At the age of 81, Sir Cliff Richard has delivered a poignant and heartfelt tribute after the passing of his longtime friend and “soulmate,” Olivia Newton-John, who succumbed to breast cancer on a solemn Monday. Through a public message brimming with warmth and sorrow, the legendary singer opened his emotions wide for the world to witness, sharing moments from their final conversation and reflecting on the indelible mark Olivia left behind.
“I find myself at a loss as to what to say,” Cliff confessed. “Death—well, he is a vicious enemy. And all of us will be taken by him. But all of us are not taken by him at the same time. And so, while Olivia remains in our minds and memories, she remains very much alive.”
For Cliff, Olivia was so much more than a fellow artist. He humbly portrayed himself as merely “one of an army of lucky people who knew and loved Olivia.” With compassionate simplicity, he posed the question, “How could we not love her?” To him, she was the very essence of grace—“gorgeous, gifted, and with a heart of gold.”
The tragic battle Olivia waged against cancer over decades was a testament to her resilience. Diagnosed three separate times since 1992, she refused to retreat, transforming her personal struggle into a beacon of inspiration for millions. Reflecting on her courage, Cliff remarked, “Why? Because she wanted to inspire other sufferers to do as she did—fight the ugly disease.” Yet, Olivia’s humility shone through as she rejected the term “battle,” preferring simply to describe it as “something she wanted to get rid of.”
Cliff revealed that just a mere three weeks prior to her passing, he had spoken with Olivia over the phone. Demonstrating unyielding cheerfulness and radiance, she let no shadow of illness dim her vibrant spirit. “I never thought for one moment that I would be writing this and acknowledging her death,” he admitted with raw honesty. Seeking to soften the blow of finality, he added, “I hate the word death. I would instead like to acknowledge that Olivia simply stopped living.”
Their friendship stretched across decades, knit together by music, laughter, and profound mutual admiration. Olivia had frequently appeared on Cliff’s variety show, where the two delivered duets cherished by countless fans. He nostalgically recalled their early years when her enchanting charm captivated many, including himself. In his autobiography, The Dreamer, Cliff bares the sentiment that “many of us were in love with Olivia.” Although she became engaged to Bruce Welch, Cliff’s bandmate from The Shadows, their relationship ended before marriage. With a tinge of regret, Cliff admitted, “I’m afraid I lost the chance.”
Now, as the world grieves the loss of the beloved Grease icon, Sir Cliff Richard voices the shared sorrow of countless admirers, saying, “I will miss her. The world will miss her. So let’s all keep her alive in our hearts and memories. God bless you, Livy. Rest in peace.”