Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling's Relationship: A Look Back

The couple tied the knot in June 2008 and shared a number of sweet moments together before the actress' death in August 2022

By
Kelsie Gibson
Kelsie Gibson

Kelsie Gibson is the Senior News Editor of Society and Culture at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2021. She was formerly at POPSUGAR, Bustle, Tiger Beat and Her Campus.

Updated on September 27, 2022 01:21PM EDT

Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling's love was a match made in heaven.

On Aug. 8, Easterling announced the heartbreaking news thatthe actress had died at age 73 of breast cancer.

"Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,"he wrote on Instagram.

The couple first met through a friend sometime in the early '90s but didn't date until 15 years later. Easterling, a natural-health businessman, shared Newton-John's interest in spirituality and holistic cures, andEasterling helped Newton-John manage her cancer symptoms with medicinal marijuana he grew himself.

After going public with their romance in 2007,the two tied the knot (twice) in June 2008. After eloping to be wed in an Incan spiritual ceremony held on a mountaintop outside of Peru, the two returned to Florida and said "I do" again on the beach in front of friends and family.

For more on Olivia Newton-John, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.

Over the years, the two have shown their love for each other on social media and at various events, including red carpet appearances withNewton-John'sGrease costar John Travolta.

Additionally, Easterling was by Newton-John's sideafter her breast cancer diagnosis, supporting her at numerous benefits and cancer walks. They even joined forces to launch the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund in 2020 in order to continue to support research into plant medicine for cancer.

Take a look back at the couple's relationship through the years.

Olivia Newton-John's Life and Career in Photos

2007: Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling start dating

15 years after their first meeting, Newton-John and Easterlingstarted dating sometime in 2007 after falling in love during a trip to the Amazon.

July 10, 2007: Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling attend their first event together

JULY 10: John Easterling and Olivia Newton-John attend XANADU opening night after-party at Providence N.Y.C. on July 10, 2007. (Photo by CHANCE YEH /Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
CHANCE YEH /Patrick McMullan via Getty

The couple later went public with their romance as they attended the opening ofXANADU on Broadway, marking one of their first official events together.

Jan. 19, 2008: Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling attend the G'Day USA Gala with John Travolta

Newton-John had a sweet reunion with herGrease costar Travolta as she attended the G'Day USA Gala alongside Easterling. The trio was all smiles as they posed for photos on the red carpet.

RELATED GALLERY: Still the Ones That We Want: Every Time John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John Have Reunited Over the Years

April 7, 2008: Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling participate in the Great Walk to Beijing

LUANPING, HEBEI - APRIL 07: Australian actress/singer Olivia Newton-John and partner John Easterling begin the twenty one day "Great Walk to Beijing 2008" trek along The Great Walk of China to raise money and awareness for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, at the Jinshanling Great Wall on April 7, 2008 in Luanping of Hebei province, China. (Photo by Guang Niu/Getty Images)
Guang Niu/Getty

Before tying the knot, Newton-John and Easterling took part in the Great Walk to Beijing to raise money and awareness for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre.

June 2008: Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling get married

After secretly tying the knot in Peru on June 21,the couple got married again in Florida on June 30.

Aside from telling her daughter,Newton-John kept her nuptials a secret from her family until the couple hosted a July 4 barbeque at her home in Malibu.

"It was the one thing I could keep private," she told PEOPLE at the time. "That's how we wanted it because my life is so public."

Nov. 24, 2008: Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling support Hugh Jackman at theAustralia premiere

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 24: (L-R) John Easterling, Olivia Newton John, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness attend "Australia" New York Premiere at the Ziegfeld Theater on November 24, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage for 20th Century Fox)
Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage for 20th Century Fox

Newton-John showed support for her friend Hugh Jackman as she and Easterling attended the premiere of his filmAustralia. The couple was spotted posing for photos on the red carpet alongside Jackman andhis wife Deborra-Lee Furness.

Sept. 30, 2009: Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling attend Olivia Newton-John & Friends in Concert

Easterling was by Newton-John's side as she hosted a fundraising gala event in Sydney, Australia as part of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre.

Jan. 16, 2010: Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling attend G'Day USA Gala with John Travolta

HOLLYWOOD, CA - JANUARY 16: Amazon John Easterling, Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta arrive at G'Day USA 2010 Los Angeles Black Tie Gala held at Hollywood & Highland on January 16, 2010 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic)
Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic

The couple joined forces with Travolta again as they attended the 2020 G'Day USA Gala together.

Sept. 9, 2010: Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling step out with her daughter

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 09: (L-R) John Easterling, singer/actress Olivia Newton-John, Chloe Lattanzi, and musician Crosby Loggins attend the "Score: A Hockey Musical" premiere during the 35th Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 9, 2010 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

Newton-John and Easterling shared a sweet moment withthe actress' daughter Chloe Lattanzi, whom she shares with ex Matt Lattanzi, as they attended the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival.

Dec. 10, 2013: Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling attend the American Country Awards

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 10: John Easterling and actress Olivia Newton-John arrive at the American Country Awards 2013 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on December 10, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images)
Isaac Brekken/Getty

The two attended the American Country Awards together in coordinating black jackets. During the show, Newton-John appeared on stage as a presenter as she honoredTaylor Swift with the first-ever worldwide artist award.

Jan. 23, 2016: John Easterling supports Olivia Newton-John as she's honored at the Black & White Ball

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 23: Entertainer Olivia Newton-John (R) and her husband, John Easterling, attend Nevada Ballet Theatre's 32nd annual Black & White Ball honoring her at Wynn Las Vegas on January 23, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
David Becker/Getty

Easterling was by Newton-John's side as the Nevada Ballet Theatrehonored the actress with the woman of the year award at the Black & White Ball.

Oct. 12, 2016: Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling open up about their love to PEOPLE

During an interview with PEOPLE, Newton-Johnopened up about finding love with Easterling after her ex-partnerPatrick McDermott mysteriously went missing during a boating trip in 2005.

"I dated a little bit, but I wasn't expecting to fall in love with him — and then bam!" she said. Years later some reports alleged McDermott had faked his death and was found to be living in Mexico. While Newton-John said the entire ordeal was "traumatic," Easterling helped her move on.

"One of the hardest things is not knowing," says Newton-John of what actually happened to McDermott. "I'm very lucky I have a wonderful, beautiful husband who is just so loving and fantastic. I always tell my friends you're never too old to find love. I found the love of my life at 59 going on 60! I'm grateful."

Nov. 2, 2016: Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling attend the CMA Awards

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 02: John Easterling (L) and singer Olivia Newton-John (R) attend the 50th annual CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena on November 2, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage)
John Easterling and Olivia Newton-John.John Shearer/WireImage

The couple made another cute country music appearance together as they attended theCMA Awards in November 2016.

2017: John Easterling shares what he loves most about Olivia Newton-John

During an interview with PEOPLE in 2017, Easterling opened up about marveling at Newton-John's strength after finding out thather breast cancer had reappeared.

"She just has the capacity to love a lot of people like no one I've seen," he said. "It's just so comforting to see the outpouring of love coming back, the love and the prayer and the healing intentions coming from people all over the world to help complete that circle, that's in her message that she puts out and that's what's coming back so I think before long here in a couple of months she'll have a real story that will inspire so many people, you have to address this challenge at one point or another."

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Olivia Newton-John (R) and John Easterling attend the VIP reception for upcoming "Property of Olivia Newton-John Auction Event at Julien’s Auctions on October 29, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

March 7, 2019: Olivia Newton-John shares how John Easterling has supported her during her cancer journey

Following her stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis, Newton-John opened up about how her husband, a natural health entrepreneur,has been supporting her and helping her in her day-to-day.

"My husband hands me all these herbs every morning and makes me a green algae drink," she told PEOPLE. "He grows the plants and makes them into liquid for me. I take drops maybe four to five times a day."

She also shared that she's been enjoying taking time off and spending time with her family. "I've been working my whole life. Now, I'm getting up in the morning, feeding my cat and my dog and my husband, usually in that order. Just enjoying being a housewife."

Oct. 6, 2019: Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling attend the Olivia Newton-John Wellness Walk and Research Run

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 06: Chloe Lattanzi, John Easterling and attends the Olivia Newton-John Wellness Walk and Research Run on October 06, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. The event helps fund cancer research and provide access to world-leading wellness and support care programs for patients within the ONJ Centre. (Photo by Sam Tabone/WireImage)
Chloe Lattanzi, John Easterling and Olivia Newton-John.by Sam Tabone/WireImage

The couple was joined by Newton-John's daughter as they attended the Olivia Newton-John Wellness Walk and Research Run in Melbourne, Australia, cuddling up for a sweet photo together.

October 2020: Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling launch the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund

In October 2020, the couple launched theOlivia Newton-John Foundation Fund in order to continue to support research into plant medicine for cancer.

Aug. 8, 2022: John Easterling announces Olivia Newton-John's death

On Aug. 8, Easterling announced the sad news that Newton-John had died at age 73.

"Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,"he wrote on Instagram.

He continued, "Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years, sharing her journey with breast cancer. Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation."

Aug. 10, 2022: John Easterling pays tribute to Olivia Newton-John

In a heartfelt message shared onNewton-John's Instagram page,Easterling paid tribute to their love, her character and thanked fans for the love and support fans have given the pair.

"Olivia, our love for each other transcends our understanding. Every day we expressed our gratitude for this love that could be so deep, so real, so natural. We never had to 'work' on it. We were in awe of this great mystery and accepted the experience of our love as past, present and forever," Easterling wrote.

"At Olivia's deepest essence she was a healer using her mediums of song, of words, of touch. She was the most courageous woman I've ever known. Her bandwidth for genuinely caring for people, for nature and all creatures almost eclipses what is humanely possible," he continued. "It is only the grace of God that has allowed me to share the depth and passion of her being for so long. In her most difficult times she always had the spirit, the humor, and the willpower to move things into the light."

He concluded, "Even now as her soul soars, the pain and holes in my heart are healed with the joy of her love and the light that shines forward. Our family deeply appreciates the vast ocean of love and support that has come our way. Onward Ho John Easterling."

September 26, 2022: John Easterling shares sweet memory on what would have been Olivia Newton-John's 74th birthday

Days after friends and family celebrated Newton-John during a memorial service, Easterling reflected on a joyous moment he had with his belated wifein honor of her birthday.

"I remember the first birthday when we were together and I took Olivia on a week-long adventure in the Out Islands of the Bahamas surrounded by a beautiful, peaceful, spectacular turquoise water," he wrote on Instagram.

"There are so many islands there [that] you almost always have an island in sight when you're out on your boat," Easterling continued. "It was private, it was wonderful, and we would take the boat to uninhabited islands and beach it and just explore — just the two of us."

He concluded: "Every day with Olivia there was a hint of magic and [an] everyday day with Olivia was a bit of the supernatural. Happy Birthday Honey — I love you!"

Read more:
You Might Like
John Mayer and Jennifer Aniston attend the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar party on February 22, 2009 in West Hollywood, California ; John Mayer and Taylor Swift attend the launch of VEVO on December 8, 2009 in New York City.
Who Has John Mayer Dated? A Look Back at the Singer's Relationship History from Jennifer Aniston to Taylor Swift
Celebrity
October 15, 2025
Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool/Wade Wilson in Deadpool & Wolverine, John Candy in Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Ryan Reynolds Reveals the Clever ‘Easter Eggs’ Dedicated to the Late John Candy in All 3Deadpool Movies
Entertainment
October 11, 2025
Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge attend the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 30th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 27, 2022 in West Hollywood, California
Who Is Sofia Richie's Husband? All About Elliot Grainge
Celebrity
April 08, 2021

Related Articles

John Mayer and Jennifer Aniston attend the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar party on February 22, 2009 in West Hollywood, California ; John Mayer and Taylor Swift attend the launch of VEVO on December 8, 2009 in New York City.
Who Has John Mayer Dated? A Look Back at the Singer's Relationship History from Jennifer Aniston to Taylor Swift
By Jacqueline Weiss
Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool/Wade Wilson in Deadpool & Wolverine, John Candy in Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Ryan Reynolds Reveals the Clever ‘Easter Eggs’ Dedicated to the Late John Candy in All 3Deadpool Movies
By Brian Anthony Hernandez and Marina Watts
Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge attend the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 30th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 27, 2022 in West Hollywood, California
Who Is Sofia Richie's Husband? All About Elliot Grainge
By Maria Pasquini and Kelsie Gibson
Mariska Hargitay attends the 2025 Kering Caring For Women at The Pool on September 11, 2025 in New York City; American actress Jayne Mansfield.
Mariska Hargitay Says She MadeMy Mom Jayne in 2.5 Years After Spending Her 'Entire Life' Preparing: 'Batting All These Demons'
By Abby Stern
Chris Rock Ben Stiller
Chris Rock Says Friend Ben Stiller’s Marriage Reconciliation Was ‘Harder to Do Than a $600 Million Movie’
By Alexandra Schonfeld
John Candy, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Screengrab
John Candy’s Son Reveals Surprising Reason Unscripted Devil Costume Scene Was Added to Planes, Trains & Automobiles
By Marina Watts and Mark Gray
Taylor Swift performs during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at the National Stadium on March 02, 2024 in Singapore.
Taylor Swift Is Nominated for Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Why It Took Until Now
By Ilana Kaplan
Johnny Depp attends the UK Premiere of "Jeanne Du Barry" at The Curzon Mayfair on April 15, 2024 in London, England
Johnny Depp to Make Major Hollywood Return as Scrooge in New Dark Take onA Christmas Carol
By Jack Smart
12
Dolly Parton attends Dolly Parton's Rockstar VIP Album Release Party with American Greetings on November 16, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee
Dolly Parton Celebrates the 52nd Anniversary of Her Hit 'Jolene' with a Throwback Tribute
By Madison E. Goldberg
John Candy
John Candy's Friends Detail the 'Crippling' Anxiety He Faced in Final Days: 'He Was Running Out of Time' (Exclusive)
By Lizzie Hyman
32
(L-R): Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson, Bette Midler as Winifred Sanderson, and Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson in HOCUS POCUS 2, exclusively on Disney+
Bette Midler Gives Update onHocus Pocus 3, Says She's Seen a Script and 'a Lot of It Was Brilliant'
By Jack Smart
Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor attend the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California; KRAFT MUSIC HALL -- "Love & Marriage, Part 1 & 2' Episode 1311 & 1312 -- Pictured: (l-r) Husband and wife comedy team: Jerry Stiller, Anne Meara
Ben Stiller Felt He Was 'Failing' During Separation from Wife Christine Taylor, Couldn't 'Live Up' to Parents' Marriage
By Alexandra Schonfeld
56
Beesha in 'The Twits' ; Maitreyi Ramakrishnan attends "Never Have I Ever" Season 4 Premiere on June 01, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
See Netflix’sThe Twits Cast Paired Side-by-Side with the Wacky Characters They Voice
By Jane LaCroix
Kat Stickler at Billboard Latin Women In Music held at the Watsco Center on May 6, 2023 in Coral Gables, Florida. The show airs on Sunday, May 7, 2023 on Telemundo; John Mayer attends "Jeff Ross: Take A Banana For The Ride" Broadway Opening Night at Nederlander Theatre on August 18, 2025 in New York City.
Kat Stickler Seemingly Responds to John Mayer Dating Rumors with New TikTok
By Luke Chinman
Edward Norton attends the UK Premiere of "A Complete Unknown" at the BFI Southbank on January 14, 2025 in London, England.
Edward Norton Reveals His Passion for Converting Old Railways to Public Trails Started with His Father (Exclusive)
By Stacy Lambe
Tim Curry Muppet Treasure Island - 1996
Tim Curry Ad-Libbed a Risqué Line About 'Seductive Girl' Miss Piggy That Got Cut fromMuppet Treasure Island
By Victoria Edel and Angela Andaloro