On August 8th, 2022, we lost an icon. Dame Olivia Newton-John left us and went somewhere I can only imagine is as magical and peaceful as she had believed.
On that day while scrolling through Instagram, I must have read at least one hundred different touching stories about Olivia. She was everywhere. I knew she was a musical legend and an inspiration for many (including my mom who named me after her), but I had no idea the extent. It seemed as though millions of people whom she had only met for a few minutes had the most unique and special stories to tell about their encounter with her. Olivia had that magic touch, where everyone she was around left with a smile after speaking with her. It makes so much sense why her favorite words were "love and light." Words that encapsulate her perfectly. I read somewhere that she would end all of her emails with that phrase before signing her name. Her goal was to spread more of it in this world, and that she did. She was always involved with charities, especially following her initial battle with breast cancer when she decided to help other women going through the same thing. She brought so much awareness to plant medicine and continues to fund its research through her foundation, the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, where you can donate now if you'd like!
In addition to her philanthropy work, Olivia always appreciated her fans so much. The one account that stood out to me (and her) the most is known as @olivianewtonjohnvideos on Instagram. This page is dedicated to Olivia and consistently posts footage dating back to the 1970s, the very beginning of her career. Olivia always made sure that Lauren (the fan page owner) felt recognized and appreciated for her constant support. She has mentioned the page several times in interviews as well as made sweet comments on Lauren's posts thanking her for digging up old moments she had forgotten about. She has set a precedent when it comes to fan recognition and it seems to me that artists like Taylor Swift are following in her footsteps.
Beyond this, Olivia's music will live on forever. From the desperation of "Hopelessly Devoted To You" that makes you want to cry to the sexier "Physical" that makes you want to dance, and everything in between. The world will never stop listening.
Right before Olivia's passing, her niece, Tottie Goldsmith asked her if she was afraid of dying. Olivia's response was beautiful. "I’m not afraid. I’ve done more in my life than I could have ever imagined." She knew that she would find peace wherever she was going.
She lead a life full of gratitude, love, grace, and kindness. All while having the voice and spirit of an angel.
We will miss you, Olivia! I am so proud to have been named after you. Goodbye for now.
Love and light,
Liv.