Olivia Newton-John Heartbroken After Death of Brother: 'Many Years of Decline'
Beloved singer and entertainer Olivia Newton-John, 70, announced that her brother, Hugh Newton-John, has died.
On May 23, the star posted photos of her brother on social media and an explanation of how his health had declined over the years.
“My dear, sweet, gentle, clever, brother Hugh passed away May 7, 2019, in Melbourne, Australia after many years of decline,” Newton-John wrote.
“I love him so and will miss him terribly. Love & light, Olivia.”
The star made the sad announcement last night https://t.co/WFla2X4e41
— HELLO! (@hellomag) May 24, 2019
The “Grease” star went on to include a heartfelt tribute written by some of Hugh Newton-John’s colleagues from the Burnet Institute, who summed up the incredible work the doctor had done throughout his career.
“Hugh was a well-respected infectious diseases clinician at Fairfield Infectious Diseases Hospital in Melbourne during the 1970s and 80s where his lively personality, sharp intellect and amazing ability to reassess complex infectious diseases was highly regarded,” the post read.
“Hugh was an innovator, an astute clinician and a wonderful teacher and mentor to generations of medical students, residents and ID trainees,” the tribute continued.
“Hugh was also a talented musician and artist who shared his gifts with many friends, colleagues and associates throughout his entire life.”
The professors went on to credit Hugh Newton-John with spearheading research projects that led to better care for patients dealing with tetanus, polio and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
“Recent years have not been kind to Hugh, but although he is now at peace, his memory and legacy will live on among those who worked and trained with him and the many patients who benefited from his fabulous care.”
Newton-John is facing her own health problems, according to People, who reported that the singer is battling breast cancer for the third time.
Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 and again in 2013.
She founded the Melbourne-based Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre, which first opened in 2012, and has been a tireless advocate for cancer patients.
We wish her all the best as she says farewell to her beloved brother.
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