History of Olivia Newton-John in Timeline

Dame Olivia Newton-John (1948-2022) was a highly successful British-Australian singer and actress. Renowned for her iconic role in the film "Grease" and numerous hit songs like "Physical," she sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time and the highest-selling female Australian recording artist. Her career spanned decades and included accolades such as multiple Grammy Awards and American Music Awards. She was also a dedicated activist for cancer awareness, having battled the disease for many years.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1914: Birth of Brinley Newton-John and Irene Helene

In 1914, both Brinley "Brin" Newton-John, Olivia's father, and Irene Helene, Olivia's mother, were born.

1933: Family Escapes Nazi Regime

In 1933, Olivia Newton-John's mother's German Jewish academic family escaped the Nazi regime by moving to the UK.

1939: Birth of brother Hugh

In 1939, Olivia Newton-John's brother, Hugh, was born.

1941: Birth of sister Rona

In 1941, Olivia Newton-John's sister, Rona, was born.

September 1948: Olivia Newton-John's birth

On 26 September 1948, Olivia Newton-John was born in Cambridge to Brinley "Brin" Newton-John and Irene Helene.

1954: Emigration to Melbourne

In 1954, when Olivia Newton-John was five, her family emigrated to Melbourne, Victoria, on the SS Strathaird.

1963: Meeting Ian Turpie

In 1963, Olivia Newton-John met Australian actor and singer Ian Turpie, when he visited the coffee shop where her group Sol Four performed.

1964: Acting recognition and television appearances

In 1964, Olivia Newton-John's acting talent was recognized as Lady Mary Lasenby in The Admirable Crichton, and she became a regular on Australian television shows, including Time for Terry and HSV-7's The Happy Show. She also appeared on The Go!! Show, meeting Pat Carroll and John Farrar.

1965: Co-starring in "Funny Things Happen Down Under"

In 1965, Olivia Newton-John co-starred with Ian Turpie in the musical film "Funny Things Happen Down Under".

1965: Talent contest win on Sing, Sing, Sing

In 1965, Olivia Newton-John won a talent contest on the television program Sing, Sing, Sing, performing "Anyone Who Had a Heart" and "Everything's Coming Up Roses".

1966: Return to England

In 1966, Olivia Newton-John ended her relationship with Ian Turpie and returned to England.

1966: First Single Recording

In 1966, Olivia Newton-John recorded her first single, "Till You Say You'll Be Mine", in Britain for Decca Records.

1968: Engagement to Bruce Welch

In 1968, Olivia Newton-John was engaged to Bruce Welch, one of her early producers.

1970: Involvement with Toomorrow

In 1970, Olivia Newton-John was involved with the group Toomorrow, starring in the science fiction musical Toomorrow and recording an accompanying soundtrack album. The group also released two singles that year: "You're My Baby Now"/"Goin' Back" and "I Could Never Live Without Your Love"/"Roll Like a River".

1971: Release of debut album

In 1971, Olivia Newton-John released her first solo album, If Not for You. The title track became her first international hit. She also released "Banks of the Ohio" as a single and made appearances on Cliff Richard's show, starring in the telefilm The Case with him.

1971: Release of "If Not for You" and "Banks of the Ohio"

In 1971, Olivia Newton-John released the singles "If Not for You" and "Banks of the Ohio".

1971: Back to Basics: The Essential Collection 1971–1992

In 1992, Olivia Newton-John was primed for another comeback when she compiled her third hits collection, Back to Basics: The Essential Collection 1971–1992

1972: Ending relationship with Bruce Welch

In 1972, Olivia Newton-John ended her relationship with Bruce Welch.

1972: Release of "What Is Life"

In 1972, Olivia Newton-John released the single "What Is Life" with minimal impact in the United States and released single "Take Me Home, Country Roads" with little success.

November 1973: Release of 'Let Me Be There' Album

In November 1973, Olivia Newton-John released her third studio album 'Let Me Be There', which was retitled 'Music Makes My Day' in Britain.

1973: Meeting Lee Kramer

In 1973, Olivia Newton-John met British businessman Lee Kramer, who became her boyfriend and manager, while vacationing on the French Riviera.

1973: Purchase of London flat

In 1973, Olivia Newton-John purchased a modest one-bedroom flat in northwest London.

1973: Release and success of "Let Me Be There"

In 1973, Olivia Newton-John released "Let Me Be There", which reached the American top 10 and earned her a Grammy for Best Country Female.

1974: Number-one album: If You Love Me, Let Me Know

In 1974, Olivia Newton-John had a number-one album on the Billboard 200 with If You Love Me, Let Me Know.

1974: Eurovision Song Contest

In 1974, Olivia Newton-John represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Long Live Love", finishing fourth.

1974: "I Honestly Love You" Grammy win

In 1974, Olivia Newton-John won a Grammy for "I Honestly Love You".

1974: Success of "I Honestly Love You" and British Country Music Association Award

In 1974, Olivia Newton-John's album, If You Love Me, Let Me Know, reached No. 1 and she released single "I Honestly Love You" which became her signature song and earned her two more Grammys. She also received the British Country Music Association Award for "Female Vocalist of the Year".

1974: Country Music Association Award Controversy

In 1974, Olivia Newton-John's success in country music sparked debate, with purists questioning a foreigner singing country music being classed with Nashville artists. She won the Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year award.

1974: Relocation to Malibu, California

In late 1974, Olivia Newton-John relocated from England to the United States, setting up residence in Malibu, California.

April 1975: Record deal with MCA

In April 1975, Olivia Newton-John and MCA entered into an initial two-year, four-album deal in which she was expected to deliver two LPs a year for the record company.

1975: ABC special appearance

In 1975, Olivia Newton-John appeared on the ABC special John Denver - A Rocky Mountain Christmas, where she performed a duet of “Fly Away” with John Denver and “Let It Shine”.

1975: Number-one album: Have You Never Been Mellow

In 1975, Olivia Newton-John had a number-one album on the Billboard 200 with Have You Never Been Mellow.

1975: Release of "Have You Never Been Mellow"

In 1975, Olivia Newton-John released the single "Have You Never Been Mellow".

November 1976: Headlined first US television special

In November 1976, Olivia Newton-John headlined her first US television special, A Special Olivia Newton-John.

1976: Recording Don't Stop Believin' in Nashville

In 1976, Olivia Newton-John recorded her album Don't Stop Believin' in Nashville, Tennessee, after being supported by the country music community.

1977: Linda Ronstadt's Billboard success

In 1977, Linda Ronstadt became the first woman to have two singles in the Billboard top 5 simultaneously before Newton-John matched this achievement the following year.

1977: Release of "Sam" and Greatest Hits album

In 1977, Olivia Newton-John released the single "Sam", which returned her to No. 1 on the AC chart, and her Greatest Hits album became her first platinum album.

1977: Release of "Sam"

In 1977, Olivia Newton-John released the single "Sam".

May 1978: Breach-of-contract actions against MCA

On 31 May 1978, Olivia Newton-John and MCA each filed breach-of-contract actions against the other. Newton-John sued for $10 million and claimed that MCA's failure to adequately promote and advertise her product freed her from their agreement. MCA's countersuit requested $1 million in damages and an injunction against Newton-John working with another music firm.

November 1978: Release of 'Totally Hot'

In November 1978, Olivia Newton-John released her studio album, Totally Hot, which became her first solo top 10 album since Have You Never Been Mellow. The album and its singles demonstrated a more aggressive and uptempo sound, with the B-side "Dancin' 'Round and 'Round" becoming her last charted solo Country airplay single.

1978: Grease's success

In 1978, Grease became the biggest box-office hit. The soundtrack album spent 12 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 and yielded three Top 5 singles for Newton-John: "You're the One That I Want" with John Travolta, "Hopelessly Devoted to You", and "Summer Nights" with John Travolta and the film's cast. Newton-John became the second woman to have two singles in the Billboard top 5 simultaneously.

1978: Canceled Japan concert tour

In 1978, Olivia Newton-John canceled a concert tour of Japan to protest the slaughter of dolphins caught in tuna fishing nets. She subsequently rescheduled the tour when the Japanese government assured her that the practice was being curbed.

1978: Return to Top Ten of Hot 100 and Billboard 200 Charts

In 1978, Olivia Newton-John returned to the top ten of the Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts.

1978: Starred in Grease

In 1978, Olivia Newton-John starred in the musical film Grease and the soundtrack was among the best-selling albums. She recorded hit duets with John Travolta: "You're the One That I Want" and "Summer Nights", also solo, she recorded "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "A Little More Love".

1979: End of relationship with Lee Kramer

In 1979, Olivia Newton-John ended her turbulent relationship with Lee Kramer.

1979: Performer on the Music for UNICEF Concert

In 1979, Olivia Newton-John performed at the Music for UNICEF Concert for the UN's International Year of the Child, televised worldwide. She donated royalties from her songs to benefit the cause.

1979: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

In 1979, Olivia Newton-John was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours for services to charity, cancer research, and entertainment.

1979: People's Choice Award and Golden Globe Nomination

In 1979, Olivia Newton-John's performance in Grease earned her a People's Choice Award for Favourite Film Actress. She was also nominated for a Golden Globe as Best Actress in a Musical and performed "Hopelessly Devoted to You" at the Academy Awards.

1980: Releases "I Can't Help It" and stars in 'Xanadu'

In 1980, Olivia Newton-John began the year by releasing "I Can't Help It", a duet with Andy Gibb from his After Dark album, and by starring in her third television special, Hollywood Nights. Later that year, she appeared in her first film since Grease when she starred in the musical fantasy Xanadu. Though the film was a critical failure, its soundtrack was a success.

1980: Meeting Matt Lattanzi

In 1980, Olivia Newton-John met Matt Lattanzi while filming Xanadu.

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1980: Purchase of Dalwood Estate

In 1980, Olivia Newton-John paid $622,000 for the Dalwood estate

1980: Release of "Magic" and "Xanadu"

In 1980, Olivia Newton-John released "Magic" and, with the Electric Light Orchestra, "Xanadu" from the film Xanadu.

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1980: Marriage of Rona to Jeff Conaway

In 1980, Olivia Newton-John's sister, Rona, married Jeff Conaway, Newton-John's Grease co-star.

1981: Composed and recorded "The Promise (the Dolphin Song)"

In 1981, Olivia Newton-John composed and recorded the song "The Promise (the Dolphin Song)" on the Physical album in honor of dolphins.

1981: Pursuing Australian Citizenship

In 1981, Olivia Newton-John initially pursued Australian citizenship.

1981: Release of 'Physical'

In 1981, Olivia Newton-John released her most successful studio album, the double platinum Physical, which showcased risqué, rock-oriented material. The title track spent ten weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and was ranked as the biggest song of the decade.

1981: "Physical" single release

In 1981, Olivia Newton-John released the single "Physical", which became Billboard's highest-ranking Hot 100 single of the 1980s.

1982: Olivia in Concert Performance

In 1982, during her Olivia in Concert performance, Olivia Newton-John showcased her musical abilities by covering Dolly Parton's "Jolene", displaying a three-octave vocal range.

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January 1983: Olivia in Concert television special

In January 1983, Olivia Newton-John's Olivia in Concert television special premiered on HBO. The special was subsequently released to video, earning her another Grammy nomination.

1983: Addition of land to Dalwood Estate

In 1983, Olivia Newton-John added additional land to her Dalwood Estate.

1983: Release of "Twist of Fate"

In 1983, Olivia Newton-John released the single "Twist of Fate".

1983: Reunion with Travolta in 'Two of a Kind'

In 1983, Olivia Newton-John reteamed with John Travolta in the movie Two of a Kind, redeemed by its platinum soundtrack featuring singles like "Twist of Fate" and "Livin' in Desperate Times". She also released a video package, Twist of Fate, featuring videos of her songs from the soundtrack.

December 1984: Marriage to Matt Lattanzi

In December 1984, Olivia Newton-John married actor Matt Lattanzi, her long-time partner.

1985: Release of 'Soul Kiss'

In 1985, Olivia Newton-John's music career cooled again with the release of her studio album, Soul Kiss. The album's only charted single was the title track.

1985: Divorce of Rona and Jeff Conaway

In 1985, Olivia Newton-John's sister, Rona, divorced Jeff Conaway.

January 1986: Birth of daughter Chloe Rose

In January 1986, Olivia Newton-John and Matt Lattanzi's daughter, Chloe Rose, was born.

1986: Performed at 1986 VFL Grand Final

In 1986, Olivia Newton-John performed the Australian national anthem at the VFL Grand Final between Carlton and Hawthorn.

1988: Release of 'The Rumour'

In 1988, Olivia Newton-John resumed her recording career with the album The Rumour, promoted by an HBO special, Olivia Down Under. The album and its title track faltered commercially.

September 1989: Release of 'Warm and Tender'

In September 1989, Olivia Newton-John released her album, Warm and Tender, inspired by her daughter. The album failed to revive her recording career.

1989: "Talk It Over" becomes a hit

In 1989, the song "Can't We Talk It Over in Bed", originally recorded by Olivia Newton-John, was released by Grayson Hugh as "Talk It Over" and became a top-20 pop hit.

1990: John Easterling founded the Amazon Herb Company

In 1990, John Easterling founded the Amazon Herb Company.

1990: Starred in 'A Mom for Christmas'

In 1990, Olivia Newton-John starred in the Christmas film A Mom for Christmas, a top 10 Nielsen hit.

1991: Became National Spokesperson for CHEC

In 1991, Olivia Newton-John became the National Spokesperson for the Colette Chuda Environmental Fund/CHEC (Children's Health Environmental Coalition) following the death of Colette Chuda.

1992: Koala Blue declared bankruptcy

In 1992, Koala Blue, the chain of women's clothing boutiques founded by Olivia Newton-John and Pat Farrar, declared bankruptcy and closed.

1992: Breast cancer diagnosis

In 1992, Olivia Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer, forcing her to cancel publicity for her third hits collection, Back to Basics: The Essential Collection 1971–1992, and her planned tour. She received her diagnosis the same weekend her father died.

1992: Death of Brinley Newton-John

In 1992, Olivia Newton-John's father, Brinley Newton-John, passed away.

1993: Meeting John Easterling

In 1993, Olivia Newton-John met John Easterling, founder of the Amazon Herb Company.

1993: Lawsuit dismissal regarding Koala Blue

In 1993, a judge dismissed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Olivia Newton-John and Pat Farrar related to Koala Blue franchise holders alleging breach of contract and unfair competition.

1994: Becoming an Australian Citizen

In 1994, Olivia Newton-John became an Australian citizen.

1994: Starred in 'A Christmas Romance'

In 1994, Olivia Newton-John starred in the Christmas film A Christmas Romance, a top 10 Nielsen hit.

April 1995: Separation from Matt Lattanzi

In April 1995, Olivia Newton-John and Matt Lattanzi announced their separation.

1996: Divorce from Matt Lattanzi

In 1996, Olivia Newton-John and Matt Lattanzi divorced.

1998: "Grease" re-release for 20th anniversary

In 1998, Grease was re-released for its 20th anniversary and ranked as the second highest-grossing film behind Titanic in its opening weekend.

2002: Addition of land to Dalwood Estate

In 2002, Olivia Newton-John added additional land to her Dalwood Estate.

2003: Death of Irene Helene

In 2003, Olivia Newton-John's mother, Irene Helene, passed away.

2005: Founding of Gaia Retreat & Spa

In 2005, Olivia Newton-John co-founded Byron Bay's Gaia Retreat & Spa.

2005: Disappearance of Patrick McDermott

In 2005, Olivia Newton-John's boyfriend, Patrick McDermott, vanished during a fishing trip off the Californian coast; Newton-John was in Australia at her Gaia Retreat & Spa at the time.

June 2006: Lawsuit Against Universal Music Group

In June 2006, Olivia Newton-John's company, ON-J Productions Ltd, filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) for $1 million in unpaid royalties from the Grease soundtrack.

2006: Appointed Officer of the Order of Australia

In 2006, Olivia Newton-John was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia.

2007: Starting relationship with John Easterling

In 2007, Olivia Newton-John started dating John Easterling.

2007: "Conditional settlement" with Universal Music Group

In 2007, it was announced that Olivia Newton-John and Universal Music Group (UMG) had reached a "conditional settlement" regarding the lawsuit over unpaid royalties from the Grease soundtrack.

2007: 'Xanadu' becomes a Broadway show

In 2007, the film Xanadu, in which Olivia Newton-John starred, became the basis for a Broadway show that ran for more than 500 performances and was nominated for four Tony Awards including Best Musical.

June 2008: Legal Marriage to John Easterling

On 30 June 2008, Olivia Newton-John legally married John Easterling on Jupiter Island, Florida, following an Incan spiritual ceremony in Peru on June 21, 2008.

2008: "Physical" ranked among top songs

In 2008, Billboard ranked the song "Physical" by Olivia Newton-John as No. 6 among all songs that charted in the 50-year history of the Hot 100.

2008: United States Coast Guard investigation released

In 2008, The United States Coast Guard investigation was released after Patrick McDermott disappearance in 2005. It suggested that "McDermott was lost at sea".

June 2009: Purchase of Jupiter Inlet home

In June 2009, Olivia Newton-John and her second husband, John Easterling, purchased a new $4.1 million home in Jupiter Inlet, Florida.

April 2010: Report of Patrick McDermott being alive

In April 2010, a private investigator claimed that Olivia Newton-John's former boyfriend, Patrick McDermott, who disappeared in 2005, was alive and had faked his death, although this claim was unsubstantiated.

2010: "Physical" ranked as most popular single about sex

In 2010, Billboard magazine ranked "Physical" as the most popular single ever about sex.

2012: John Easterling sells Amazon Herb Company

In 2012, John Easterling sold the Amazon Herb Company to TriVita, Inc.

2012: Opening of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre

In 2012, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre at the Austin Hospital opened in Melbourne.

2013: Recurrence of breast cancer

In 2013, Olivia Newton-John had a recurrence of breast cancer.

2013: Death of sister Rona

In 2013, Olivia Newton-John's sister, Rona, passed away.

2013: Suicide on Jupiter Inlet property

In 2013, while Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling were not present, a contractor named Christopher Pariseleti committed suicide on their Jupiter Inlet estate, which was up for sale at the time.

2015: Purchase of Santa Ynez Valley Horse Ranch

In 2015, Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling purchased a $5.3 million, 12-acre horse ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley outside Santa Barbara.

2015: Sale of Jupiter Inlet Home

In 2015, Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling sold their Jupiter Inlet home to a Swedish advertising executive for $5.1 million.

2015: Renaming of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre

In 2015, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre was rechristened as the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre.

May 2017: Breast cancer recurrence

In May 2017, it was announced that Olivia Newton-John's breast cancer had returned and metastasized to her lower back.

2017: Identity as Australian

In 2017, Olivia Newton-John stated "I am still Australian" when asked about her citizenship.

2017: Death of Lee Kramer

In 2017, Olivia Newton-John's former boyfriend and manager, Lee Kramer, died.

2018: Publication of Don't Stop Believin'

In 2018, Olivia Newton-John published her autobiography, Don't Stop Believin'.

November 2019: Julien's Auctions Sale

On 2 November 2019, Julien's Auctions held an auction of Olivia Newton-John's memorabilia, raising $2.4 million, with her Grease outfit fetching $405,700. Her black skintight pants were bought by Sara Blakely for $162,000, and her leather jacket was returned to her after being purchased for $243,200, with all proceeds donated to her Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Australia.

December 2019: Meet 'n' Grease sing-along events

In December 2019, Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta reunited for three live Meet 'n' Grease sing-along events held in Tampa, West Palm Beach, and Jacksonville, Florida.

December 2019: Becoming a Dame

In December 2019, Olivia Newton-John expressed gratitude for being recognized by the United Kingdom upon receiving the title of Dame.

2019: Sale of Australian Farm

In 2019, Olivia Newton-John sold her 187-acre Australian farm located near Byron Bay in New South Wales for $4.6 million, having owned the property for nearly 40 years.

2019: Death of brother Hugh

In 2019, Olivia Newton-John's brother, Hugh, passed away.

February 2020: Appearance at Fire Fight Australia

In February 2020, Olivia Newton-John made her final public performance at the Fire Fight Australia charity event.

2020: Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)

In 2020, Olivia Newton-John was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the New Year Honours for services to charity, cancer research, and entertainment.

2020: Guinness World Record

Until 2020, Olivia Newton-John held the Guinness World Record for the shortest gap by a female between new Number 1 albums (If You Love Me, Let Me Know > Have You Never Been Mellow) on the US Billboard 200 album charts, a record of 154 days, until Taylor Swift broke this record with 140 days.

January 2021: Release of "Window in the Wall"

In January 2021, Olivia Newton-John released her final single, "Window in the Wall," a duet with her daughter Chloe Lattanzi, which reached No. 1 on the iTunes pop music video chart upon release.

2021: Sale of Gaia Retreat & Spa

In 2021, Byron Bay's Gaia Retreat & Spa, co-owned by Olivia Newton-John, was sold for $30 million to Tattarang.

August 2022: "Grease" reappearance in cinemas after death

Following her death in August 2022, AMC announced that Grease would reappear in some of its cinemas over the weekend and that a portion of the proceeds would go to breast cancer research.

August 2022: Death of Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John died on 8 August 2022, at the age of 73, at her home in the Santa Ynez Valley of California. Tributes were paid by many celebrities.

August 2022: Olivia Newton-John's death

On August 2022, Olivia Newton-John died.

September 2022: Memorial service

In September 2022, Olivia Newton-John's family held a "small and very private" memorial service in California for the singer, who asked to be cremated and have her ashes scattered in Byron Bay, on her Santa Ynez ranch, and "in other places that I love".

2022: Tributes and Commemorations

In 2022, following Olivia Newton-John's death, Pink performed a commemorative cover at the American Music Awards, and a tribute at the ARIA Music Awards featured performances by Natalie Imbruglia, Peking Duk, and Tones and I.

February 2023: Australian Memorial Service

On 26 February 2023, Olivia Newton-John's Australian memorial service, was held at Hamer Hall in Melbourne and included eulogies from her widower and daughter, as well as video tributes from various artists.