didn’t love her or know what a great humanitarian she was. The world is out of balance when we lose these magnificent people. God speed Livvy. We will all meet again,” he wrote.
Sweet Olivia has gone home. She was a beautiful soul and I know of no one who didn’t love her or know what a great humanitarian she was. The world is out of balance when we lose these magnificent people. God speed Livvy. We will all meet again â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸ @olivianj 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/8tV5j8XvII
— Rick Springfield (@rickspringfield) August 8, 2022
John Farnham has remembered a “loyal friend”.
“The Farnham family send love and sympathies to Olivia’s family. Behind that iconic smile was a tenacious fighter. A beautiful voice and a loyal friend. She will be greatly missed.”
Aussie group Human Nature posted: “RIP to our beautiful friend Dame Olivia Newton John.
Devastated to hear the news of her passing. Olivia was not only an incredible artist but one of the most humble & kindest people we’ve ever had the pleasure of working with & calling our friend. We have a lost a true Aussie legend. Sending all our love & deepest condolences to her close friends & family”.
US superstar Maree Osmond wrote about the special friendship she enjoyed with the Australian legend.
“Olivia was a true friend. Someone I could relate to on so many levels; friends like this are difficult to find, and we cherish them!” she wrote.
She is one of the strongest women I’ve ever known. No matter what she was going through, she always carried a demeanour of grace and positivity. “Her caring, loving and generous heart blessed so many lives.
“We always enjoyed the fact that her name was Olivia and my first name was Olive … we said ‘See, we are sisters!’ You are the sweet sister I never had and I will miss your uplifting presence in my life! I love you Olivia … I honestly love you!!”
Nancy Sinatra posted: “Beautiful & strong, she fought to the end. My heart goes out to her family & all who love her. It’s just not fair. Godspeed, Olivia. We’ll always be hopelessly devoted to you.”
Rod Stewart tweeted: “My great friend Olivia Newton John has passed away. She was the perfect Lady, gorgeous, with great poise and with a certain Aussie sophistication.
“Her spandex trousers in Grease were my inspiration for my ‘Da ya think I’m Sexy‘ era. RIP Olivia.”
My great friend Olivia Newton John has passed away. She was the perfect Lady, gorgeous, with great poise and with a certain Aussie  sophistication.Â
— Sir Rod Stewart (@rodstewart) August 8, 2022
Her spandex trousers in Grease were my inspiration for my ‘Da ya think I’m Sexy‘ era.
RIP Olivia
Sir Rod pic.twitter.com/Suleq8JSkX
Peter Andre said: “I had the privilege of performing alongside Olivia Newton John for the Spina Bifida charity concert in Australia. She was warm, kind and caring to everyone backstage. She was the same every time we met. A true icon. Sad day.”
Sydney photography director Michael Jackson has recalled a Russian trip with Newton-John where she was “such a good sport”.
The star of the current West End production of Grease says it was “surreal” to hear the news of Dame Olivia Newton-John’s death during the interval of the show and later reveal it to the audience.
Actress Olivia Moore, who plays Sandy in the musical, said that the performance had been a “mixed bag of emotions” but that she was “proud to continue to wave that Sandy flag”.
Monday night’s performance of Grease at the Dominion Theatre in London was dedicated to her memory.
Ms Moore, 26, praised the “iconic” actress as “perfection” and said she felt a “responsibility” to carry on her legacy.
“She absolutely was with us tonight in spirit and she’ll be with us for the rest of the run,” she told the PA news agency.
“Tonight was such a special moment. Lots of people came into my dressing room to tell me and news spread quite quickly. She has so many fans, so many people that love her and love what she did … the world that she’s created.
“A lot of the audience didn’t know so it was really unfortunate to have to break the bad news to them. It was very, very surreal.”
Ms Moore said after finding out the news herself in the interval she had returned to the stage to sing Sandy’s famous number Hopelessly Devoted To You.
“I will never sing it the same now,” she said.
“It’s an incredibly emotional song anyway, with the character and what’s happening … it’s incredibly moving and very empowering.
“So it was an amazing moment, but I felt like I was singing it for like the last time and … going on stage I felt so much pressure because I felt pressure to do it perfectly.
“I was like ‘this one’s for her so I can’t be rubbish’.”
Very sad news we are waking up to today that the wonderful Olivia Newton John has passed away. She almost seemed immortal and her star power was always shining bright. Her work to raise awareness and fund cancer research will live on. Vale ONJ. #RIPOliviaNewtonJohnpic.twitter.com/nDmOOUOrBg
— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) August 8, 2022
Star Trek actor George Takei posted: “We have lost a great, iconic artist in Olivia Newton John, gone too soon from us at age 73. 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”.
Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley said: “So Very Sad. She was everyone’s sweetheart.”
While singer Dionne Warwick wrote: “Another angelic voice has been added to the Heavenly Choir. Not only was Olivia a dear friend, but one of the nicest people I had the pleasure of recording and performing with. I will most definitely miss her. She now Rests in the Arms of the Heavenly Father.”
Melissa Etheridge, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, said Newton-John was a compassionate supporter of women who suffered the disease.
“Journey well, dear friend. She was one of the first to reach out to me after my cancer diagnosis. What a beautiful woman and special talent. Hard to know what to say. She will be missed,” she wrote.
Magda Szubanski posted: “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”.
She followed with a tweet about Newton-John’s family.
Vale Olivia Newton-John 😔 https://t.co/S9hLWnfw6H
— Magda Szubanski AO (@MagdaSzubanski) August 9, 2022
Australian singer Vanessa Amorosi appeared overcome with emotion and had to bow out of her live interview on Sunrise this morning, having only just learnt of the death of Olivia Newton-John.
“Uh … I don’t know. I don’t particularly want to think about it, because I’ll get very emotional,” Amorosi began. “I just literally had one of the highest endorphins that just happened out there (at the closing ceremony), to being extremely sad coming offstage and checking my phone. I don’t think I’ve really processed it yet.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said Olivia Newton John was “one in a million”.
“She gave the world her music and movies — but for Victorians she was so much more,” he wrote on Tuesday morning.
“Her generosity through the ONJ Cancer Wellness and Research Centre has saved lives, and her advocacy has given Victorians hope as they battle cancer.
“Across her long career she never lost her charm, her spirit, or her accent.
“She’ll be greatly missed.”
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said her passing was “such sad news”.
“She was such a voice and force for positivity and hope, in entertainment, health and her attitude to life,” he wrote.
“An unforgettable idol to so many people. May she Rest In Peace.”
Tears are flowing across the nation and right across the world among those who “adored Olivia Newton-John”, said Liberal leader Peter Dutton.
Australians have woken this morning to the sad news of the passing of Olivia Newton-John. Tears are flowing across our nation today. She was a trailblazer of achievement, talent, and decency.
— Peter Dutton (@PeterDutton_MP) August 9, 2022
My statement: https://t.co/CudYRMqPaJpic.twitter.com/C6qFD3BkuG
“Olivia Newton-John’s mellifluous voice and magnetism on screen made her a truly captivating and beloved actor, singer, songwriter and entertainer,” he said.
“She will be remembered most for her depictions of Sandy in Grease and Kira in Xanadu; for her chart-topping hits like “I Honestly Love You” and “Physical”.
“And who can forget the iconic performance of “Dare To Dream” at the Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony.”
Mr Dutton said Newton-John was “much more than a star”.
“She was a trailblazer of achievement, talent, and decency,” he said.
Former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Newton-John was a “real force” who got things done.
“She was determined. She was resilient. Even though she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, she was forceful in her advocacy,” Ms Bishop said.
“She came to Parliament House and went from minister’s office to minister’s office seeking more support on a range of health issues, but particularly breast cancer research.
“I admired her resilience, her determination, her energy, and her tenacity.”
Aussie triple threat Hugh Sheridan has expressed his sadness that “beautiful” Olivia had gone.
The Logie winner had spent much time with Newton-John with their involvement in the G’Day USA gala in Los Angeles, first meeting the legendary performer when he was a young child in Adelaide.
The last time he saw her was at the 2020 event raising funds after the devastating bushfires of that year.
It’s still his most favourite memory for her: “It was just the three of us (John Travolta, Olivia and Hugh) sitting back stage for ages”.
“Eventually I got them to sing You’re the One that I want for me. It was just like the best.
“I was just thinking how great this is – I’m sitting in the middle of two of the most brilliant icons and I’m just some random actor from Australia and I ask them to sing for me.
“They got right into it.
“She was always just so kind.”
Rove McManus shared a photo of him and Newton-John on Twitter, describing her as a “beaming light of positivity to touched all that came into contact with her”.
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What an absolute saint Olivia Newton-John was. A beaming light of positivity who touched all that came into contact with her. Equal parts sweetheart and warrior, there will never ever be another like her. What a legacy she leaves with our sadness. pic.twitter.com/vOuOO1m0pL
— Rove McManus (@Rove) August 8, 2022
Originally published as Olivia Newton-John dead: Tributes pour in for Aussie star
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