On August 8th, 2022, the renowned actress Olivia Newton-John passed away. Renowned actress, mainly for her role as Sandy in the movie "Grease", where together with John Travolta as Danny, they starred in a film that marked generations in a movie that became a classic. Newton-John was a fervent advocate of medical cannabis and used it as an alternative treatment after her breast cancer diagnosis, a condition she made public in 2017. As announced by her husband on the actress' official Instagram account, she died peacefully and relaxed at her ranch in southern California.
Olivia Newton-John throughout her life became known for her fight against breast cancer, a fight she waged for more than 30 years. Through daily testimonies of a disease that she called a "gift" because it allowed her to be grateful for each day more and to keep her priorities clear about what was important in life. She became an icon of the fight against cancer and a role model for those coping with the disease, thanks to her existentialist vision.
In an interview for The Guardian, the actress highlighted the importance of keeping the positive message in mind: "If you think "poor me" or "I'm sick", then you will be sick. I think every day is a blessing. You never know when time is up; we all have limited time on this planet and we just have to be grateful. I don't know what I would be now without it. I see it as my life's journey. It has given me purpose and intention, and it has taught me a lot about compassion. It's been a gift. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but it's been important to me in my life." She also noted that music was her great ally in difficult times.
Cancer Turned Her into a Medical Cannabis Activist
In the midst of breast cancer treatment, she learned first-hand about the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis. She began using the plant to alleviate the effects and painful symptoms generated by the disease and its treatment, without ever neglecting or interrupting the latter. However, she emphasized that cannabis is a cure that should be available to all patients, who like her, suffer from chronic pain. She also unhesitatingly demanded that the government of her country, Australia, move forward on legalization issues, while admitting that it was her husband who grew his own on their ranch to support her treatment.
The news of Olivia Newton-John's death has sent shockwaves around the world. It highlights the message from John Travolta, her co-star in "Grease", who posted on his Instagram account: "You did the best thing for our lives. We will see each other again. Your Danny, your John", in this way, Travolta says goodbye to Olivia.
After the death of the renowned artist was made public, her family asked the general public to pay tribute to her by making a donation to her eponymous foundation, dedicated to carrying out research for the treatment of cancer based on medicinal plants.