Iconic "Grease" Star Olivia Newton-John Dies at 73

Beloved actor Olivia Newton-John, who won hearts as Sandy in the 1978 classic movie-musical "Grease," has died, her family confirmed on Aug. 8. She was 73 years old.

According to a post on her Facebook page, Newton-John died at her home in Southern California while surrounded by family and friends. Newton-John had battled breast cancer for years, and used her experience to start the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund.

"We ask that everyone please respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time," the Facebook statement announcing Newton-John's death said. "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." Her family asked that donations be made to the foundation in lieu of flowers.

The statement noted that Newton-John is survived by "her husband John Easterling; daughter Chloe Lattanzi; sister Sarah Newton-John; brother Toby Newton-John; nieces and nephews Tottie, Fiona and Brett Goldsmith; Emerson, Charlie, Zac, Jeremy, Randall, and Pierz Newton-John; Jude Newton-Stock, Layla Lee; Kira and Tasha Edelstein; and Brin and Valerie Hall."

The multi-hyphenate, who hailed from Australia, won four Grammy Awards throughout her career and had hit songs including "Physical" and "I Honestly Love You." She also appeared in 1980's "Xanadu," before reteaming with "Grease" costar John Travolta for 1983's "Two of a Kind."

Back in 2020, Newton-John said that despite years of health struggles, she thought that "life is a gift," People reported at the time. "I've had an amazing life and I intend to keep going with it and I want to help other people with cancer of course," she said.