Olivia newton john biography cancer research centre

In one of her last interviews, Olivia Newton-John was asked what she hoped her legacy would be.

"One word: positivity I guess," she said with a laugh, speaking to Japanese broadcaster NHK WORLD in February.

"But I guess I'd like to think I made a difference in helping people heal from cancer."

Now, after her death at 73 years of age, patients, researchers and advocates are paying tribute to the singer and the enormous contribution she made to cancer research.

Vicki Durston, the director of policy, advocacy and support services at Breast Cancer Network Australia, said it was a "very hard day in the breast cancer community".

"We'd like to acknowledge her life's legacy, not just in music, but the contribution that she made to inspire people living with cancer."

Becoming an advocate after a personal journey

Newton-John was Olivia Newton-John's cancer-research legacy - BBC SEDA