John Travolta teared up as he shared a tribute to his Grease co-star and friend, Olivia Newton-John, at this year’s Oscars awards.

Travolta took to the stage to present the In Memoriam section at this year’s ceremony, which is an annual segment at the awards that pays respects to iconic actors and actresses who have passed away over the last year.

Newton-John was one of the names mentioned in the tribute, and while Travolta didn’t specifically mention her name, it was obvious he was referring to her in his tearful speech.

“In this industry, we have the rare luxury of getting to do what we love for a living and sometimes getting to do it with people who we’ve come to love,” he said. “And since tonight is a celebration of the work and accomplishments of our community of this past year, it is only fitting, then, that we celebrate those that we’ve lost, who dedicated their lives to their craft, both in front of and behind the camera.”

He continued, “Through their immeasurable contributions, each of them left an immeasurable and indelible mark that shaped and informed us. They touched our hearts, they made us smile and became dear friends…”

Travolta teared up as he concluded: “… who we will always remain hopelessly devoted to.”

Travolta and the Australian actress met as co-stars in the iconic 1978 musical Grease. The pair remained close ever since, and reunited professional to star in the move Two of a Kind and collaborated on the song ‘Take a Chance’ as part of the soundtrack. They also released a  joint holiday album in 2012 titled “This Christmas.”
Newton-John passed away on August 8th, 2022 at age 73 after a long battle with cancer. At the time, the Grammy award winner’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.”
Shortly after her death, Travolta released a statement on Instagram, reading: “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 first moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!”

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