“My heart is touched”: John Travolta cried at the Oscars, remembering the actress who died of cancer
The actor was overjoyed when he paid tribute to his girlfriend and late “Grease” co-star Olivia Newton-John during the Oscars’ In Memoriam segment. Travolta, 69, sobbed after paying tribute to some of Hollywood’s greatest actors who died last year. He requested the audience and viewers to remember his colleagues in the entertainment sector who had passed away.
“They touched our hearts, made us smile, and became good friends to whom we will always be hopelessly loyal,” the father of three added, citing to a 1978 Newton-John ballad. In their iconic musical comedy, her character Sandy sang that hit.
After finishing his remarks, John gathered his strength to welcome Lenny Kravitz to the stage. The 58-year-old singer played the piano in a wonderful tribute video to film industry luminaries such as Ray Liotta, Angelo Badalamenti, Jean-Luc Godard, Irene Cara, Julie Reichert, Burt Bacharach, Angela Lansbury, Mary Alice, James Caan, and Raquel Welch.
Fans applauded John for his candor and sincerity. Many people expressed their warm support for him, noting that the actor was able to present this section of the show despite his personal loss. “Travolta, John Travolta! He had lately lost his third love! Kelly Preston, Olivia Newton-John, and Kirstie Ally are his wife. That’s a lot of work for anyone! “- said one user.
Kelly Preston died of breast cancer in 2020, and Kirstie Ally, John’s longtime lover, died of colorectal cancer in December. Newton-John died in August 2022, at the age of 73, after a valiant and public years-long struggle with cancer. The actress died quietly at her home in Southern California, surrounded by family and friends. Travolta was among the first to pay tribute to the actor.
Olivia fought breast cancer twice before being diagnosed with it again in 2017. She has spent the previous five years at home, working for animal rights and raising funds for charities over the internet. “She’s been a part of my life for a very long time. Something didn’t feel right. Worrying that it could come back, but I thought, ‘I’ll get over it again,'” Olivia said of her illness.
