The world is mourning the loss of beloved singing icon Olivia Newton-John after the 73-year-old reportedly died in the early hours of this morning (Australian time) peacefully at her ranch in Southern California after a battle with cancer.
It’s a blow to the legend’s family and friends, including her Grease co-star John Travolta, who revealed the star was a rock for her after his wife Kelly Preston tragically lost her brave battle with breast cancer at age 57 in 2020.
WATCH: When John Travolta and Kelly Preston met
Following the huge loss of his wife of 28 years, John tried his best to be there for his and Kelly’s children, Ben, 9, and Ella, 20.
“Fortunately,” an insider said at the time, “John is getting a lot of support from friends during the grieving process.”
He leaned on one dear pal in particular – his confidante of more than 40 years, Olivia Newton-John.
John’s Grease love interest immediately reached out when she heard of Kelly’s passing, with an insider revealing, “John and Olivia have always been close. They clicked right away all those years ago, but this tragedy has bonded them even more.
“Olivia loved and respected Kelly and took her death very hard. There’s no-one in John’s inner circle who has been as close to him as Olivia has during all of this, and he doesn’t know what he’d do without all of their heart-to-heart talks.”
Havign suffered breast cancer herself Olivine of the few friends John and Kelly confided in after the actress received her diagnosis.
“Olivia and Kelly discussed their individual situations, with Olivia offering advice, prayers and sometimes just an ear,” the insider says. “She was someone Kelly could talk to freely about her pain.”
Though Olivia had a front seat to Kelly’s fight, it didn’t make news of her passing easier.
“My heart breaks for John, Ella and Ben,” Olivia wrote in an Instagram tribute upon Kelly’s passing, calling the late actress “a radiant, warm and gentle spirit”.
Following her death, Olivia was dedicated to helping devastated John pick up the pieces.
“They spoke almost every day,” noted the insider. “She tried to occupy John with questions about the kids or crazy Grease fan requests – anything to keep his mind off losing the love of his life.”
However, Kelly is the topic that came up most often.
“Sometimes, they just reminisced about the wonderful times they both were lucky enough to share with her,” added the insider.
Olivia succumbed to her own cancer battle on August 9, 2022, with her husband John Easterling confirming that the star had passed away at her ranch while surrounded by family and friends.
“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’s husband wrote.
“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 @onjfoundation.”
