John Travolta breaks down in tears as he honours Grease co-star Olivia Newton John at Oscars
John was trying to hold back tears.
John Travolta broke down in tears at this year's Oscars while paying tribute to his late Grease co-star Olivia Newton John, while quoting one of the movie-musical's songs.
The actor took to the stage in Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre to present the In Memoriam sequence of the ceremony, which honours members of the movie business who have sadly passed away in the last year.
Of course, among those remembered was the late Olivia Newton John, who sadly passed away last August, at the age of 73.
Advert
Trying his best to hold it together, John said: "They've touched our hearts, they've made us smile, and became dear friends, who we will always remain hopelessly devoted to."
And if you'd made it this far through the ceremony without shedding a few tears, that moment would definitely leave a lump in your throat.
Struggling to hold back tears just as much as Travolta, viewers took to Twitter to discuss the emotional moment.
"Not John Travolta quoting hopelessly devoted to you by Olivia Newton John in his introduction to the #Oscars tribute performance," wrote one fan.
"The minute I saw John Travolta walk out I knew what was coming and I still wasn’t prepared for his speech," admitted a second.
"Watching John Travolta get choked up over Olivia Newton-John. Whew, that hits hard," tweeted a third.
Olivia Newton-John, who played Sandy in the smash hit musical alongside Travolta, passed away last August, as announced by her husband John Easterling.
His heartbreaking statement read: "Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) 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.
"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).
"Olivia 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."
Also mentioned in this year's In Memoriam sequence were stars like Irene Papas, Robbie Coltrane, Kirstie Alley, Dame Angela Lansbury, Irene Cara, Ray Liotta, Nichelle Nichols, Burt Bacharach, Vangelis, James Caan and Raquel Welch.
Ali Condon