Cliff Richard was “distraught” by the death of his “soulmate” Olivia Newton-John as he paid tribute to the legendary Australian star.
The 81-year-old singer, who was close friends with the actress for more than 50 years, is devastated after it was announced Monday that she had died at the age of 73.
Cliff and Olivia had a decades-long friendship after she became a regular on his show in the 1970s, with the musician even admitting he “fell in love” with her.
Tragedy: Cliff Richard is ‘disturbed’ by the death of his ‘soulmate’ Olivia Newton-John, according to DJ Mike Read (pictured in 1995)
Taking to social media to honor Olivia with a tribute, he wrote: “I don’t know what to say. Death… well, it’s a vicious enemy, and we’re all being captured by it. But we’re not all smitten with him at the same time, so while Olivia lingers in our thoughts and memories, she’s very much alive!
“I’m just one of an army of fortunate people who knew and loved her. How could we not love her? She was beautiful, gifted and had a heart of gold. Also a set of records that were gold, but her golden heart is her legacy to us.
“When she was first diagnosed with cancer, Livvy put her career on hold for years. Why? Because she wanted to inspire other sufferers to do the same… fight the ugly disease, although she said in an interview that she wasn’t fighting cancer, but that she had something she just wanted to get rid of!
“Olivia has always had an optimistic outlook on life. I spoke to her on the phone just three weeks ago and she was her bright, positive self and I never thought for a moment of that call that I would be writing this and acknowledging her passing. I hate that word!
“From now on, all I can think of is that our beautiful Olivia just stopped living. I will miss her. The world will miss her so let’s all keep her alive in our hearts and memories. God bless you Livvy. Rest in Peace…..Cliff xxx’
Iconic: The 81-year-old singer, who was close friends with the Australian star for more than 50 years, is ‘devastated’ after it was announced on Monday that she had died aged 73 (pictured in 2004)
Cliff and Olivia met in 1971 when she became a regular guest singer on his variety show, and she even joined him on tour as a backing singer.
The music legend has previously admitted he “fell in love” with the Grease star but “lost his chance” because she was engaged to someone else.
In his autobiography, The Dreamer, he said: “We hit it off straight away. She was the kind of soulmate you meet and know is a friend for life.
“When I and a lot of us were in love with Olivia, she was engaged to someone else. I’m afraid I missed the chance.”
Close bond: Cliff previously admitted he had “fallen in love” with Olivia but “lost his chance” because she was engaged to someone else. He has repeatedly denied they dated (pictured in 2005)
Career: Also on Tuesday, Cliff shared pictures from his upcoming 2023 calendar as he posed in glamorous shots
Style: He looked instantly stunning in a gold-embellished suit, before later posing in a red leather ensemble
Iconic: Cliff is known for releasing a calendar each year to the delight of his loyal fans
There has been speculation that Cliff and Olivia were an item, but he has repeatedly denied the claims.
Olivia landed her big break singing a cover of Bob Dylan’s If Not for You on Cliff’s hit show and starring in Grease, which catapulted her to Hollywood stardom.
She and Cliff remained close friends for decades, and she stood by him when he was investigated by police and joined him on stage at the Royal Albert Hall in 2015 to celebrate his 75th birthday.
Blast from the past: Olivia landed her big break singing a cover of Bob Dylan’s If Not for You on Cliff’s hit show (pictured 1964)
Iconic role: She is best known for her famous role as Sandy in the 1978 film Grease (pictured Newton-John with Grease co-star John Travolta)
Olivia has been honored since her death was announced on Monday, led by her Grease co-star John Travolta.
On Tuesday, Didi Conn revealed that Olivia opened up about her struggling health when they spoke “a few weeks ago”.
The star was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, but the disease returned in 2013 and 2017.
“She told me her health was failing, she could no longer walk and had full-time care, but her husband John and daughter Chloe were there all the time and she told me they were just so hopelessly devoted,” she said on Good Morning America.
Tough time: The star was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, but the disease returned in 2013 and 2017
Olivia’s husband John Easterling took to social media on Monday to announce the tragic news that Olivia had lost her battle with cancer.
“Dame Olivia Newton-John passed away peacefully this morning at her Southern California ranch surrounded by family and friends,” he said in a statement.
“We ask everyone to respect the privacy of the family at this very difficult time.
“A symbol of triumph and hope for over 30 years, Olivia shares her journey with breast cancer.
“Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicines continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund dedicated to research into plant medicines and cancer.”
Emotional: Olivia’s husband John Easterling took to social media on Monday to announce the tragic news that Olivia had lost her battle with cancer (pictured in her latest Instagram post)