Grease star Stockard Channing has paid tribute to Olivia Newton-John following news of her death.
The actress, 78, starred alongside Newton-John in the beloved 1978 musical extravaganza.
Channing played Betty Rizzo, the leader of the Pink Ladies who took Newton-John’s mellow and modest Sandy under her wing when she started attending Rydell High.
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The pair’s camaraderie was also evident off-screen and in a statement released to People magazine, the Practical Magic star had nothing but kind words for her late friend.
“I don’t know if I’ve known a lovelier human being,” she said.
“Olivia was the essence of summer – her sunniness, her warmth and her grace are what always come to mind when I think of her. I will miss her enormously.”
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Newton-John's death at the age of 73 was announced by her husband John Easterling on Monday (8 August).
In a statement shared on Newton-John's social media pages, Easterling wrote a statement that she said 'passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California, surrounded by family and friends'.
The statement continued: "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.
Easterling also asked fans to send donations to Newton-John's cancer research charity in her memory. He added: "In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation."
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The independent charity was established by Newton-John to help sponsor global research into plant medicine to treat cancer.
Newton-John and businessman and conservationist Easterling, her second husband, tied the knot in in 2008 and they remained married until her death.
Newton-John is survived by her husband; 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.
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The actor and singer was best known for starring in Grease which is still loved more than 40 years since the film's release.
The film helped to catapult Newton-John, who became a Dame in 2020, to international fame with a string of hits including the 80s classic 'Physical', though she had already experienced a huge level of success in her native Australia and in the UK, where she was born.
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