Country music legend Dolly Parton is one of the latest to honor the late singer-songwriter and actress Olivia Newton-John, saying she’s sad to have lost a special friend.
“So happy that our lives crossed paths. I know her voice is singing beautifully with the angels,” Parton posted on her social media with love.
Olivia Newton-John‘s angelic voice caught the country radio’s attention the moment she graced the genre. Before her work in the beloved movie musical Grease in 1978 – alongside John Travolta – she had found success on Billboard’s country charts. She ranked in many notable accolades, scored several No.1 hits, and sold over a hundred million albums. In 1974, the Country Music Association named her Female Vocalist of the Year, besting the likes of Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Tanya Tucker.
Of course, she also knows how to acknowledge the country’s greats. In 1975, Newton-John released a cover of Parton’s “Jolene” as the first track to her seventh studio album, Come On Over. While the single was only released in Japan, it became a hit there, peaking at No. 11 on the Oricon Singles Chart. Meanwhile, the album peaked at No. 2 in the country chart, despite Newton-John singing a few different genres.
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While she took a break from her country career to pursue acting, she will always be a significant part of the country community.
Several More Country Artists Honor The Late Icon
Sweet words and memories came pouring from the country music community for the late Olivia Newton-John. This includes Wynonna Judd, who reminisced the first day she met Newton-John.
“Her sweet spirit filled the room when she walked into the theater,” Judd said.
Meanwhile, Sheryl Crow lauded Newton-John as a brave warrior who “battled breast cancer with grace.” Other country artists who paid tribute to the beloved star are Keith Urban, Morgan Evans, Deana Carter, LeAnn Rimes, Tanya Tucker, and many more.
It was also confirmed that Newton-John would receive a state memorial service in Victoria to celebrate her life and incredible career.
