Read John Travolta's Emotional Tribute to Olivia Newton-John at the Oscars
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John Travolta paid homage to his longtime friend and Grease costar Olivia Newton-John at the Oscars last night.
The actor took the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles to introduce the in-memoriam presentation of industry talent who died in the past year.
Though he did not name Olivia, he spoke about making friends in the industry, saying that while doing what they love to do as actors on set, they often also get to meet people they love. He added that sadly, over the years, those people pass away, leaving an empty space in their loved ones' hearts.
"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 that we come to love," he said. "Since tonight is a celebration of the work and the accomplishments of our community and this past year, it is only fitting then that we celebrate those we've lost who've dedicated their lives to their craft, both in front of and behind the camera. Through their immeasurable contributions, each of them left an individual and indelible mark that shared and informed us."
With tears in his eyes, he asked the crowd to remember "those dear friends who we will always remain hopelessly devoted to," quoting Olivia's iconic song "Hopelessly Devoted to You" from Grease. In the cult-classic film, Olivia, who played Sandy Olsson, sings the track while thinking about her passionate love for John, who played Danny Zuko.
After John's emotional speech, Lenny Kravitz performed his song "Calling All Angels," while the slideshow showing black-and-white photos of Hollywood creators who've recently died played on the stage screen.
Olivia died on August 8, 2022, following a 30-year battle with breast cancer. Following her passing, John shared an emotional Instagram post dedicated to his onscreen love interest and close friend.
"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!" he wrote alongside an old photo of the beloved actress.
He again remembered Olivia on September 26, what would have been her 74th birthday, by sharing a throwback photo on his Instagram Story of the two wearing their iconic skintight all-black looks on the set of Grease.
"Happy birthday my Olivia," he wrote over the image.
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