Lasting Legacy of Olivia Newton-John: A Look at the Influence on History
A closer look at the lasting mark left by Olivia Newton-John—a timeline of influence.
Dame Olivia Newton-John was a celebrated British-Australian singer and actress. A global icon, she sold over 100 million records, establishing herself as one of the best-selling music artists of all time and the highest-selling female Australian recording artist. Her career spanned multiple decades, marked by both musical success and memorable performances in film.
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, showing the film's enduring popularity.
2002: Induction into Australia's ARIA Hall of Fame
In 2002, Newton-John was inducted into Australia's ARIA Hall of Fame.
2007: Xanadu Becomes a Broadway Show
In 2007, the film Xanadu was adapted into a Broadway show that ran for over 500 performances and was nominated for four Tony Awards, indicating the film's lasting impact.
2008: "Physical" Ranked Among Top Songs by Billboard
In 2008, Billboard ranked the song "Physical" No. 6 among all songs that charted in the 50-year history of the Hot 100, solidifying its place as one of the most popular songs of all time.
2010: "Physical" Ranked as Most Popular Song About Sex
In 2010, Billboard magazine ranked the song "Physical" as the most popular single ever about sex, highlighting its provocative lyrics and enduring cultural impact.
2012: Opening of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre
In 2012, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre opened at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne.
2015: Induction into the Music Victoria Hall of Fame
In 2015, Newton-John was inducted into the Music Victoria Hall of Fame.
2015: Rechristening of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre
In 2015, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre was rechristened the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre.
2018: Publication of Autobiography "Don't Stop Believin'"
In 2018, Olivia Newton-John's autobiography, Don't Stop Believin', was published.
November 2019: Auction of Memorabilia
In November 2019, Julien's Auctions auctioned hundreds of memorabilia items from Newton-John's career, raising $2.4 million for her Cancer Wellness and Research Centre.
2020: Guinness World Record Shortest Gap Disrupted
In 2020, Taylor Swift surpassed Olivia Newton-John's Guinness World Record for the shortest gap between new Number 1 albums.
August 2022: Olivia Newton-John's Death
August 2022 marks the death of Olivia Newton-John, a British and Australian singer and actress.
August 2022: AMC Re-releases Grease After Newton-John's 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
On August 8, 2022, Olivia Newton-John died at the age of 73 at her home in the Santa Ynez Valley of California. Tributes were paid by many celebrities, and landmarks in Melbourne and Sydney were lit up in her honor.
September 2022: Private Memorial Service
In September 2022, Olivia Newton-John's family held a "small and very private" memorial service in California.
2022: Tributes and Commemorations
In 2022, following Olivia Newton-John's death, Pink staged a commemorative cover during the American Music Awards, and a special tribute featuring performances by Natalie Imbruglia, Peking Duk, and Tones and I occurred at the ARIA Music Awards to honor her legacy.
February 2023: Australian Memorial Service
On February 26, 2023, Olivia Newton-John's Australian memorial service was held at Hamer Hall in Melbourne, including eulogies and tributes.
December 2024: Posthumous Sales of Commemoratives
In December 2024, Julien's and TCM held posthumous sales of Newton-John commemoratives.
January 2025: Posthumous Sales of Commemoratives
In January 2025, Julien's and TCM held posthumous sales of Newton-John commemoratives.
