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Richard Wilkins left in tears ‘again’ after receiving a ‘beautiful message’ from Olivia Newton-John’s daughter Chloe Lattanzi

Richard Wilkins left in tears 'again' after receiving a 'beautiful message' from Olivia Newton-John's daughter Chloe Lattanzi

Today entertainment editor Richard Wilkins has played a heart-warming voice message Olivia Newton-John’s daughter Chloe Lattanzi left him after he was overcome with emotion during a tribute to the late Australian star on live TV.

The Grease actress and singer died “peacefully” at her ranch in Southern California earlier this week following a lengthy battle with breast cancer.

“Chloe Lattanzi, Olivia’s daughter, sent me a beautiful message earlier today, which I played and cried again,” Wilkins said on the Today show on Wednesday.

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“And I said to her, ‘I would never do it without your permission. Would you like me to share your beautiful message with her many friends and fans on-air?’

“And she said, ‘Yes, please. Tell them how much their love is helping me cope. I want to be a link for them. Give light, give thanks, gratitude. I’m holding you in my heart’.”

In the voicemail message Ms Lattanzi said: “Hi Richard, this is Chloe, I just saw your beautiful tribute to my mummy.”

“I just wanted to hold you. I saw how much you loved her and I just want you to know she’s free now and out of pain and all the family is here together.

“She’s making the sun shine and the dogs are running around and smiling and the horses are galloping.

“I just want you to know that she’s free from pain now and she fought so hard and I was with her every step of the way.

“I just felt your love. Mummy and I both cared about you – care about you so much.

“I love you my friend, thank you for doing that.”

Wilkins, who was a close friend of Newton John, fought back tears as he paid tribute to the entertainment icon on Tuesday.

After airing a segment of his last interview with her, Wilkins was left unable to speak as he struggled to hold his emotions in.

Today co-host Karl Stefanovic got up from his seat to give him a hug as he grabbed a handful of tissues.

“It’s alright,” Stefanovic said, as he gave Wilkins a hug.

“She touched everyone, didn’t she? Even through a Zoom call, whether it was someone in a hospital, someone on the boardwalks of Hollywood who didn’t even know her that well, that depth of feeling, this woman was extraordinary. “

“Well, I’m still numb,” Wilkins said. “I’ve got nothing more to say.”

Lattanzi, who is Newton-John’s only child, paid tribute to her mother on Instagram just days after the news of her death was announced.

The 36-year-old singer said her mother was her “lighthouse”, her “safe place” and her “heart space”.

“It has been an honor and continues to be my honor to be your baby and your best friend.

“You are an angel on earth and everyone touched by you has been blessed. I love you forever my life giver, my teacher, my mama.”

Newton-John died surrounded by her close friends and family.

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Olivia Newton-John’s final life lessons to Aussie cancer patient

Mel Dee Dzelde, 52, from Adelaide, (pictured) received a phone call from the late Olivia Newton-John while undergoing cancer treatment after being diagnosed in 2017. said: "Hi Mel, it's Olivia here. I've heard you've been going through a challenging time",' Mel told FEMAIL

Olivia Newton-John’s six life lessons: Cancer patient reveals what she learned from the Grease star who called her out of the blue to offer support

  • Mel Dee Dzelde claims to have had a friendship with the late Olivia Newton-John
  • The cancer patient, 52, received a call from the actress during treatment
  • A mutual friend told Olivia what Mel was going through then offered to call
  • Since 2017 Mel claims to have remained in touch through calls and texts
  • Mel told FEMAIL the important life lessons Olivia taught her over the years

By Carina Stathis For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

An Australian woman battling two serious illnesses has shared how Olivia Newton-John called her out of the blue to help her through her lowest times.

Mel Dee Dzelde, 52, from Adelaide, was diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer in 2017 then Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2021 and claims to have received the call during treatment as she shared a mutual friend with Olivia.

‘She said: “Hi Mel, it’s Olivia here. I’ve heard you’ve been going through a challenging time”,’ Mel told FEMAIL.

‘We spoke for about an hour – she wanted to know what I was going through and shared some of her own struggles with cancer.’

The beloved Grease actress died on Monday aged 73 at her home in southern California after a 30-year fight with cancer.

Mel described Olivia as her ‘earth angel’ who continued to check-up on her from time to time, including on her birthday and at Christmas.

Mel Dee Dzelde, 52, from Adelaide, (pictured) received a phone call from the late Olivia Newton-John while undergoing cancer treatment after being diagnosed in 2017. said: "Hi Mel, it's Olivia here. I've heard you've been going through a challenging time",' Mel told FEMAIL

Mel Dee Dzelde, 52, from Adelaide, (pictured) received a phone call from the late Olivia Newton-John while undergoing cancer treatment after being diagnosed in 2017. said: “Hi Mel, it’s Olivia here. I’ve heard you’ve been going through a challenging time”,’ Mel told FEMAIL

Beloved Aussie actress Olivia Newton-John (pictured) who starred in Grease died on Monday aged 73 at her home in southern California after a 30-year fight with cancer

Beloved Aussie actress Olivia Newton-John (pictured) who starred in Grease died on Monday aged 73 at her home in southern California after a 30-year fight with cancer

The friendship began when Mel’s mutual friend, Megan, told Olivia what she was going through – and without hesitation the actress offered to call.

At the time Mel was undergoing rounds of chemotherapy and was shocked when she heard who was on the other side of the line.

Mel described Olivia as a ‘very loving and kind person’ who treated everyone equally and the pair continued to stay in touch through texting and phone calls.

‘Olivia was so caring, it was like she was holding my hand through it all. She would always check-in on me which was lovely,’ she said.

The two spoke about meeting in person but Covid prevented this from occurring as Mel was in Australia and Olivia was overseas.

Lessons learned from Olivia:

Don’t focus on sickness and to instead focus on wellness

Always be positive

Make use of natural therapies

Embrace life no matter what’s happening to you

Always be kind and show love to others

laugh and enjoy life

During the last few years, Olivia taught Mel a lot of valuable lessons about how to live a happy life despite experiencing cancer treatments.

‘Olivia always said to not focus on the sickness, but on the wellness. She showed me how to embrace life no matter what’s happening to you,’ she said.

Mel last spoke to Olivia indirectly through Megan last month.

‘She hadn’t answered my last couple of messages and I was worried about her, so she felt her love to me and encouragement to stay positive when she was talking to my friend,’ Mel said.

During the last few years, Olivia taught Mel a lot of valuable lessons about how to live a happy life despite experiencing cancer treatments. 'Olivia always said to not focus on the sickness, but on the wellness. She showed me how to embrace life no matter what's happening to you,' she said

During the last few years, Olivia taught Mel a lot of valuable lessons about how to live a happy life despite experiencing cancer treatments. ‘Olivia always said to not focus on the sickness, but on the wellness. She showed me how to embrace life no matter what’s happening to you,’ she said

Mel last spoke to Olivia indirectly through Megan last month. 'She hadn't answered my last couple of messages and I was worried about her, so she felt her love to me and encouragement to stay positive when she was talking to my friend,' Mel said (pictured: Mel and her husband)

Mel last spoke to Olivia indirectly through Megan last month. ‘She hadn’t answered my last couple of messages and I was worried about her, so she felt her love to me and encouragement to stay positive when she was talking to my friend,’ Mel said (pictured: Mel and her husband)

When Olivia passed away on Monday, Mel said she spent the day in tears as she reminisced on the beautiful person Olivia was.

‘She was such a beautiful human and an important person who helped so many people – it doesn’t matter who she spoke to, she acted the same way to everyone,’ she said.

‘I like to think she’s experiencing all the love the world has for her.’

Olivia Newton John, 73, passes away after 30-year cancer battle

Olivia’s battle with breast cancer first began in 1992 when she was just 44 years old.

She was very open about her diagnosis and treatment, which famously included the use of medical marijuana.

The actress famously beat breast cancer twice but was diagnosed again in 2017.

Despite the cruel toll the disease was taking her life – including crippling her for a period – Olivia kept performing, including touring the US in 2018.

She spent the last few years at home, campaigning for animals’ rights and raising money for her charity online.

She was also a strong campaigner for the use of medical cannabis for treatment in Australia.

The Grease star died at the age of 73 in Southern California on the morning August 8.

Olivia’s death was announced by her husband John Easterling on Monday on her social media pages.

Easterling said his wife died at her Southern California home 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,’ he wrote.

‘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,’ he added.

The family asked for donations to be made to her cancer organization, the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, instead of flowers.

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Olivia Newton-John: Re-watching Grease highlighted rape culture of the film

Olivia Newton-John: Re-watching Grease highlighted rape culture of the film

This week the 1970s classic grease aired on Nine in prime time viewing in tribute to the very much beloved Olivia Newton-John, who tragically passed away earlier this week. But celebrating grease again is a dangerous game.

Unfortunately, looking at grease through a 2022 lens leaves plenty to be desired. The movie enforces stereotypes, makes rape jokes and trivializes consent. Watching it with fresh eyes feels less nostalgic and more concerning.

I understand our desire to revisit the film, considering Newton-John’s death. It was the film that made her a star. She played Sandy, and she gave a Mary-Sue character dimension and charm.

It was the biggest film of the year when it was released, and it’s still very much a cultural touchstone. Who doesn’t know the words to, You Are The One That I Want? (I bet you’re singing the, ooh ooh ooh’s in your head).

But sadly, besides the chemistry between high school sweethearts Newton-John and John Travolta as Sandy and Danny, the film sends some harrowing messages. Let’s break it down, shall we?

For instance, at the beginning of the iconic movie, Danny brags to his mates about meeting a hot Australian girl during summer break. His friends pestered him for details of the relationship, including the line: “Tell me more, tell me more, did she put up a fight?”

Basically, the guys were making light of the idea of ​​Danny having to force Sandy into sex. As if it would be perfectly acceptable for a guy to push a woman into sex.

Then there’s the scene in the drive-in, Danny is desperately trying to make out with Sandy and make things right. She pushes him away several times and then eventually screams “no” while Danny pins her down and says: “Nobody’s watching!” Ick, right?

Seems more rapey than romantic. If a woman says no, a man shouldn’t touch or force her. He should respect her de ella wishes de ella and not try to talk her into it and a movie romanticizing the opposite is grim.

If that wasn’t stressful enough, when Rizzo, a character in the film becomes pregnant and plans to get an abortion sings the song, There Are Worse Things I Could Do.

“There are worse things I could do, than go with a boy or two…. I could flirt with all the guys, smile at them and bat my eyes. Press against them when we dance, make them think they stand a chance, then refuse to see it through. That’s a thing I’d never do,” she sings.

She is suggesting that the worse thing a woman could be is a tease, which is not true. Women can say no and set boundaries whenever they want. Women have the right to flirt and make eyes, and we don’t need to sleep with a man.

Then there’s the overarching message; ultimately, good girl Sandy turns herself into a more vampy version of herself to earn Danny’s affections. So, the overall message is, change who you are to get the guy? Not very heartening.

I understand it’s a movie, it was made in the 1970s, and we weren’t having such loud and important conversations about consent, but re-watching it feels less like a trip down memory lane and more of a reminder that so much of our aging pop culture references just reinforce rape culture.

I miss Olivia Newton-John, but I think there are better ways to remember her than watching Grease. Her de ella entire body of work de ella and her de ella endlessly contributions de ella to create a better world for everyone speaks volumes, particularly being an advocate for Breast Cancer Awareness.

I’d much rather stare at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Center to remember her than watch her character Sandy wade through misogyny through song and dance.

Mary Madigan is a freelance writer.

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Olivia Newton-John’s husband John Easterling posts Instagram tribute to Grease star

Olivia Newton-John's husband John Easterling posts Instagram tribute to Grease star

Olivia Newton-John’s husband has posted a tribute to the “most courageous woman” he has ever known, following the death of the Australian singer and Grease star earlier this week.

John Easterling announced on Tuesday that Newton-John passed away at the age of 73 at her ranch in California “surrounded by family and friends” after a battle with breast cancer.

On Thursday, Australian time, Mr Easterling reflected on his love with Newton-John on a post on the actor’s official Instagram.

“Our love for each other transcends our understanding,” the American businessman wrote.

“Every day we expressed our gratitude for this love that could be so deep, so real, so natural. We never had to ‘work’ on it. We were in awe of this great mystery and accepted the experience of our love as past, present and forever.”

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Mr Easterling is the founder of the American Herb Company, and spent years in the Amazon rainforest studying plants with potential health benefits.

Newton-John was 58 when she started dating Mr Easterling in 2006, a year after the death of her former boyfriend Patrick McDermott disappeared at sea.

They married two years later.

She was formerly married from 1984 to 1995 to Matt Lattanzi, with whom she shared a daughter, Chloe.

A man and a woman in formal wear smile as they stand together and pose outside an event.
Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling were married for 14 years.(Reuters: Gus Ruelas)

In the post, Mr Easterling said his wife was generous and spirited, with a passion for life.

“At Olivia’s deepest essence she was a healer using her mediums of song, of words, of touch,” he wrote.

“She was the most courageous woman I’ve ever known.

“Her bandwidth for genuinely caring for people, for nature and all creatures almost eclipses what is humanely possible. It is only the grace of God that has allowed me to share the depth and passion of her being for so long.

“In her most difficult times she always had the spirit, the humor, and the will power to move things into the light.

“Even now as her soul soars, the pain and holes in my heart are healed with the joy of her love and the light that shines forward.

“Our family deeply appreciates the vast ocean of love and support that has come our way.”

Newton-John’s niece, Totti Goldsmith, told Channel 9 on Wednesday that the British-Australian actor would be buried in California.

She the family intended to accept a state memorial if the Victorian government offered one.

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Olivia Newton-John daughter Chloe Lattanzi: Grease star made pact with God

Olivia Newton-John daughter Chloe Lattanzi: Grease star made pact with God

Olivia Newton-John once said she was “looking forward to” death because of previous interactions with “spirits”.

The comments came in a resurfaced 2021 podcast interview where she also said she had made a pact with God to save her daughter Chloe Lattanzi before she was born after the grease star suffered complications during her pregnancy.

The entertainment legend died on Monday at her ranch in California following an extraordinary three-decade-long battle with breast cancer which had seen her repeatedly triumphing over the disease only for it to later reappear once more.

In February last year, Newton-John appeared on Sarah Grynberg’s A Life of Greatness podcast.

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The Xanadu actor explained that she did not fear passing on during her 30-year cancer battle because she believed there was something beyond the world of the living, reported the new york post.

“We all know we’re going to die, but I think we spend our lives in denial. It’s extremely personal, so it’s hard to put into words.

“I feel that we are all one thing, and I’ve had experiences with spirits and spirit life. I believe there is something that happens.”

She added: “I hope the energies of the people you love will be there. … I think all the love will be there. I’m sort of looking forward to that—not now, but when it happens.

“It’s almost like we are parts of the same computer and we go back to the main battery.”

Pact with God

On the same podcast she also talked about how she was so worried about her pregnancy with daughter Chloe, now 36, that she told God she would make a deal to keep her yet to be born baby safe.

“I was close to losing her,” she told Grynberg.

“I went to bed and asked God to save her and if he did, I would say the Lord’s Prayer every night for the rest of my life and so I have.”

In the family statement, her husband John Easterling said Newton-John “passed away peacefully” early on Monday morning US time surrounded by family and friends.

“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, ”her statement she read.

John Travolta’s touching tribute

In a post to Instagram, John Travolta praised Newton-John.

“My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much,” he wrote.

“We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!”

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The heartbreaking voicemail Olivia Newton-John’s daughter Chloe Lattanzi left Richard Wilkins

This is the heartbreaking message Olivia Newton-John's daughter Chloe Lattanzi left Today's entertainment editor Richard Wilkins (pictured) following the death of her mother aged 73

Richard Wilkins has played the heartbreaking message Olivia Newton-John’s daughter Chloe Lattanzi left him following the death of her mother at age 73.

The actress and singer died peacefully at her home in Southern California on Monday morning, surrounded by family and friends. Her husband John Easterling announced her death on her Facebook page.

‘Chloe Lattanzi, Olivia’s daughter, sent me a beautiful message earlier today, which I played and raised again,’ Richard revealed on Wednesday’s episode of the Today show, as he held back tears.

This is the heartbreaking message Olivia Newton-John's daughter Chloe Lattanzi left Today's entertainment editor Richard Wilkins (pictured) following the death of her mother aged 73

This is the heartbreaking message Olivia Newton-John’s daughter Chloe Lattanzi left Today’s entertainment editor Richard Wilkins (pictured) following the death of her mother aged 73

‘And I said to her, “I would never do it without your permission. Would you like me to share your beautiful message with her many friends and fans on-air?”

‘And she said, “Yes, please. Tell them how much their love is helping me cope. I want to be a link for them. Give light, give thanks, gratitude. I’m holding you in my heart.”‘

‘Hi Richard, this is Chloe, I just saw your beautiful tribute to my mummy,’ the message read.

‘I just wanted to hold you. I saw how much you loved her and I just want you to know she’s free now and out of pain and all her family is here together.

The actress and singer died peacefully at her home in Southern California on Monday morning, surrounded by family and friends. Her husband John Easterling announced her death on her Facebook page. Pictured with his daughter Chloe

The actress and singer died peacefully at her home in Southern California on Monday morning, surrounded by family and friends. Her husband John Easterling announced her death on her Facebook page. Pictured with his daughter Chloe

‘She’s making the sun shine and the dogs are running around and smiling and the horses are galloping

‘I just want you to know that she’s free from pain now and she fought so hard and I was with her every step of the way

‘I just felt your love, mummy and I both care about you, care about you so much.

Chloe ended the message with: ‘I love you my friend, thank you for doing that.’

Just months before Olivia's death, Chloe, 36, vowed to stand by her mother 'always and forever' while sharing a gallery of pictures of the pair together on Facebook

Just months before Olivia’s death, Chloe, 36, vowed to stand by her mother ‘always and forever’ while sharing a gallery of pictures of the pair together on Facebook

It comes just days after Wilkins, 68, burst into tears as his last interview with Olivia was aired.

Today host Karl Stefanovic left his seat on the panel to comfort his colleague as he wiped away tears.

‘I didn’t want to do this,’ Wilkins wept.

Richard Wilkins broke down on the Today show on Tuesday as he spoke about the death of his long-time friend and Australian icon Olivia Newton-John

Richard Wilkins broke down on the Today show on Tuesday as he spoke about the death of his long-time friend and Australian icon Olivia Newton-John

The actress and singer (pictured with long-time friend Richard Wilkins) died at her home in Southern California on Monday morning

The actress and singer (pictured with long-time friend Richard Wilkins) died at her home in Southern California on Monday morning

‘It’s alright,’ Stefanovic said while hugging the presenter. ‘This woman was extraordinary.’

Wilkins was close to tears earlier in the show when he first delivered the heartbreaking news about Olivia’s death.

‘Dickie, I’m so sorry for your loss,’ Stefanovic said.

Host Karl Stefanovic left his seat on the panel to comfort his colleague who wiped his eyes

Host Karl Stefanovic left his seat on the panel to comfort his colleague who wiped his eyes

'I was just sort of numb,' Wilkins said to Karl and Ally. 'I didn't really know what to think'

‘I was just sort of numb,’ Wilkins said to Karl and Ally. ‘I didn’t really know what to think’

‘It’s our loss,’ Wilkins replied. ‘The world has lost a beautiful human being today.’

He then went on to reveal the devastating early morning phone call he received of the news.

‘I was just sort of numb,’ he told Stefanovic and co-host Allison Langdon.

‘You know, all the dates and facts and figures and things just disappear and I just felt completely, just completely numb. I didn’t really know what to think.’

Olivia Newton-John, shown in one of her last public appearances in 2019. The actress died on Monday aged 73.

She is shown, right, in her most iconic role in Grease in 1978

Olivia Newton-John, left, in one of her last public appearances in 2019. The actress died on Monday aged 73. She is shown, right, in her most iconic role in Grease in 1978

Speaking on Nova’s Fitzy and Wippa on Tuesday morning, Wilkins discussed his first ever encounter with the Grease star.

‘I think I was hosting a sort of a meet and greet thing she must have been promoting a record or something,’ he recalled.

‘And that was I think the first time I met her and we just got on like a house on fire at this thing.’

Wilkins said he’d been a fan of Olivia for his whole life and that he’d never heard a bad word about her.

‘She was never flashy. She she was never a show off. You never see her on the social pages. She would just she just was so dignified,’ he added.

‘And such a classy, ​​beautiful, gorgeous, wonderful lady and a great mum to (daughter) Chloe (Lattanzi).’

Olivia’s husband broke the news of the star’s death in a heartbreak Facebook post on Monday morning, following her brave and extraordinarily public decades-long battle with cancer.

Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in the iconic 1978 movie Grease that catapulted her career. He was among the first to pay tribute to her on Monday

Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in the iconic 1978 movie Grease that catapulted her career. He was among the first to pay tribute to her on Monday

‘Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,’ Mr Easterling wrote.

‘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.’

Newton-John and John Travolta at the 40th Anniversary of Grease in 2018

Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, This Christmas, their 2012 Christmas album

Newton-John and John Travolta at the 40th Anniversary of Grease in 2018 (left) and (right) promoting their 2012 Christmas album

The actress famously beat breast cancer twice but was diagnosed again in 2017.

She spent the last few years at home, campaigning for animal rights and raising money for her charity.

In a haunting interview with The Guardian in 2020, she said of the disease: ‘It’s been a part of my life for so long.

‘I felt something was wrong. It’s concerning when it comes back, but I thought ‘I’ll get through it again’.

Olivia Newton-John with her daughter Chloe Lattanzi, when Chloe was a child

Olivia Newton-John with her daughter Chloe Lattanzi

Olivia Newton-John with her daughter Chloe Lattanzi, left, and right, when Chloe was a child. She suffered several miscarriages before giving birth to Chloe in 1986

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Rebel Wilson shows off slimmed-down figure as she heads to the gym in LA

Work it: Rebel Wilson showed off her slimmed-down figure in flesh-flashing workout gear while heading to the gym in Los Angeles on Tuesday

Rebel Wilson displays her slimmed-down figure in a crop top and leggings as she heads to the gym in LA – after revealing Olivia Newton-John ‘tried to teach me about health years ago’

By Sameer Suri For Dailymail.com

Published: | Updated:

Rebel Wilson showed off her slimmed-down figure in flesh-flashing workout gear while heading to the gym in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The actress, 42, bared her toned midriff in a sporty crop top and skintight leggings as she stepped out into the sun, warding off the California rays with a visor and shades.

The Australian screen star’s latest outing comes after she shared that the late Olivia Newton-John ‘tried to teach me about health years before I took it seriously’.

Work it: Rebel Wilson showed off her slimmed-down figure in flesh-flashing workout gear while heading to the gym in Los Angeles on Tuesday

Work it: Rebel Wilson showed off her slimmed-down figure in flesh-flashing workout gear while heading to the gym in Los Angeles on Tuesday

Olivia died Monday at the age of 73 surrounded by family at her California ranch after withdrawing from the public eye as her health deteriorated.

She had a roller-coaster 30-year battle with breast cancer, which she was first diagnosed with in 1992 and which came back in 2013 and 2017.

During her life she was an enthusiastic advocate for breast cancer research, even trekking over 228kms along the Great Wall Of China as a fundraiser to build a cancer and wellness center in Melbourne, where she was largely raised.

In 2020 Rebel embarked on a Year Of Health and lost almost 80lbs – nearly a decade after she starred with Olivia in the Australian comedy A Few Best Men.

Off she goes: The 42-year-old actress bared her toned midriff as she stepped out into the sun, warding off the California rays with a visor and shades

Work it! The actress, 42, bared her toned midriff in a sporty crop top and skintight leggings as she stepped out into the sun, warding off the California rays with a visor and shades

Weight loss: The Australian screen star's latest outing comes after she shared that the late Olivia Newton-John 'tried to teach me about health years before I took it seriously'

Weight loss: The Australian screen star’s latest outing comes after she shared that the late Olivia Newton-John ‘tried to teach me about health years before I took it seriously’

After news of Olivia’s death spread around the world, Rebel, her fellow Australian, shared a touching Instagram post in memory of her.

She wrote to Olivia: ‘You were the most gorgeous lady inside and out, you are a true Aussie icon and to play your daughter on screen in A FEW BEST MEN was beyond an honour.

‘Seeing you star in the huge Hollywood blockbuster GREASE with your natural accent was so instrumental to me as a little girl, helping me to believe that it was possible for an Aussie girl to star in huge international musicals.’

Rebel went on to star in major Hollywood musicals herself when she became a scene-stealing presence in the Pitch Perfect films.

In her post about Olivia she recalled: ‘You were the reason I auditioned for my high school production of GREASE at 15 – I was only in the chorus, but it was a start!’

'Love and Light': Rebel shared on Instagram that Olivia was 'a true Aussie icon and to play your daughter on screen in A FEW BEST MEN was beyond an honour'

‘Love and Light’: Rebel shared on Instagram that Olivia was ‘a true Aussie icon and to play your daughter on screen in A FEW BEST MEN was beyond an honour’

Rebel added: ‘You tried to teach me about health years before I took it seriously. You were so kind to me and it was such a blessing to know you Olivia.

‘I’ll never forget us singing at the piano in our lunch break on set together – what a complete legend you are! I am so sad you are gone Love and Light always to you ONJ, Rebel xoxo’.

Earlier this year Rebel revealed that her staggering 80lbs weight loss was inspired by her desire to eventually become a mother.

For years she has been candid about the fact that she was looking at the prospect of freezing her eggs, which was an influence on her decision to slim down.

Covering People this May, Rebel revealed that a fertility specialist ‘looked me up and down and said: ‘You’d do much better if you were healthier.”

Although her reflex response was to think he was ‘so rude,’ she eventually came to the conclusion the doctor ‘was right. I was carrying around a lot of excess weight.’

She has insisted her fitness journey ‘wasn’t a goal to get to a certain weight. It was just being the healthiest version of myself.’

Rebel, who is 5’3′, has previously credited Vivamayr, a luxury medical center and holistic retreat in Lake Altaussee, Austria, for her astonishing weight loss journey.

Now she has revealed that the process of improving her health involved ‘dealing with the emotional issues that caused me to emotionally eat, and that’s a process. You cry a lot, analyze things. I’d never done that before.’

Remember when: Rebel and Olivia are pictured playing mother and daughter between Xavier Samuel and Laura Brent in the 2011 Australian comedy A Few Best Men

Remember when: Rebel and Olivia are pictured playing mother and daughter between Xavier Samuel and Laura Brent in the 2011 Australian comedy A Few Best Men

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Tracy Grimshaw dramatically stops interview with Olivia Newton John’s grieving niece

Emotional: Olivia Newton-John's niece Tottie Goldsmith broke down in tears during an interview for Australia's A Current Affair on Tuesday, as she revealed the singer was 'really skinny and unwell' before her death aged 73

Tracy Grimshaw was forced to abruptly end an interview with Olivia Newton-John’s niece after admitting she’d pushed her grieving relative ‘too much’.

The iconic Grease star died peacefully at the age of 73 at her home in southern California on Monday, surrounded by her family and friends.

Tottie Goldsmith, 59, revealed her aunt Olivia’s health had deteriorated in the days leading up to her death after decades of fighting breast cancer and was ‘really skinny and unwell’ in the days before her passing.

The former Neighbors actress broke down when asked what Olivia was ‘most proud of’ after more than eight minutes of intense grilling from Grimshaw.

‘Hang in there, are you OK,’ Grimshaw said after Goldsmith burst into tears.

Goldsmith replied that Newton-John was proud of her 36-year-old daughter Chloe Lattanzi.

‘She loved her girl so much, and her husband, and all of us. And the hospital, the work she did, but Chloe, she loved her girl so much.

‘Chloe is doing it really tough, but she is amazing. I’ve been in touch with her a lot, and she is incredible.’

Grimshaw replied: ‘I’m going to let you go because I think I probably pushed this too much with you.’

Emotional: Olivia Newton-John's niece Tottie Goldsmith broke down in tears during an interview for Australia's A Current Affair on Tuesday, as she revealed the singer was 'really skinny and unwell' before her death aged 73

Emotional: Olivia Newton-John’s niece Tottie Goldsmith broke down in tears during an interview for Australia’s A Current Affair on Tuesday, as she revealed the singer was ‘really skinny and unwell’ before her death aged 73

Tracy Grimshaw was forced to abruptly end the interview after Tottie burst into tears, saying: 'I'm going to let you go because I think I probably push this too much with you'

Tracy Grimshaw was forced to abruptly end the interview after Tottie burst into tears, saying: ‘I’m going to let you go because I think I probably push this too much with you’

However, the A Current Affair host threw in one last question, asking if the family would accept Victorian Premier Dan Andrews’ offer for a state funeral.

‘We will on behalf of the family, but I think Australia needs it, she’s so loved. I think our country needs it, so we are going to accept it, but I won’t cry at that. I’m so sorry, it’s just happened today’ Tottie said as she broke down again.

‘Darling, you can cry. I won’t let you cry anymore, but it’s good to see you, and it’s a terrible day,’ Grimshaw finished the segment.

Earlier in the interview, Tottie revealed Olivia’s final days when the legendary singer’s health had taken a turn for the worse.

‘It’s not a shock, we’ve known how sick she’s been, especially in the last five days,’ she told host Tracy Grimshaw of her passing.

Tottie then went on to reveal her heart-wrenching final moments with Olivia, continuing: ‘I couldn’t get to America in time and I wanted to say goodbye, so I asked [her husband John] if he could hold the phone up to her ear… But he got me on FaceTime so I managed to see her.’

‘I told her all the things I needed to say,’ Tottie continued. ‘She was leaving us… but I feel like she got it.’

Happier times: The singer (pictured with the actress in January 2020) said the actress' health had deteriorated in the days leading up to her death after decades fighting breast cancer and was 'really skinny and unwell' in the days before her passing

Happier times: The singer (pictured with the actress in January 2020) said the actress’ health had deteriorated in the days leading up to her death after decades fighting breast cancer and was ‘really skinny and unwell’ in the days before her passing

Heartbroken: Fighting back tears, Tottie said the star's passing 'wasn't a shock' because she had been sick 'especially in the past five days' after her passing was announced on Monday following a decades-long battle with cancer

Heartbroken: Fighting back tears, Tottie said the star’s passing ‘wasn’t a shock’ because she had been sick ‘especially in the past five days’ after her passing was announced on Monday following a decades-long battle with cancer

Tottie went on to reflect on Olivia’s decades-long battle with cancer.

‘There was one day at the Olivia Newtown John Center and she was really skinny and unwell and I said to her, “Are you afraid of dying”, and she said, “Plonker, I’m not afraid. I’ve done more in my life that I could have ever imagined.”‘

‘She’s struggled with a lot of pain and it’s been a tough road,’ Tottie added.

‘It wasn’t just the cancer that got her. It was other complications and being in a hospital with a very susceptible immune system.’

Breaking down: Tottie then went on to reveal her heart-wrenching final moments with Olivia, which took place over Facetime as she was unable to fly to the US in time to be at her bedside

Breaking down: Tottie then went on to reveal her heart-wrenching final moments with Olivia, which took place over Facetime as she was unable to fly to the US in time to be at her bedside

'I couldn't get to America in time and I wanted to say goodbye, so I asked [her husband John] if he could hold the phone up to her ear...' Tottie continued. 'But he got me on FaceTime so I managed to see her'

‘I couldn’t get to America in time and I wanted to say goodbye, so I asked [her husband John] if he could hold the phone up to her ear…’ Tottie continued. ‘But he got me on FaceTime so I managed to see her’

Tottie is best known for her turn in the pop group, Chantoozies, who had hits with their songs Witch Queen, He’s Gonna Step On You Again, Wanna Be Up, and Love the One You’re With in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Her father Brian Goldsmith, a renowned night club owner and restaurateur in Melbourne, died in 2020. Her mother is Olivia’s sister, Rona.

Tottie appeared with her aunt at G’day USA in LA in 2020 – where Olivia candidly spoke about beating her cancer.

‘Gosh, life is a gift and I’ve had an amazing life and I intend to keep going with it and I want to help other people with cancer of course,’ she told DailyMail.com in the January 2020 interview.

‘I have my wellness center in Melbourne and I want to see an end to cancer in my lifetime so other people don’t have to suffer.’

Olivia was first diagnosed with the disease in 1992 but announced she had overcome the cancer in 2013, the year after her Wellness Center first opened, but in May 2017, she was told cancer had metastasized and spread to her bones.

Reflecting on her fight to beat the condition, she admitted: ‘I don’t see it as a battle. I don’t think about it a lot, to be honest.

‘Denial is a really good thing and I’m getting stronger and better all the time! I am doing well!…I am feeling wonderful.’

Farewell: Olivia Newton-John shared a final, throwback heartbreaking Instagram post with husband John Easterling on Friday just three days before she passed away from cancer aged 73 - as tributes poured in from Hollywood

Farewell: Olivia Newton-John shared a final, throwback heartbreaking Instagram post with husband John Easterling on Friday just three days before she passed away from cancer aged 73 – as tributes poured in from Hollywood

She also admitted that she had hope for her future, adding: ‘I’m winning over and living with it well and that’s how I see it.’

Newton-John also reflected on her delight at still being remembered for Grease more than four decades after its release.

She confessed: ‘We did something very special together. That movie is still loved.’

She recalled how caring co-star John Travolta was during the filming of the musical romantic film.

Asked about her favorite memory on set, she relied: ‘His kindness to me. When there was one scene in the movie – it was my close up, when Rizzo pulls me forward in the bonfire scene – and in the middle of my take, he stopped it and came over to me and whispered in my ear: “I think you can do better.”

‘So that’s really generous. For an actor to do that for another actor. I wasn’t as experienced as him. He was very nurturing and sweet.’

During that same event, lifelong friend Travolta praised her positive outlook on life, despite her health worries.

He said: ‘Olivia is a survivor and she’s smart and she’s got a lot of life in her and I think she looks at it from the glass half full always and that’s her beautiful, natural approach towards life and I think we all need to do that.’

In memory: Newton-John's Instagram was mostly made up of flashback posts from throughout her career, but on April 18 the star shared a rare candid photo of herself with a beaming smile beside a bed of sunflowers

In memory: Newton-John’s Instagram was mostly made up of flashback posts from throughout her career, but on April 18 the star shared a rare candid photo of herself with a beaming smile beside a bed of sunflowers

Sad news: Olivia's husband announced her death on her Facebook page on Monday. she was 73

Sad news: Olivia’s husband announced her death on her Facebook page on Monday. she was 73

Olivia’s death was announced by her husband John Easterling on Monday morning on her social media pages.

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Olivia Newton-John’s friends and neighbors remember late Grease star in her ‘happy place’

Olivia Newton-John's friends and neighbors remember late Grease star in her 'happy place'

Legends of the music industry and lifelong friends have shared their memories of Olivia Newton-John and the many years she lived in the New South Wales Northern Rivers.

The screen and music star first bought a property in the Ballina hinterland in 1980, two years after the film Grease was released.

Her friend Jillian McGrath, who was by her side for the purchase, said Newton-John referred to the Northern Rivers as her “happy place.”

“She said, ‘I just need to have something where I can put my foot on the ground and call it home,'” Ms McGrath said.

“[The real estate agent] had no idea who she was because she was incognito with a scarf and sunglasses.”

The childhood friends drove past a property adjacent to a nature reserve on Victoria Park Road, Dalwood and knew it was the one.

“She stood under the avocado tree and just said, ‘This is it, this is where it has to be,'” Ms McGrath said.

In 2005, Newton-John and three of her friends bought a rundown tourist property near Bangalow and renovated it to create the exclusive Gaia Retreat, which sold last year for $30 million.

Two smiling women, one dark-haired and the other blonde.
Ms McGrath said Newton-John knew straight away that she had found her “happy place.”(Supplied: Jillian McGrath)

Always an Aussie

Australian entertainer Normie Rowe, who worked closely with Newton-John, said she was part of the “gumnut mafia” in the United States.

“There was always this wonderful connection she had with her home country and she was highly, incredibly representative of us — she never let us down,” he said.

“Physical was the biggest selling record in the world until Michael Jackson released Thriller.

“Like Peter Allen, she still called Australia home too.”

An old photo of two smiling young women.
Newton-John and Ms McGrath were firm friends since childhood.(Supplied: Jillian McGrath)

Byron Shire resident and former Mi-Sex keyboardist Murray Burns met Olivia Newton-John by chance in the area in the early 1990s.

He said a few months she called and asked him to record her album.

“It was a magical time for her as she had never been able to record songs — she always had been coerced into doing other people’s songs,” he said.

“She didn’t play an instrument, but she had perfect pitch — she could sing melodies beautifully.

“She taught me a lot about humility.

“She would cook food for us and when we stayed with her in Los Angeles she treated us like family.”

Two women in London during the 1960s, smiling near a Queen's guard.
Newton-John and Ms McGrath in London in the late 1960s, when the singer was 19 years old.(Supplied: Jillian McGrath)

Many Northern Rivers locals recall meeting Newton-John and being touched by her warmth, generosity and humility.

Rous resident Eoin Johnston said Newton-John in her daughter Chloe’s school community.

“She got involved with the school quite a bit, came to the school concert,” he said.

“She was just very down to earth and easy to get along with.”

Visit ABC iview for our Remembering Olivia Newton-John collection.

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Olivia Newton-John in flashback photo with Daryl Braithwaite

Olivia Newton-John in flashback photo with Daryl Braithwaite

What are the odds that two of Australia’s biggest music stars attended the same primary school together?

A school photo of the late Olivia Newton-John alongside horses hit maker Daryl Braithwaite has emerged, unearthing the little-known fact the duo attended school together.

Braithwaite, 73, shared the black-and-white class photo taken at Christ Church Grammar School in Melbourne in 1961 – some 15 years before Newton-John shot to global superstardom on grease.

“This is a lovely shot to look back at when Olivia was at (school) with all her friends back in 1961. Olivia is 2nd from the right and 3rd row from the bottom,” Braithwaite wrote.

He added: “She also loved all animals and was a beautiful soul who left a legacy that will last forever.”

Braithwaite has previously opened up about how the duo were briefly “boyfriend and girlfriend” while attending school, before Newton-John moved to London in her teens.

“She was one of the prettiest girls in the class, (we were) 11 or 12 I think,” he told The Morning Show in 2017.

“I don’t know how, we must have sat next to each other and thought, ‘Oh yeah that’s good’ and we were talking and then we held hands and then it was over.”

He further opened up about the pair being school sweethearts in an interview with now to lovein 2020.

“Olivia won’t mind saying that we did start out as boyfriend and girlfriend back when we were around 12 or 13 at the most,” he said.

“We held hands and we were in the same class. But then it all disintegrated. I think she left and went to England. I never actually knew that she could sing at the time.”

At the time, Braithwaite said the old friends were still connecting all these years later.

“It is one of those friendships where there was a decade, or maybe more, where we didn’t speak to each other, mainly because we were too busy or whatever, but over the last year or so I have made more contact with her than ever before, and she is lovely, she really is,” he said.

Newton-John died at her ranch in California on Tuesday aged 73, after a decades-long battle with breast cancer.

She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. It went into remission but reappeared in 2013 and then again in 2017. At one point she said she was partly in “denial” about the disease, because if she dwelled upon it too much it would mean she wouldn’t “enjoy life”.

Her family, including husband John Easterling and daughter Chloe Lattanzi, have accepted Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ offer of a state funeral to honor her legacy and celebrate her life.

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