by Kylie Minogue, Peter Andre and Nancy Sinatra are among the famous faces who have paid tribute to “beautiful and strong” Dame Olivia Newton-John, following her death aged 73.
The British-born singer died “peacefully” at her Southern California ranch on Monday morning, surrounded by family and friends, her widower confirmed.
After the news broke, famous names from the worlds of TV, film and music took to social media to share memories and send condolences to her family.
Pop megastar Minogue said Dame Olivia “was and always will be” an inspiration to her.
“Since I was ten years old I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton John,” the singer wrote on Twitter.
“And I always will. (Just like this photo @nfsaonline) She was, and always will be, an inspiration to me in so many, many ways.
“My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. x ONJ4EVER.”
Others shared a photo of the pair together and hailed her as “a true icon” who was “warm, kind and caring to everyone”.
“I will never forget this night. I had the privilege of performing with Olivia Newton John for the Spina Bifida charity concert in Australia,” he said.
“She was warm, kind and caring to everyone backstage. She was the same every time we met.
“A true icon. Sad day.”
Sinatra said that although she had not known Dame Olivia personally, she had admired her for “the way she faced her health struggles”.
“Beautiful and strong, she fought to the end,” she wrote.
“My heart goes out to her family and everyone who loves her. It’s just not fair.
“Oh my God, Olivia. We will always be hopelessly devoted to you.”
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 definitely miss her.
“She now rests in the arms of our Heavenly Father.”
American singer Richard Marx, who also duetted with Dame Olivia, said he would “miss her every day”.
“My heart is broken. Rest now dear friend,” he wrote on Twitter.
“You were as kind and loving a person as there ever was. I’m going to miss you every day.”
Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin recalled starring alongside Dame Olivia in the 1996 film It’s My Party, one of the first films to address the theme of AIDS patients dying with dignity.
She said on Twitter: “I am SO saddened by the news of the passing of Olivia Newton John.
“I remember being so starstruck 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 at It’s My Party. RIP dear sweet Olivia.”
British actor Sanjeev Bhaskar recalled the actress’ kindness during a brief encounter many years earlier.
“Oh so sad. I met Olivia Newton John once many years ago. In that 5 minute chat I felt I had been blessed,” he said.
“She didn’t know me from a pumpkin, but was so warm, interested and charming. I was hopelessly devoted to her again.”
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 that he previously bought her home in Malibu.
“Very sad to hear of Olivia Newton-John’s passing,” he tweeted.
“My first real crush as a child.
“I loved Grease and her music, and I also happened to buy and live for a while in the amazing home she built in Malibu. May she rest in peace.”
American actress Rosanna Arquette, who won a Best Supporting 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.”
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. REST IN PEACE.”
Kiss co-founder and frontman Paul Stanley said in a short tribute: “So very sad. She was everyone’s sweetheart.”
