Rona Newton-John Dies on Mother's Birthday, Sister Olivia Announces
Rona Newton-John, sister of actress-singer Olivia Newton-John, passed away after being diagnosed with a brain tumor last month. She was 70 years old, and now Olivia has asked for donations to a brain tumor wellness program that will be founded in Rona's honor.
"My beautiful sister Rona sadly passed on May 24th in Los Angeles. It was May 25th in Australia – which was our mother Irene's birthday. Rona died of a very aggressive brain tumor and mercifully suffered no pain," Olivia posted on her Facebook page.
"She was surrounded by the love of her four children – Fiona, Brett, Tottie and Emerson and her wonderful friends. I will miss her forever – my beautiful, smart, talented, funny, brave sister Rona," she added.
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Instead of sending flowers to honor Rona, Olivia has asked friends, family, and fans to send donations to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Center at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne. The Center was created after Olivia, and then Rona, both battled cancer.
Now Olivia plans to add a "brain tumor wellness program" in her sister's honor and name. The donations will go towards funding that particular program.
Olivia announced her sister's tumor last month and was very vocal about being close to her sibling during her time of need. She even canceled her new Las Vegas show in order to spend time with her sister and family.
"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 [Rona] is about to begin. I want to thank everyone in advance for respecting our privacy during this difficult time," Olivia told Entertainment Tonight.
Twenty years ago Olivia was battling breast cancer, and it was Rona who stepped in to take care of her sister. The two were incredibly close, and the loss has hit Olivia and her family quite hard.
