Olivia Newton-John shared this final heartbreaking photo with husband before death

Olivia Newton-John shared one final heartbreaking image on Instagram on Friday just three days before she passed away from cancer aged 73. 

The British-Australian actress and singer had posted a happy throwback photo with her beloved husband John Easterling, 70, simply writing: 'Flashback Friday' but she made no reference to her health struggles. 

Her final post came as Hollywood mourns one of its brightest stars with tributes pouring in from all across the globe. 

One of the star's first high-profile friends to pay tribute was her Grease co-star John Travolta.

'My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again,' he captioned an Instagram post alongside a photo of Newton-John.

'Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!' 

Among other tributes included Australian singer Delta Goodrem, who honoured her beloved 'mentor and friend'.

Delta, 37, shared pictures of herself hugging Olivia and said she was 'like family' to her.

'I love you forever,' Delta wrote in her moving post. 'The whole world will feel this heartbreak today because the entire world felt Olivia's unmatched light. A force for good. A force of nature. Strong and kind.'

'My mentor, my friend, my inspiration, someone who always guided me… she was always there for me. Family to me.'

She added: 'I don't have all the words I would like to say today but I hope everyone will join in celebrating our beloved Olivia, her heart, soul, talent, courage, grace… I love you forever ❤️.'

The Lost Without You songstress famously played the Aussie icon in the 2018 TV miniseries, Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted to You.

Kylie Minogue shared a throwback photo of herself and Olivia side by side at the Royal Bicentennial Concert.Kylie appears to be starstruck by the Grease star, as she looks on at her idol.

Singer Dionne Warwick, 81, wrote '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 most definitely miss her. She now Rests in the Arms of the Heavenly Father.' 

Brooke Shields, 57, shared a lovely black and white photo of her and Olivia to Instagram, writing: 'A true class act whose light shines everywhere she went... she inspired us all.'

'A wonderful mother and wife, who was grace and strength personified. Sending all of my love to Olivias family and friends. She'll never be forgotten.'

Scarface star Michelle Pfeiffer, 64, posted a photo of her and Olivia writing 'Thank you for your art and talent you gifted us all so graciously with. You will be so greatly missed.' 

Dancing With The Stars pro Peta Murgatroyd, 36, shared an Instagram Story, writing: 'This has done me over today. An Aussie icon and legend, there will never be another. This is so tragic. RIP the beloved Sandy.'

She wrote: 'Since I was ten years old, I have loved and looked up to Olivia Newton John. And, I always will. 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.'

Nicole Kidman and her husband Keith Urban paid tribute to the beloved Olivia. The couple shared photos of themselves with their long-time friend and Aussie icon in happier times. 

'Livvie brought the most divine light into the world,' Nicole, 55, captioned the pictures on Instagram.

She continued, 'So much love, joy, inspiration and kindness, and we will always be hopelessly devoted to you,' in reference to the song Olivia recorded for the Grease soundtrack. 

One of the snaps showed Nicole with her arm around Olivia as they attended the second Annual Penfolds Gala Black Tie Dinner at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles in 2005. 

The same year, the Grease star was spotted with Keith's, 54, arm around her at the 39th Annual Country Music Awards in New York. 

Bindi Irwin shared a photo of herself holding the iconic actress' hand during a charity event and wrote: 'One of the kindest and most wonderful souls the world has ever known.'

'Love and Light ONJ. You were a true icon and I absolutely adored you,' Rebel Wilson also said.

Barbra Streisand wrote on Instagram: 'Too young to leave this world. May she RIP.'

Antonio Banderas said: 'Rest in peace, Olivia Newton-John. Deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.'

Meanwhile, Richard Wilkins broke down on the Today show as he spoke about the death of his long-time friend. 

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.

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

Richard appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Tuesday and revealed he had texted John to offer his condolences, and said he is understandably very cut up about her death. 

He said: 'I texted John. One of the weird things about the job I do, when something like this happens - it is almost exactly 12 hours ago that I got the phone call from one of our producers who told us the horrible news.

'You go to work, talk about Olivia all day and you find yourself reaching out to people. Most of the people around her who you would expect and like to hear from aren't ready to talk publicly, and such is the nature of social media that people can issue statements. But aside from that, a lot of people - John is heartbroken; he's too raw to talk.'

He added: 'They, of course, shared an enormously close bond after starring in one of the world's favourite movies together. Olivia leaves such a great hole in the world. 

Australian singer Vanessa Amorosi became overcome with emotion on Tuesday after Olivia Newton-John's death, during a live interview on Sunrise. 

The 41-year-old was chatting to hosts Natalie Barr and David 'Kochie' Koch about performing at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham when she was asked about her memories with late Grease star Olivia. 

Towards the end of the chat, Vanessa called time on the interview as she broke down in tears after a picture of herself, Olivia and Tina Arena flashed up on screen. 

Peter Andre took to Instagram to share an image alongside Olivia when they performed in a charity concert together, after it was revealed she died following a 30-year battle with breast cancer. 

In the caption Peter, who has been starring in a West End revival of Grease, described Olivia as a 'warm, kind and loving person,' who 'spent time speaking to everyone backstage' after they worked together decades earlier.

Peter, who was among a slew of stars who paid tribute to Olivia, penned the caption: 'My sister Debbie just sent me this photo. The night of the Spina Bifida charity concert in Australia where I had the privilege to perform alongside Dame Olivia Newton John. 

'This photo reminds me what a warm, kind and giving person she was. She smiled constantly and spent time speaking to everyone backstage. I will never forget it.'

Earlier that evening, Peter had shared another tribute to Olivia, adding in a poignant note that 'Grease would be very different for them now.'

Sharing a trio of images of Olivia throughout her life, the caption said: 'This has made me really really sad. I have had the privilege of meeting the incredible Olivia a few times and even worked with her on a special Spina Bifida concert in Australia.

'She was lovely in every way. Always lit up the room. Thoughts with her family. RIP…. Grease will feel very different for us now. #brave #strongwoman #iconic @therealonj #olivianewtonjohn #grease #letsgetphysical #xanadu #spinabifida.'

Shane Warne's ex-wife Simone Callahan shared a sweet tribute and  posted a video montage containing pictures of her late cricketer husband Shane and Olivia together, as well as the Grease star in the 1980 film Xanadu. 

'You will always be my Queen, one more angel in heaven,' Simone captioned her post. May you rest in peace beautiful Dame Olivia Newton John ❤️ We will miss you.' 

Simone went on to say that Olivia passed away on August 8, the release date of her iconic film Xanadu. 

The movie is about an artist who falls in love with Newton-John's character and Greek muse Kira. 

'The Irony that she passed on the 42nd anniversary of Xanadu because to so many she was an Inspiration and icon, so much grace, talent and beauty,' Simone said. 

'Vale Olivia Newton-John, I hope you've found Xanadu.' 

Actress Mandy Moore, 38, shared a black and white photo of the star, with the caption 'Thank you for the joy you brought countless people around the world.' 

Meanwhile her other Grease co-tar Stockard Channing, 78, called Olivia 'the essence of summer' in a statement to People.

'I don't know if I've known a lovelier human being. 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.'

George Takei, 85, also paid tribute to the actress, writing on Twitter: 'We have lost a great, iconic artist in Olivia Newton John, gone too soon from us at age 73.' 

'I trust she is now is the great Xanadu beyond. Know that we are forever helplessly devoted to you, Olivia. Rest in song and mirth.'

Singer Richard Marx, 58, posted photos of himself along with the late actress, writing: 'My heart is broken. Rest now, sweet friend. You were as kind and loving a person as there’s ever been. I’ll miss you every day.' 

Underworld star Kate Beckinsale, 49, posted a snap of the star as Sandy, writing 'RIP, absolute icon. Thank you for the years of joy.' 

'RIP What an icon,' Katharine McPhee, 38, wrote over a photo of a younger Olivia looking radiant in a black trench coat. 

X-Men star Hugh Jackman, 53, wrote a heartfelt message on Instagram revealing Olivia was his first 'crush' and that he kissed her poster 'every night before bed.'

'I'm devastated to hear the news that @therealonj has passed away. One of the great privileges of my life was getting to know her. Not only was she one of the most talented people I've known... she was one of the most open hearted, generous and funny.'

'She was a one of kind spirit. It's no secret Olivia was my first crush. I kissed her (poster) every night before bed. Her legacy will only grow stronger in the years to come. A fighter for healing from cancer that knows no bounds. I love you Olivia.'  

Actress Goldie Hawn, 76, shared an iconic video of herself on stage with Olivia, Meryl Streep, Bette Midler, and Cher as they performed What A Wonderful World during an all-star charity concert in 1990 at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles.

'A light landed on this planet 73 years ago. Her voice brought us to such joyous heights, nothing held her back, nothing. Her mind was strong and heroic. Olivia's light will continue to shine and will never flicker. Never. Rest sweetheart. Rest peacefully, you are Love,' she wrote in her caption underneath. 

Her daughter Kate Hudson, 43, also paid homage to the legendary star. While paying her respects to the Australian icon, the Almost Famous star shared a video of herself singing Hopelessly Devoted To You, first crooned by Newton-John's character, Sandy Olsson, in Grease (1978).

As she cradled her three-year-old daughter, Rani Rose, in her arms, the mother-three belted out the chorus before penning a heartfelt tribute to her 'inspiration.'

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna, 59, shared an autographed photo of Olivia with the words 'Rest In Peace.' 

Yolanda Hadid, 58, shared a tribute on Instagram: 'Rest In Peace beautiful angel, it was an honor to know you,' adding, 'thank you for decades of inspiration.' 

Actress Elle Fanning, 24, posted a beautiful photo of the star writing: 'Forever icon' while Gabrielle Union, 49, shared a snap of Olivia from Grease. 

Fellow Australian star Rebel Wilson, 42, wrote 'You were a true icon and I absolutely adored you!' 

Comedian Rosie O'Donnell, 60, took to Instagram and TikTok with a video expressing her sadness at the news.

'Oh boy, just heard about Olivia Newton-John. What a great woman she was. She fought long and hard. She had cancer a while.'

'I loved her, I almost bought her house in Florida. It didn't go through but... she was amazing, and I lover her. It's very sad. Rest in Peace, beautiful woman.'

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which awards the Oscars, posted a 1978 photo of Newton-John and Travolta.

'Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta at the 50th Academy Awards (April 3, 1978). A few months later, they took the world by storm as Sandy and Danny in 'Grease' - which went on to become the highest grossing film of 1978, proving that Grease is (and forever will be) the word.'

The star has asked fans to donate to her charity instead of buying flowers in her memory before she died - as her moving photo - the last picture taken of her outside of Instagram was revealed. 

The picture shows her surrounded by sunflowers with a beaming smile. 

Newton-John, who shot to international stardom thanks to her role as Sandy in the 1978 movie Grease, died on Monday morning surrounded by family at her home in southern California after a long battle with breast cancer.

Her husband revealed the actress' final request was for donations to be made to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, 'in lieu of flowers'. 

The foundation funds research into plant-based medicine and holistic treatments for cancer. 

Meanwhile, 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 - believed to be her last. It shows her standing in her garden smiling from ear to ear.

'Wishing everyone a Happy Easter on this beautiful Spring day,' she captioned the photo.

In a final video posted just before Christmas, Olivia thanked her fans for their support over the years.

'I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish all a primarily healthy, happy, peaceful Christmas,' she said.

'I know it's been a very, very, very difficult time for everybody in the whole planet - so this is a time we can get together, celebrate each other and our families and whatever faith that you believe in we can express it with each other which is very important.

'I want to thank you all for all of your support over the years and I wish you all the best and send you love and light.

Newton-John'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. 

Her cancer returned in 2013 and again in 2017.

Newton-John and Easterling met while on a ayahuasca retreat in Peru.

Olivia is survived by her 36-year-old daughter Chloe Lattanzi - who posted a loving tribute to her mother on Instagram three days ago, saying: 'I worship this woman. My mother. My best friend.' 

A recent interview featuring Olivia resurfaced from A Life of Greatness podcast a year ago - one of her final interviews. 

During the candid chat, Olivia revealed her deep faith and the pact she made with God while pregnant with daughter Chloe Lattanzi back in the eighties. 

'I remember when I was pregnant with Chloe, and I was close to losing her,' Olivia explained on the podcast. 

'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.'

She added: 'I think prayer is very powerful.' 

Olivia also shared her thoughts on death and faith, saying she believed there was something out there after you die. 

'Have you contemplated your death?' the podcast host asked. 

'I have quite a few times that it was a possibility sooner than I wanted it,' Olivia said.

'We all know we are going to die... I think we spend our lives denying it. It's extremely personal. I find it hard to put into words, I feel we are all part of one thing, I have had experiences with spirits or spirit life and felt the spirit world and have heard things, that I believe there is something that happens.'

Olivia said she thought there was 'energy' and a life of some sort after death. 

'It's almost like we are parts of the same computer and we go back to the main battery. I don't have a definite definition of what it is,' she explained. 

'I think there is a great knowingness out there we become part of it. I hope that 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,' she added with a laugh.

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'.

In other interviews, when asked how she battled the disease so bravely, she said: 'I've had and am having an amazing life so I have no complaints. I really don't.

'Everyone goes through something. We all have something we need to go through in life. This has been my challenge.' 

Born in England to an MI5 agent father, Newton-John and her family moved to Melbourne, Australia, when she was six. She returned to the UK as a teenager to pursue a singing career and starred in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974.

Her big break in Grease came four years later. She famously resisted the part, at first turning down producer Allan Carr because she thought she was too old for the role.

He won her over, and adapted the script to make the character an Australian ex-pat to accommodate her accent. When the movie was released, it was an international hit and she became a global sex symbol.

Riding a wave of success from Grease, she hammed up her newfound sex symbol status with Physical, her most successful album and single released in 1981.

It was dedicated to her first husband, Matt Lattanzi, to whom she was married between 1984 until 1995. 

After Grease, Newton-John's acting career faltered. She appeared alongside Lattanzi in the movie Xanadu in 1980, but it failed to impress in the box office.

She took three years off work following the birth of her daughter in 1986, then was struck with her first cancer diagnosis in 1992 when she was 44.

After her first diagnosis, she devoted her career largely to charity and humanitarian work.

She was notoriously open about taking drugs, particularly for healing purposes, and met her second husband on an ayahuasca retreat in Peru. They returned to the country to get married in 2008.

The Australian High Commission to the UK posted a photo of Newton-John by the Sydney Harbor bridge.

'We are terribly saddened by the passing of Dame Olivia Newton-John AC DBE,' they tweeted.

'British born and Australian raised, Dame Olivia inspired us in song and brought us together as one. We remember her with our British friends, and send our deepest condolences to her loved ones.'

Grease became a victim of 'cancel culture' as it's star Olivia Newton-John battled cancer - but she was always had the best comeback to the haters who said it was 'sexist' and even 'offensive' to women.

Newtown-John said people needed to 'relax a little bit and just enjoy things for what they are'.

'It's a fun movie that entertains people,' she said.

However, students at Presbyterian Ladies' College and Scotch College in Perth in November didn't see it that way when they decided not to perform the musical because the girls deemed it to be anti-feminist.

The show was made famous by the movie version starring Newton-John and John Travolta in 1978

PLC principal Cate Begbie and Scotch College acting headmaster Peter Burt released a joint statement about their decision to cancel the musical.

'A number of PLC students raised concerns whether the musical was appropriate in modern times,' it read.

'Scotch College listened respectfully to the girls' concerns, and both schools agreed a different musical would be better suited for their joint production in 2022.' 

Sunrise reported the girls at PLC told teachers they felt Grease was 'offensive, sexist and anti-feminist' and refused to take part.

'They can't put on Mary Poppins because she disciplines the children. Sound of Music, you know, does it does it portray a blended family accurately?' co-host Edwina Bartholomew asked on the program last year.

'What are they deciding on?' David Koch replied.

'I don't know, The Book of Mormon?' Bartholomew joked.

Newton-John repeatedly defended the film in her recent interviews, saying people shouldn't be taking it 'too seriously'.

'I think it's kind of silly. I mean, this movie was made in the 1970s about the 1950s,' she said.

'It was a stage play, it's a musical, it's fun. It's a fun movie musical, not to be taken so seriously.

'We need to relax a little bit and just enjoy things for what they are. I didn't see it like that at all, I think it's a fun movie that entertains people.'

Grease was also aired on free-to-air TV in the UK earlier this year, with the showing attracting similarly angry responses from viewers.

Many viewers accused the film of being 'misogynistic', 'rapey' - and even encouraged 'slut-shaming'.

Newton-John said during a 2020 interview she believed it actually conveyed a strong female character that was relevant in today's society.

'It's a movie. It's a story from the '50s where things were different,' she said of its criticism.

'Everyone forgets that, at the end, he changes for her too. There's nothing deep in there about the #MeToo movement.'