Olivia Newton-John hailed as an ‘angelic voice’ following death aged 73
By Alex Green, PA Acting Deputy Entertainment Editor
Dame Olivia Newton-John has been hailed as an “angelic voice” who produced “stone cold classic” songs following her death aged 73.
The singer died “peacefully” at her ranch in Southern California on Monday morning, surrounded by family and friends, her widower confirmed.
After news broke, famous names from the worlds of television, film and music paid tribute.
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 🥲🙏🏾♥️
— Dionne Warwick (@dionnewarwick) August 8, 2022
Dionne Warwick, who recorded a duet with Newton-John in 2006, tweeted: “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.”
I am SO saddened at the news of the ing of Olivia Newton John. I being so star struck when I met her at my first Hollywood gathering for Paramount. She was the sweetest and brightest light and I loved getting to know her on "It's My Party." RIP dear, sweet Olivia. pic.twitter.com/4FFgolVQNk
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) August 8, 2022
Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin recalled starring alongside Newton-John in the 1996 film It’s My Party, one of the first films to address the topic of Aids patients dying with dignity.
She said on Twitter: “I am SO saddened at the news of the ing of Olivia Newton John.
“I being so star struck when I met her at my first Hollywood gathering for Paramount.
“She was the sweetest and brightest light and I loved getting to know her on It’s My Party. RIP dear, sweet Olivia.”
Rest in peace, Olivia Newton-John. Deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/EeefzKBKCO
— Antonio Banderas (@antoniobanderas) August 8, 2022
Hollywood star Antonio Banderas tweeted: “Rest in peace, Olivia Newton-John. Deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.”
American filmmaker and actor James Gunn called her his “first real crush” and revealed he previously bought her home in Malibu.
“Really sad to hear about the ing of Olivia Newton-John,” he tweeted.
“My first real crush as a kid.
“I loved Grease & her music & I coincidentally also bought & lived in for a while the wonderful home she built in Malibu. May she Rest In Peace.”
Fly with the angels Olivia newton John
— ✌🏼rosanna arquette (@RoArquette) August 8, 2022
US actress Rosanna Arquette, who won a best ing actress Bafta for her performance in 1985’s Desperately Seeking Susan, was also among those paying tribute.
She tweeted: “Fly with the angels Olivia Newton John.”
Olivia Newton John so completely dominated the charts and Top Of The Pops when I was a kid, it felt like she WAS pop music. And yes, Xanadu is still a stone cold classic song. RIP x pic.twitter.com/VFfQenPcOM
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) August 8, 2022
Filmmaker Edgar Wright, whose credits include Last Night in Soho and Baby Driver, added: “Olivia Newton John so completely dominated the charts and Top Of The Pops when I was a kid, it felt like she was pop music.
“And yes, Xanadu is still a stone cold classic song. RIP.”
Kiss co-founder and frontman Paul Stanley said in a brief tribute: “So very sad. She was everyone’s sweetheart.”
"Grease" is my #1 movie of all time and made me a lifelong Olivia Newton John fan. Me and my sister watched Xanadu more times than I could count. Sending so much love and prayers to a real gift of a woman and talent. #RIPOliviaNewtonJohn 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/1M8lcVQuON
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) August 8, 2022
Actress Gabrielle Union described the impact on her of Newton John’s performance in Grease.
“Grease is my #1 movie of all time and made me a lifelong Olivia Newton John fan,” she said.
“Me and my sister watched Xanadu more times than I could count.
“Sending so much love and prayers to a real gift of a woman and talent.”
