Olivia Newton-John’s ex-husband wants fans to ‘celebrate the joy’ the late actress has brought to the world.
Matt Lattanzi and his current wife, Michelle Lattanzi, responded to the news of Newton-John’s death in a joint statement shared on Facebook on Monday.
“Today we lost one of the greats of the world, Olivia Newton-John. Matt and I are so overwhelmed by the love and gratitude that is being extended to us from friends, family and a deeply loving community of fans who will all miss Olivia’s presence in this world,” Michelle wrote.
“I’ve heard really beautiful stories and memories from people near and far and I honor each and every one of you where those feelings and memories come from,” she continued.
“Nothing will replace the icon we have lost, but her legacy is alive and well in our hearts and memories, as are her contributions to our global culture, her beloved daughter Chloe Lattanzi and her Cancer Research and Wellness Center in Melbourne, AU. ”
Olivia Newton-John’s first husband, Matt Lattanzi, reacted to news of the “Grease” star’s death. Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Michelle closed the post by saying: “Please honor your sadness and then celebrate the joy that Olivia’s heart and life’s work have brought to our world. Sending all kinds of love XOXO 
.”
Newton-John, who became a household name after her role as Sandy Olsson in Grease, died Monday at the age of 73 after a 30-year battle with breast cancer.
Matt is currently married to Michelle LattanziMichelle Lattanzi/Facebook
The “Physical” singer met Matt, now 63, on the set of “Xanadu” in 1980. They were together for four years before saying “I do” in 1984 and welcoming their daughter Chloe in 1986.
After the couple’s divorce in 1995, Matt was married to her former babysitter, Cindy Jessup, from 1997 to 2007. Newton-John, meanwhile, married John Easterling in 2008.
Matt and Newton-John were married from 1984 to 1995. Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Easterling, 70, asked for “privacy at this very difficult time” as he announced his wife’s death in a social media post commemorating their “triumphs and hope”.
The Grammy winner was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 and again in 2013 and 2017. She spoke in 2021 about how Stage 4 came about.