John Travolta’s teary tribute to Olivia Newton-John
John Travolta has been moved to tears while paying tribute to his late friend and co-star Olivia Newton-John.
As he introduced the In Memoriam segment during the annual Academy Awards ceremony, Travolta gave an emotional speech for those in the entertainment industry we lost this year.
As he battled his tears, he made a poignant reference to their 1978 film Grease as he remembered his friend, who died in August 2022.
Taking to the stage, Travolta said, “Each of them left an individual and indelible mark that shared and informed us.”
As he continued, his voice was breaking, “They’ve touched our hearts, they’ve made us smile, and became dear friends - who we will always remain hopelessly devoted to.”
John Travolta choked up when referencing his late 'Grease' co-star Olivia Newton-John while introducing the #Oscars In Memoriam segment, featuring Lenny Kravitz pic.twitter.com/R6cFFuIgGP
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That, of course, was a reference to the hit Newton-John song from Grease, Hopelessly Devoted To You, which she sings about Travolta’s character Danny Zuko.
On several occasions, Travolta thumped his fist to his heart as he spoke, as he tried to contain his emotions.
After Newton-John’s death last year, Travolta released an emotional statement on social media.
“My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better,” the actor wrote on Instagram.
“Your impact was incredible. I love you so much.”
In his tribute, Travolta added, “We will see you down the road and we will all be together again.”
He signed it, “Yours from the moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John.”
Image credits: Seven / Getty Images