‘Grease’ Star Olivia Newton-John Dies of Breast Cancer at 73
Olivia Newton-John died Aug. 8 after a long journey with breast cancer, which was first diagnosed in 1992, according to a statement from her husband, John Easterling. She was 73.
“Dame Olivia Newton-John 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,” Easterling wrote on the singer’s verified Instagram account. “Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.”
The Grammy Award-winning singer, international pop icon and “Grease” superstar served on Moffitt Cancer Center’s national Board of Advisors for 13 years. She spoke out frequently on behalf of Moffitt as she advocated for research, early detection and prevention of the disease.
“Olivia was an incredible friend of the cancer center, a friend to me, an international figure in the fight against cancer, and a treasure and inspiration to her many fans all over the world,” said H. Lee Moffitt, founder of Moffitt Cancer Center.
Olivia Newton-John and H. Lee Moffitt met in 2006 when the singer toured the cancer center before performing in a benefit concert.
Moffitt and Newton-John forged a special friendship in 2006 when the singer performed in a Florida Orchestra concert that benefited the cancer center. Prior to the event, she toured the Magnolia campus for the first time, meeting the institution’s founder. Later that evening at the performance, the audience roared with laughter as Newton-John recalled meeting Moffitt for the first time. “He was alive! I didn’t know they named buildings after someone that was still alive.”
That encounter launched a special bond between Moffitt and Newton-John, who at that time was in the early stages of creating the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre at Austin Hospital in Melbourne, Australia.
“Lee Moffitt is my mentor,” the singer said in a 2015 interview with the Tampa Bay Times. The two spent long hours discussing the creation of the two institutions and the importance of making a lasting impact against cancer.
Three years after visiting the cancer center for the first time, Newton-John joined the Board of Advisors, a diverse group of prominent individuals from across the nation who serve as Moffitt ambassadors and offer their expertise and counsel on issues relating to the cancer center.
From left, H. Lee Moffitt, Olivia Newton-John and husband John Easterling, and then Moffitt CEO Dr. William Dalton attend the 2009 Magnolia Ball, which raised
“We lost a good friend with the passing of Olivia Newton-John,” said Bob Griese, chair of the group. “She was a shining star, as we all know, but on a more personal level, we enjoyed her warmth and spirit, and her passion for curing cancer.”
Newton-John participated in many Moffitt events over the years. Most recently, she helped the cancer center mark its 30th anniversary in 2016 and attended the Magnolia Ball in 2019.
“We were blessed to have had Olivia as a friend and colleague,” said Moffitt. “She was one of a kind and an extraordinary individual. The Moffitt family is deeply saddened by her passing. We send our heartfelt condolences to her husband, John [Easterling], and daughter, Chloe.”
From left, H. Lee Moffitt, singer/songwriter Paul Anthony and Olivia Newton-John attend a Moffitt Board of Advisors meeting to discuss how to better advocate for prevention, early detection and cancer research.
