Olivia Newton-John: Beloved Singer, Actress, & LGBTQ+ Icon Dies at 73
Singer, songwriter, and actress Olivia Newton-John, beloved by LGBTQ+ audiences, has died at age 73.Newton-John died Monday at her ranch in Southern California, her husband, John Easterling, wrote on her official Facebook page.
He did not state a cause of death, but he did note the entertainer’s long struggle with breast cancer.“Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,” he wrote. “We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.“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 (ONJFoundationFund.org).” Newton-John’s breast cancer reemerged in 2017, Variety reports.She is particularly cherished by the LGBTQ+ community for her performances in the musical films Xanadu (1980), which flopped upon its original release but has since become a cult classic, and Grease (1978), an adaptation of the stage hit about teenagers in the 1950s.Xanadu involved Newton-John as an ancient Greek muse in contemporary Los Angeles, Gene Kelly as a musician from the Big Band era, and Michael Beck as a roller-disco entrepreneur.
