OLIVIA Newton-John’s Grease co-star broke down in tears as he remembered the movie and music icon.
The 73-year-old died Monday after a lengthy battle with breast cancer.
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Tributes from friends and family began to pour in almost immediately, including many from her Grease co-stars.
Olivia played iconic character Sandra Dee in the 1978 film adaptation of the musical.
Earlier this morning, co-star Barry Pearl, who played Frenchy’s boyfriend Doody in the film, broke down on the Australian version of breakfast TV show Today, as he remembered their final conversation.
The actor said he’d heard from a colleague that Olivia was “failing again” and it wasn’t going to be long until she passed away.
So the 72-year-old decided to get in touch before it was too late.
“I took it upon myself to write to her, as we would occasionally share emails amongst each other – [with] the other Grease-er pals too,” he explained.
“She would always sign her emails, ‘With love and light, Olivia’. And I wrote to her – and I basically said that, ‘On your journey forward, simply know that you, Olivia , are the love and the light'” he reflected.
“She just always exuded that positivity. Just the way she handled this journey with grace. Her heart was so big.”
OLIVIA PASSES
The four-time Grammy Award-winning singer passed away on Monday morning at her ranch in Southern California, her husband, John Easterling, confirmed.
“Dame Olivia Newton-John passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,” Easterling wrote on her Facebook page.
“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.
“In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund.”
Olivia was treated for breast cancer in 1992 and then announced in 2017 that it had returned, according to The Washington Post’s Instagram account.
She kept her battle with cancer private for many years but was still an active advocate for the cause.
GREASE MEMORIES
Her Grease heartthrob, Danny, was played by John Travolta, who shared: “My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better.
“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 moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!”
Grease director Randal Kleiser, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter: “I’m Heartbroken. She was one of a kind, and so very kind.
“For over four decades of our friendship she exuded nothing but love to everyone she met.
“Olivia was exactly the way you imagined her. I will miss her forever.”
The star is survived by her husband and daughter, Chloe Rose Lattanzi, alongside other family members.
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