Olivia Newton-John, the cherished actress and renowned singer, bid farewell to this world on August 8, 2022, at the age of 73, leaving her family, friends, and an abundance of devoted fans in deep mourning. She leaves behind a daughter, sister, brother, nieces, nephews, and the man she referred to as the “love of her life” – her husband, John Easterling. Their connection was a unique blend of love, life, and shared activism.
Born on September 26, 1948, in England, Olivia Newton-John embarked on her entertainment career as a singer in the early 1970s. Her records found some success, placing a few of her singles near the summit of music charts, although she had not yet achieved household name status.
Her meteoric rise to superstardom arrived when she starred in the 1978 musical blockbuster “Grease,” alongside John Travolta. Her portrayal of an innocent Australian student infatuated with Travolta’s Danny Zuko struck gold, shattering records and securing both critical acclaim and commercial triumph. The film’s soundtrack, featuring several memorable tracks with Newton-John, including “Hopelessly Devoted To You,” “Summer Nights,” and “You’re The One That I Want,” contributed significantly to her success.
In her personal life, Olivia’s journey through romance mirrored the ebbs and flows of her career, but she eventually found her true love with her second husband, John Easterling, whom she married in 2008.
Following her passing in 2022, Easterling continued to honor her memory through various public appearances and interviews. He even disclosed the eternal vows they exchanged, transcending the boundaries of life and death.
Whenever they appeared in public, Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling exuded a deep, genuine love. They graced red carpets alongside their close friend John Travolta and participated in numerous charitable events. Their connection went beyond the superficial, with Easterling’s expertise as a natural health businessman proving invaluable during Newton-John’s health battles. She credited him with aiding her in her fight against cancer, using herbal remedies and medicinal cannabis that he cultivated and transformed into a healing elixir.
Upon announcing Olivia’s passing, Easterling described her as a “symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years” and urged the public to support her cancer research cause. Just two days after her departure, he penned a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on their deep and enduring love, illuminated by grace and God’s blessing.
On Olivia Newton-John’s birthday in 2022, Easterling reminisced about their first shared celebration, a boat trip in the Bahamas that culminated in an enchanting encounter with dolphins. He marveled at the supernatural aspect of their life together, where every day held a touch of magic.
Nearly six months after her passing, Easterling and Newton-John’s daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, appeared on The Today Show, where Easterling, teary-eyed, spoke tenderly of his departed love. He shared that he often felt her presence, particularly during late nights and early mornings when he’d speak to her out loud while walking around their home.
Easterling found solace in a wise traveler’s counsel: “When you’ve been fortunate to discover your true soul mate, and your hearts are intertwined when one departs, the other carries the duty to live life on behalf of both.” These words provided him with strength and illuminated his way ahead.
In an interview with People Magazine, Easterling fondly remembered Olivia, acknowledging that life had its challenges, but he continued to persevere. He emphasized Olivia’s ability to focus on the positive and find love everywhere.
In commemoration of their would-have-been 15th wedding anniversary on June 21, 2023, Easterling traveled to Peru to hold a private ceremony with her ashes at the very spot where they exchanged vows in 2008. The journey lightened his heart and provided a strong sense of purpose, appreciating the 15 extraordinary years they shared.
Easterling also recalled a moment in the mid-2000s when Olivia’s healing aura became evident during a performance of “Grace and Gratitude.” This realization led them to become deeply involved in environmental non-profit organizations and foundations, including the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching cancer treatments using medicinal plants.
Continuing Olivia’s legacy, Easterling joined her daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, in Melbourne for Olivia’s Walk for Wellness, a fundraising event supporting the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre.
Easterling’s commitment to Olivia endured even in her absence, as he emphasized that he still clung to their promise of love, extending it “until the end of time.” Their vows remain a poignant testament to enduring love.