The 'Something Better to Do' singer puts her upcoming Vegas gig on hold to spend time with sister Rona, who was recently diagnosed with the life-threatening illness.
- Apr 24, 2013
AceShowbiz - Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Olivia Newton-John was tapped to stand in for the sibling tandem of Donny Osmond and Marie Osmond during their away dates at the Flamingo but fans excited to see the "I Honestly Love You" singer performing live will be sadly disappointed. The 64-year-old artist has decided to postpone her Las Vegas residency in light of "very sad news" that older sister Rona Newton-John has been diagnosed with brain cancer.
"I received the very sad news that my beautiful sister, Rona Newton-John, has been diagnosed with brain cancer," Newton-John said in a statement. "In light of this news, I have decided to postpone my forthcoming Las Vegas residency to spend time with her and our family."
The "Grease" actress added, "As a cancer 'thriver' myself, as many people are, I am very aware of the importance of love, support and family during this journey she is about to begin. I want to thank everyone in advance for respecting our privacy during this difficult time".
Newton-John herself was diagnosed with breast cancer in the early 1990s. She underwent both a mastectomy and chemotherapy treatments and has been declared cancer-free. She has since been an advocate, helping the fight against the life-threatening illness, opening the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre at the Austin Hospital in Heidelberg and just this year, a new cancer center in her own hometown in Melbourne.
