John Easterling, the widower of the beloved “Grease” star Olivia Newton-John, recently opened up about life after losing his soulmate to breast cancer in 2022. Their love story, described as “supernatural” by Easterling, continues to inspire him as he navigates grief and finds solace in her enduring legacy.
A Love Story for the Ages
John and Olivia’s love story began in 1993, although they were both in other relationships at the time. It wasn’t until 2007 that they began dating, eventually marrying a year later. Their bond, built on mutual respect, shared values, and an unyielding love for one another, became a testament to the power of finding your person later in life.
John Easterling and Olivia Newton-John at the 2016 G'Day! USA Gala. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
Easterling described their relationship as devoid of any significant arguments, emphasizing that their shared experiences and unwavering belief in each other transcended any potential for conflict. He confessed, “I didn’t even think love could be like that.” Their love story, however, faced its greatest challenge when Olivia was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Navigating Loss and Finding Purpose
Despite the immense grief of losing Olivia, John finds solace in her enduring legacy. He continues to pour his heart and soul into the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, a project Olivia started over a decade ago to fund research into plant medicine for cancer treatment.
He finds comfort in witnessing the foundation’s promising early results, knowing that her vision for a world free from cancer lives on. The foundation’s work stands as a testament to Olivia’s enduring spirit and her unwavering dedication to helping others, even in the face of personal hardship.
John Easterling first met Olivia Newton-John in 1993, and they eventually married in 2008. (Photo by CHANCE YEH /Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Beyond the foundation, John finds comfort in the memories they created together at their sprawling Santa Ynez ranch. He has decided to sell the property, recognizing that it’s time to let someone else enjoy the peace and serenity that it provided them for so many years. This decision marks a significant step in his grieving process, allowing him to move forward while still carrying Olivia’s memory in his heart.
Finding Strength in Olivia’s Memory
Despite the immense void left by Olivia’s passing, John finds solace in her enduring presence. He shared that he often senses her presence, particularly during moments of quiet reflection or when surrounded by nature, places that held special meaning for them.
He also recounted a particularly poignant experience while listening to Olivia’s recently released song “My Dream,” a testament to her enduring talent and the power of music to connect us across time and space. The experience reinforced his belief that their connection transcends the physical realm.
Olivia Newton-John's widow John Easterling has opened up on their "supernatural" marriage, and the possibility of ever finding that kind of love again.
While John acknowledges the possibility of love finding him again, he believes that the extraordinary connection he shared with Olivia was one of a kind. He stated, “I couldn’t imagine it being possible the first time. So I can’t imagine it being possible again.”
John’s story is a testament to the enduring power of love and the importance of finding solace and purpose in the face of unimaginable loss. He continues to honor Olivia’s legacy by embracing life to the fullest, drawing strength from the love they shared, and continuing the fight against cancer through the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund.
