'Devastated' Barry Gibb breaks silence on Olivia Newton-John's death: 'She was my sister'

11 August 2022, 13:30 | Updated: 12 August 2022, 16:42

The Bee Gees singer has spoken out about the untimely death of his friend Olivia Newton-John.

Barry Gibb has paid tribute to Olivia Newton-John.

The Bee Gees star, who performed many times with Olivia, gave a statement referring to her as his 'sister'.

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Barry, 75, accompanied his statement about the star with a photo of the pair singing together at a UNICEF gig in 1979.

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A post shared by Barry Gibb (@officialbarrygibb)

Taking to his official Instagram account, Barry said: "I’m devastated by the loss of my dearest friend Olivia Newton-John.

"We lived through the same journey growing up in Australia and relishing every moment of it.

"We knew time was short and that time spent together was priceless.

"Olivia, you will always be my sister and we will meet again. Love and light, Barry ❤️"

There have been many moments between the duo caught on camera, with the pair collaborating many times.

Grease star Dame Olivia Newton-John dies aged 73

Barry Gibb and Olivia Newton-John gave us some beautiful duets, but their version of 'How Can You Mend A Broken Heart' in 2009 may just beat all the others.

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Olivia also duetted with Barry's brother Andy Gibb in 1979, with the pair sitting opposite one other on high chairs for a stunningly heartfelt performance of the delicate Bee Gees song 'Rest Your Love On Me'.

And back in 1978, Barry Gibb famously lead brother Robin and Maurice Gibb in a stunning rendition of the Bee Gees' 1978 hit 'Grease' on stage in Las Vegas as Olivia sang along from the audience.

Olivia Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 and the disease returned again in 2017.

The devastating news of Olivia's death was shared by her husband John Easterling, who told the world in a statement on August 8: "Dame Olivia Newton-John passed away peacefully at her ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends.

"We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time."