Dame Olivia Newton-John was a celebrated British-Australian singer and actress with a successful music career. She won four Grammy Awards and achieved remarkable chart success, including fifteen top-ten singles and five number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Two of her albums, "If You Love Me, Let Me Know" and "Have You Never Been Mellow," reached number one on the Billboard 200. Her widespread popularity is evidenced by the RIAA's certification of eleven of her singles and fourteen of her albums as Gold.
1914: Birth of Olivia's Parents
Both of Olivia Newton-John's parents, Brinley "Bryn" Newton-John and Irene Helene Born, were born in 1914.
1933: Irene Born's Family Emigrates to the UK
In 1933, Olivia Newton-John's mother's family emigrated from Germany to the UK.
1939: Birth of Hugh Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John's brother, Hugh, was born in 1939.
1941: Birth of Rona Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John's sister, Rona, was born in 1941.
September 1948: Birth of Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John was born in Cambridge, England in September 1948.
September 1948: Birth of Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John was born in September 1948 to Brinley "Bryn" Newton-John and Irene Helene Born.
1954: Newton-John Family Emigrates to Australia
The Newton-John family emigrated to Melbourne, Australia in 1954.
1963: Relationship with Ian Turpie Begins
Olivia Newton-John began dating Ian Turpie, an Australian actor and singer, in 1963 after he saw her perform with her group Sol Four.
1964: Early Acting Recognition and Television Appearances
Olivia Newton-John's acting talent was first recognized in 1964, and she began appearing on Australian television shows like Time for Terry and The Happy Show.
1965: Wins Sing, Sing, Sing Talent Contest
Olivia Newton-John won a talent contest on the television program Sing, Sing, Sing in 1965.
1965: Co-stars with Ian Turpie
Olivia Newton-John co-starred with her boyfriend Ian Turpie in the musical film "Funny Things Happen Down Under" in 1965.
1965: Newton-John in Telefilm and Relationship with Ian Turpie
In 1965, Olivia Newton-John co-starred with Ian Turpie in the Australian telefilm Funny Things Happen Down Under. She missed him while in Britain.
1966: Relationship with Ian Turpie Ends
Olivia Newton-John's relationship with Ian Turpie ended in 1966 when she returned to England.
1966: First Single Release
Olivia Newton-John recorded her first single, "Till You Say You'll Be Mine", in Britain in 1966.
1968: Engagement to Bruce Welch
Olivia Newton-John became engaged to Bruce Welch, her producer and co-writer of "Please Mr. Please," in 1968. They never married.
1970: Toomorrow Project
Olivia Newton-John joined the group Toomorrow, starred in a science fiction musical film, and recorded a soundtrack album in 1970. The project was unsuccessful.
1971: First Solo Album Release and "If Not for You" Success
Olivia Newton-John released her first solo album, "If Not for You", in 1971. The title track became her first international hit.
1971: Release of "If Not for You" and "Banks of the Ohio"
Olivia Newton-John released the singles "If Not for You" and "Banks of the Ohio" in 1971.
1972: Release of "What Is Life"
Olivia Newton-John released the single "What Is Life" in 1972, which made minimal impact in the US. Her album, Olivia, was never released in the US.
1972: Relationship with Bruce Welch Ends
Olivia Newton-John's relationship with Bruce Welch ended in 1972.
November 1973: Release of "Let Me Be There" Album
Olivia Newton-John's third studio album, "Let Me Be There", was released in November 1973.
1973: Release of "Let Me Be There"
Olivia Newton-John released the single "Let Me Be There" in 1973.
1973: "Let Me Be There" Success and Grammy Win
In 1973, Olivia Newton-John's song "Let Me Be There" reached the American top 10 and earned her a Grammy for Best Country Female.
1973: Meets Lee Kramer
Olivia Newton-John met Lee Kramer in 1973 while on vacation. Kramer subsequently became her boyfriend and manager.
1973: Buys London Flat
In 1973, Olivia Newton-John bought a flat in London.
1974: If You Love Me, Let Me Know Release and Success
In 1974, Olivia Newton-John released the album "If You Love Me, Let Me Know", which topped both the pop and country charts. The title track reached the top 5 on the pop chart and number 2 on the country chart, while "I Honestly Love You" became her signature song and earned her two Grammys.
1974: Country Music Controversy and Recognition
In 1974, Olivia Newton-John's success in country music caused controversy among purists who questioned her place as a foreign artist. Despite this, she won the Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year award, beating out established Nashville artists.
1974: Moves to Malibu
Olivia Newton-John moved to Malibu, California in late 1974.
1974: Release of "If You Love Me, Let Me Know"
Olivia Newton-John released the album "If You Love Me, Let Me Know" in 1974. It became one of her two number-one albums on the Billboard 200.
1974: Eurovision Song Contest
Olivia Newton-John represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with the song "Long Live Love", finishing fourth.
1974: "I Honestly Love You" Wins Grammy
Olivia Newton-John's song "I Honestly Love You" won the Record of the Year Grammy in 1974.
April 1975: Record Deal with MCA
In April 1975, Olivia Newton-John signed a two-year, four-album contract with MCA Records. The contract stipulated the delivery of two albums per year and included options for extension.
1975: Release of "Have You Never Been Mellow"
In 1975, Olivia Newton-John released her second number-one album on the Billboard 200, "Have You Never Been Mellow".
1975: Release of "Have You Never Been Mellow"
Olivia Newton-John released the single "Have You Never Been Mellow" in 1975.
1975: Collaboration with John Denver and First US Television Special
In 1975, Olivia Newton-John collaborated with John Denver on his single "Fly Away" and appeared on his Christmas special. Her own single, "Let It Shine", reached number 1 on the AC chart.
November 1976: First US Television Special
In November 1976, Olivia Newton-John headlined her first US television special, titled "A Special Olivia Newton-John".
1976: Support from Country Music Community and "Don't Stop Believin'" Recording
In 1976, Olivia Newton-John received support from the country music community, including Dolly Parton's sister, Stella Parton, who recorded "Ode to Olivia". Newton-John subsequently recorded her album "Don't Stop Believin'" in Nashville.
1977: Linda Ronstadt's Billboard Chart Success
In 1977, Linda Ronstadt became the first woman to have two singles in the Billboard top 5 simultaneously.
1977: Career Fluctuations and Platinum Album
In 1977, Olivia Newton-John's career faced a setback with the less successful album "Making a Good Thing Better". However, her "Greatest Hits" album became her first platinum album.
1977: Release of "Sam"
Olivia Newton-John released the single "Sam" in 1977.
May 1978: Breach-of-Contract Lawsuits with MCA
In May 1978, Olivia Newton-John and MCA Records filed lawsuits against each other for breach of contract. Newton-John sued for $10 million, alleging inadequate promotion, while MCA countersued for $1 million and sought to prevent her from working with other music companies.
November 1978: Release of Totally Hot Album
In November 1978, Olivia Newton-John released her studio album, "Totally Hot", which marked a shift towards a more aggressive and uptempo sound. The album reached the top 10, peaking at No. 7, and featured singles like "A Little More Love", "Deeper Than the Night", and the title track. Despite the change in sound, the album also performed well on the Country Albums chart, reaching No. 4.
1978: Grease Release
Olivia Newton-John starred in the musical film Grease in 1978, which became the highest-grossing musical film at the time.
1978: Grease Role and Soundtrack Preview
In 1978, Olivia Newton-John's career took off after being cast as Sandy in the film adaptation of "Grease". She previewed some of the film's soundtrack during her second American television special.
1978: Cancellation of Japan Tour
In 1978, Olivia Newton-John cancelled a concert tour of Japan in protest against the killing of dolphins during tuna fishing. She later rescheduled the tour after receiving assurances from the Japanese government about addressing the issue.
1978: Grease Release and Soundtrack Success
In 1978, "Grease" became a box-office hit, and its soundtrack yielded three Top 5 singles for Olivia Newton-John, including "You're the One That I Want", "Hopelessly Devoted to You", and "Summer Nights". Newton-John also became the second woman (after Linda Ronstadt in 1977) to have two singles in the Billboard Top 5 simultaneously.
1978: Career Fluctuation and Return to Top Charts
In 1978, Olivia Newton-John experienced a temporary dip in her pop career with the release of "Clearly Love", but returned to the top 10 of the Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts later that year.
1979: Performance at Music for UNICEF Concert
In 1979, Olivia Newton-John participated in the Music for UNICEF Concert for the UN's International Year of the Child. This globally televised event featured artists who donated royalties from their performed songs to the cause.
1979: Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire
In 1979, Olivia Newton-John was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours.
1979: Awards and Recognition for Grease
In 1979, Olivia Newton-John won a People's Choice Award and was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in "Grease". She also performed the Oscar-nominated song "Hopelessly Devoted to You" at the Academy Awards.
1979: Relationship with Lee Kramer Ends
Olivia Newton-John's turbulent relationship with Lee Kramer ended in 1979.
1980: Release of "Xanadu"
Olivia Newton-John released the film and accompanying soundtrack for "Xanadu" in 1980, featuring the singles "Magic" and the title track with the Electric Light Orchestra.
1980: Marriage of Rona Newton-John and Jeff Conaway
Olivia Newton-John's sister, Rona, married Jeff Conaway, Olivia's Grease co-star, in 1980.
1980: Release of "I Can't Help It", "Xanadu", and other projects
In 1980, Olivia Newton-John released the duet "I Can't Help It" with Andy Gibb and starred in the musical film "Xanadu" with Gene Kelly and Michael Beck. Despite the film's critical failure, its soundtrack, which included hits like "Magic", "Suddenly", and the title track, became double platinum.
1980: "Magic" Released
Olivia Newton-John originally released the song "Magic" in 1980.
1980: Meets Matt Lattanzi
Olivia Newton-John met Matt Lattanzi in 1980 while filming "Xanadu."
1980: Purchase of Australian Farm
In 1980, Olivia Newton-John purchased her Australian farm near Byron Bay for $622,000.
1981: Release of "Physical" Album
In 1981, Olivia Newton-John released her most successful studio album, "Physical", marking a significant image change with its rock-oriented and risqué material. The title track spent ten weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
1981: Release of "The Promise (The Dolphin Song)"
In 1981, Olivia Newton-John released the song "The Promise (The Dolphin Song)" on her album "Physical". This was inspired by her earlier protest against dolphin slaughter in tuna fishing.
1981: Pursues Australian Citizenship
Olivia Newton-John first applied for Australian citizenship in 1981.
1981: Release of "Physical"
Olivia Newton-John released the single "Physical" in 1981, which became Billboard's highest-ranking Hot 100 single of the 1980s.
1982: Olivia in Concert
In 1982, Olivia Newton-John showcased her vocal range, spanning three octaves, during a performance of "Jolene" in her "Olivia in Concert" show.
January 1983: Premiere of "Olivia in Concert" and Grammy Nomination
In January 1983, Olivia Newton-John's "Olivia in Concert" television special premiered on HBO, later released on video and garnering a Grammy nomination.
1983: Expansion of Australian Farm
Olivia Newton-John added land to her Australian farm in 1983.
1983: Release of "Twist of Fate"
Olivia Newton-John released the single "Twist of Fate" in 1983.
1983: Release of "Two of a Kind" and "Twist of Fate"
In 1983, Olivia Newton-John co-starred with John Travolta in "Two of a Kind" and released its accompanying platinum soundtrack, featuring hits like "Twist of Fate" and "Livin' in Desperate Times". A video package, "Twist of Fate", also followed, featuring music videos and earning a Grammy nomination.
December 1984: Marries Matt Lattanzi
Olivia Newton-John married Matt Lattanzi in December 1984.
1985: Release of "Soul Kiss" Album and Video Album
In 1985, Olivia Newton-John released the gold album "Soul Kiss", featuring the title track as its main single. A corresponding video album was also released, featuring music videos for some of the album's tracks.
1985: Divorce of Rona Newton-John and Jeff Conaway
Olivia Newton-John's sister, Rona, and Jeff Conaway divorced in 1985.
January 1986: Birth of Chloe Rose Lattanzi
Olivia Newton-John and Matt Lattanzi's daughter, Chloe Rose, was born in January 1986.
January 1986: Birth of Chloe Lattanzi
Olivia Newton-John's daughter, Chloe Rose Lattanzi, was born in January 1986. This event marked a temporary pause in Newton-John's music career.
1986: Performance at VFL Grand Final
In 1986, Olivia Newton-John performed the Australian national anthem at the VFL Grand Final, showcasing her support for the Carlton football team.
1988: The Rumour Album and HBO Special Release
In 1988, after a three-year hiatus, Newton-John returned to her music career with the release of her album "The Rumour" and an accompanying HBO special, "Olivia Down Under". The album's title track was written and produced by Elton John.
September 1989: Release of "Warm and Tender" Album
Newton-John released the album "Warm and Tender" in September 1989. This album, inspired by her daughter, featured lullabies and love songs and marked a return to a more wholesome image for the singer.
1989: Release of "Can't We Talk It Over in Bed"
Newton-John released the single "Can't We Talk It Over in Bed" in 1989. Although the song didn't chart for Newton-John, a version by arranger Grayson Hugh, titled "Talk It Over," became a top-20 hit.
1990: Amazon Herb Company Founded
John Easterling founded the Amazon Herb Company in 1990.
1990: A Mom for Christmas
Newton-John starred in the Christmas television film "A Mom for Christmas" in 1990, which became a top 10 Nielsen hit.
1991: Environmental Advocacy and Health Advocacy
In 1991, Newton-John became the National Spokesperson for the Colette Chuda Environmental Fund/CHEC after the death of her friend's daughter. She also became a prominent advocate for breast cancer research and other health issues following her own diagnosis.
1992: Back to Basics Album and Cancer Diagnosis
In 1992, Newton-John released the hits collection "Back to Basics: The Essential Collection 1971–1992" and planned a tour. However, she was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after the album's release, forcing her to cancel the tour and promotional activities. This also coincided with the death of her father.
1992: Koala Blue Bankruptcy
In 1992, Olivia Newton-John's Koala Blue clothing boutique chain declared bankruptcy and closed, leading to lawsuits from franchise holders alleging breach of contract and unfair competition.
1992: First Cancer Diagnosis
Olivia Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992.
1992: Death of Bryn Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John's father, Bryn Newton-John, passed away in 1992.
1993: Dismissal of Koala Blue Lawsuit
In 1993, a judge dismissed the lawsuit against Olivia Newton-John and her business partner related to the Koala Blue bankruptcy, citing insufficient evidence.
1993: Meets John Easterling
Olivia Newton-John met John Easterling in 1993.
1994: Release of "Gaia: One Woman's Journey"
Newton-John released the album "Gaia: One Woman's Journey" in 1994, chronicling her experience with cancer. Notably, she wrote all the music and lyrics for this album.
1994: A Christmas Romance
Newton-John starred in the television film "A Christmas Romance" in 1994, which also achieved a top 10 Nielsen rating.
1994: Becomes Australian Citizen
Olivia Newton-John became an Australian citizen in 1994.
April 1995: Separation from Matt Lattanzi
Olivia Newton-John and Matt Lattanzi announced their separation in April 1995.
1996: "Don't Cut Me Down" featured in "It's My Party"
In 1996, Newton-John's song "Don't Cut Me Down" from the "Gaia" album was featured in the film "It's My Party".
1996: Divorce from Matt Lattanzi
Olivia Newton-John and Matt Lattanzi divorced in 1996.
December 1998: Resumption of Solo Touring
After a 16-year break, Newton-John resumed solo touring in December 1998.
December 1998: The Main Event Tour
Newton-John, John Farnham, and Anthony Warlow embarked on The Main Event Tour from October to December 1998. The associated album reached number one in Australia.
1998: President of the Isle of Man Basking Shark Society
Newton-John became the president of the Isle of Man Basking Shark Society in 1998.
1998: Release of "Back with a Heart" Album
Newton-John released the album "Back with a Heart" in 1998. The album's first single was a re-recording of "I Honestly Love You".
1998: Grease Re-release and Box Office Success
In 1998, "Grease" was re-released for its 20th anniversary and became the second highest-grossing film behind "Titanic" during its opening weekend.
1999: Appearance on Kenny Loggins' Christmas Special
Newton-John made an appearance on Kenny Loggins' TNN Christmas special in 1999.
1999: Daytime Emmy Award
Newton-John won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Song in 1999 for "Love Is a Gift," featured on the soap opera "As the World Turns."
1999: ARIA Award
The album "Highlights from The Main Event" won an ARIA Award for Highest Selling Australian CD in 1999.
2000: Release of "One Woman's Live Journey"
Newton-John released her first live album since 1981, titled "One Woman's Live Journey", in 2000.
2000: Performance at the Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony
Newton-John and John Farnham performed "Dare to Dream" at the opening ceremony of the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.
2000: "Sordid Lives" and "'Tis the Season"
Newton-John appeared in the film "Sordid Lives" and released the Christmas album "'Tis the Season" with Vince Gill and the London Symphony Orchestra in 2000.
2002: Release of Duets Album "(2)"
Newton-John released the duets album "(2)" in 2002, featuring collaborations with various Australian artists.
2002: Induction into ARIA Hall of Fame
Newton-John was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2002, recognizing her significant contributions to the Australian music industry.
2002: Further Expansion of Australian Farm
Olivia Newton-John again expanded her Australian farm with additional land in 2002.
2002: Start of Hotel Sessions Recordings
Some of the demos on the Hotel Sessions EP were recorded starting in 2002.
2003: Death of Irene Born
Olivia Newton-John's mother, Irene Born, passed away in 2003.
October 2004: Indigo: Women of Song Released
In October 2004, Olivia Newton-John released Indigo: Women of Song in Australia, a tribute album featuring covers of songs by various female artists.
April 2005: Indigo: Women of Song UK Release
In April 2005, Olivia Newton-John's album Indigo: Women of Song was released in the UK.
2005: Patrick McDermott Disappears
Patrick McDermott, Olivia Newton-John's boyfriend, disappeared during a fishing trip in 2005.
2005: Stronger Than Before Released
In 2005, Olivia Newton-John released Stronger Than Before, an album sold exclusively by Hallmark to benefit breast cancer research.
2005: Co-founds Gaia Retreat & Spa
Olivia Newton-John co-founded the Gaia Retreat & Spa in Byron Bay in 2005.
March 2006: Indigo: Women of Song Japan Release
Olivia Newton-John's album Indigo: Women of Song saw its release in Japan in March 2006.
June 2006: Lawsuit Against Universal Music Group
In June 2006, Olivia Newton-John's company filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) for unpaid royalties from the "Grease" soundtrack.
2006: Grace and Gratitude Released
Olivia Newton-John released Grace and Gratitude, a healing CD, in 2006. It was sold exclusively by Walgreens to benefit various charities.
2007: Settlement with Universal Music Group
In 2007, Olivia Newton-John and Universal Music Group (UMG) reached a "conditional settlement" in the lawsuit regarding unpaid royalties from the "Grease" soundtrack.
2007: Broadway adaptation of "Xanadu"
In 2007, a Broadway musical based on the film "Xanadu" opened, running for over 500 performances and receiving four Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical.
2007: Begins Dating John Easterling
Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling began dating in 2007.
June 2008: Marries John Easterling
Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling married in June 2008 in Peru and Florida.
2008: Coming Home and Duets with Anne Murray
In 2008, Olivia Newton-John participated in the BBC Wales program Coming Home and collaborated with Anne Murray on her album Duets: Friends & Legends.
2008: "Physical" Ranked by Billboard
In 2008, Billboard magazine ranked "Physical" No. 6 among the top songs in the 50-year history of the Hot 100, further solidifying its legacy as a major hit.
2008: Great Wall of China Walk and A Celebration in Song
In 2008, Olivia Newton-John led a walk along the Great Wall of China to raise funds for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre. She also released the album A Celebration in Song.
2008: Coast Guard Report on McDermott
A U.S. Coast Guard investigation in 2008 suggested that Patrick McDermott was lost at sea.
April 2010: Claims of McDermott Being Alive
In April 2010, a private investigator claimed, without proof, that Patrick McDermott was alive and had faked his death.
May 2010: Glee Appearance and "Physical" Recreation
In May 2010, Olivia Newton-John appeared on Glee, recreating her "Physical" music video. The performance was released as a single.
October 2010: 1 a Minute and Comic Book Release
In October 2010, Olivia Newton-John was featured in the breast cancer docu-drama 1 a Minute and a comic book was released about her.
2010: "Physical" Ranked as Top Song About Sex
In 2010, Billboard magazine ranked "Physical" as the most popular song ever recorded about sex, highlighting its provocative nature and impact.
2010: Grace and Gratitude Renewed Released
Olivia Newton-John re-released Grace and Gratitude as Grace and Gratitude Renewed in 2010, with a new track.
2010: Score: A Hockey Musical Released
Olivia Newton-John starred in the film Score: A Hockey Musical, which opened the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival.
January 2011: Filming of A Few Best Men
Olivia Newton-John began filming the comedy A Few Best Men in January 2011.
2011: End of Hotel Sessions Recordings
The recording of demos for the Hotel Sessions EP continued until 2011.
2011: Portraits: A Tribute to Great Women of Song US Release
A rebranded version of Indigo: Women of Song, titled Portraits: A Tribute to Great Women of Song, was released in the US in 2011.
November 2012: This Christmas Album with John Travolta
In November 2012, Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta released the charity album This Christmas.
2012: Amazon Herb Company Sold
John Easterling sold the Amazon Herb Company to TriVita, Inc. in 2012.
2012: Extensive Touring Begins
Olivia Newton-John began an extensive period of touring and concerts in 2012.
2012: Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre Opens
The Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre opened at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne in 2012.
March 2013: UK Tour
Olivia Newton-John embarked on a UK tour in March 2013, including a rare London concert appearance.
May 2013: Rona Newton-John's Death
Olivia Newton-John's elder sister, Rona, died in May 2013.
2013: Contractor's Suicide and Condo Purchase
In 2013, a contractor committed suicide at Newton-John's Florida property. Following this, she and Easterling purchased a nearby condo.
2013: Second Cancer Recurrence
Olivia Newton-John experienced a recurrence of breast cancer in 2013.
2013: Death of Rona Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John's sister, Rona, passed away in 2013.
April 2014: Resumption of Performances and Hotel Sessions EP Release
Olivia Newton-John resumed performing in April 2014 and released a new EP, Hotel Sessions.
August 2014: Vegas Residency Extended
Olivia Newton-John's Las Vegas residency was extended beyond August 2014.
2015: Sale of Florida Home
In 2015, Newton-John and Easterling sold their Florida home for $5.1 million after it had been on and off the market for two years.
2015: Summer Nights: Live in Las Vegas and Two Strong Hearts Live Released
In 2015, Olivia Newton-John released the live album Summer Nights: Live in Las Vegas and reunited with John Farnham for Two Strong Hearts Live.
2015: Induction into Music Victoria Hall of Fame
In 2015, Olivia Newton-John was inducted into the Music Victoria Hall of Fame.
2015: "You Have to Believe" Reaches Number One and RuPaul's Drag Race Appearance
In 2015, Olivia Newton-John's song "You Have to Believe" with her daughter Chloe reached number one on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. She also appeared as a guest judge on RuPaul's Drag Race.
2015: Purchase of Santa Ynez Ranch
In 2015, the couple purchased a 12-acre horse ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley.
2015: Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre Renamed
The Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre was renamed the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in 2015.
December 2016: End of Summer Nights Residency
Olivia Newton-John's Summer Nights residency in Las Vegas concluded in December 2016.
2016: Liv On CD Released
The Liv On CD, a collaboration between Olivia Newton-John, Beth Nielsen Chapman, and Amy Sky, was released in 2016.
May 2017: Cancer Recurrence
Olivia Newton-John's breast cancer returned and metastasized to her back in May 2017. This marked her third bout with cancer.
2017: Liv On Tour
Olivia Newton-John, Beth Nielsen Chapman, and Amy Sky embarked on the Liv On concert tour in 2017.
2017: Lee Kramer's Death
Lee Kramer, Olivia Newton-John's former boyfriend and manager, died in 2017.
2017: Reaffirms Australian Citizenship
In 2017, Olivia Newton-John publicly stated that she considered herself Australian.
2017: Touring Continues
Olivia Newton-John continued actively touring and performing concerts through 2017.
2018: Handful of Shows
Olivia Newton-John performed a handful of shows in 2018.
May 2019: Hugh Newton-John's Death
Olivia Newton-John's elder brother, Hugh, died in May 2019.
June 2019: Companion of the Order of Australia
In June 2019, Olivia Newton-John was appointed Companion of the Order of Australia, the highest honor in the country, in recognition of her work as both an entertainer and philanthropist.
November 2019: Memorabilia Auction
In November 2019, Julien's Auctions sold hundreds of items from Olivia Newton-John's career, raising $2.4 million for her Cancer Wellness and Research Centre. The iconic "Grease" outfit sold for $405,700, with the pants and jacket purchased separately. The jacket was later returned to Newton-John by the anonymous buyer.
December 2019: Meet 'n' Grease Sing-Along Events
In December 2019, Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta reunited for three "Meet 'n' Grease" sing-along events in Florida. A sing-along version of Grease was subsequently re-broadcast on CBS Television.
December 2019: Damehood
In December 2019, Olivia Newton-John was given the title of Dame by the United Kingdom.
2019: Sale of Australian Farm
Olivia Newton-John sold her Australian farm near Byron Bay in 2019 for $4.6 million, after owning it for almost 40 years.
2019: Death of Hugh Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John's brother, Hugh, passed away in 2019.
2020: Guinness World Record Held and Broken
In 2020, Taylor Swift broke Olivia Newton-John's Guinness World Record for the shortest gap between new Number 1 albums on the US Billboard 200 chart. Newton-John had held the record for 45 years for the albums "If You Love Me, Let Me Know" and "Have You Never Been Mellow".
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. The song's music video topped the iTunes pop music video chart upon its release.
2021: Sale of Gaia Retreat & Spa
In 2021, Gaia Retreat & Spa was sold for $30 million.
August 2022: Grease Re-release Following Newton-John's Death
Following Olivia Newton-John's death in August 2022, AMC re-released "Grease" in some cinemas, with a portion of the proceeds going to breast cancer research.
August 2022: Death
Olivia Newton-John died in August 2022 at age 73 at her California home.
August 2022: Death of Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John passed away in August 2022.
September 2022: Private Memorial Service
A private memorial service for Olivia Newton-John was held in California in September 2022.
February 2023: Australian State Memorial Service
Olivia Newton-John's Australian state memorial service was held in Melbourne in February 2023.