ABBA pay tribute to Olivia Newton John: “A fine person has left us”
The band's Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad have shared their tributes
By Nick Reilly
ABBA have paid a heartfelt tribute to Olivia Newton-John, after her death yesterday (August 8) aged 73.
Newton-John’s husband, John Easterling, confirmed her death on Instagram, writing that she “passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends.”
“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” a statement read.
While immediate tributes were led by Newton-John’s Grease co-star John Travolta, star-studded messages have now been shared by ABBA’s Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
They met Newton-John in 1974 when both she and ABBA competed in the Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton. Newton-John, representing the United Kingdom, came in fourth place with her track ‘Long Live Love’. ABBA secured victory with their hit ‘Waterloo’ and became one of the biggest bands in the world.
Sharing a photo of ABBA and Newton-John on-stage together, Frida wrote: “What do you feel, what do you say when the nice, kindest and most loving woman leaves us to travel somewhere else.
“The heart aches to know Olivia’s brave fight against an, in her case, invincible enemy. That she never gave up or complained about her situation, but instead told us her story so that we would understand and want to help others affected.”
She added: “I am grateful to have known a person like you Olivia and you will always be in my heart.”
Fältskog added that she was “so sad to hear of Olivia’s passing”, writing: “A fine person has left us – and there are many of us who mourn her now… My thoughts go out to the family, and her music and personality will always remain in memory.”
John Travolta, who famously starred opposite Newton-John in Grease, shared a tribute on Instagram, writing, “My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the moment I saw you and forever!”