Can't Stop The Tears: John Travolta Honors Olivia Newton-John at Oscars 2023

The Oscars annual In Memoriam segment was presented by John Travolta this year as his emotions burst out while paying tribute to his close friend and co-star, Olivia Newton-John.

The 58-year-old singer performed his hit song "Calling All Angels" while playing the piano as a tribute video played in the background to commemorate the industry professionals who've been laid to rest.

The video featured some famous names such as Ray Liotta, Raquel Welch, Angelo Badalamenti, James Caan, Jean-Luc Goddard, Mary Alice, Julie Reichert, Angela Lansbury, Irene Cara, and Burt Bacharach.

Travolta then gave a quick nod to Newton-John's ballad hit and said, "They've touched our hearts, they've made us smile, and became dear friends, who we will always remain hopelessly devoted to."

His voice started trembling halfway through the speech, making him choke up on his words, before he mustered the strength to invite Lenny Kravitz on stage.

Travolta received heartfelt praises from fans around the globe for his display of vulnerability, while many lauded him for pushing through his sorrow to finish the segment.

One Twitter user commented, "Poor #JohnTravolta! He has recently lost 3 of the loves of his life!: his wife #KellyPreston #OliviaNewtonJohn & #KirstieAlley That’s a lot for anyone!"

Travolta's wife, Kelly Preston, passed away in 2020 from breast cancer, while his longtime friend, Kirstie Alley, died in December from colon cancer.

Another one of his dear friends, Newton-John passed away in August last year after fighting a decade-long battle with cancer.

Her husband announced the news of her death, saying, "Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends."

Talking about her journey he commented, "Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer."

He concluded the message by highlighting the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, "Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer."

Travolta remembered his friend through an Instagram post that read, "My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again."

Olivia had previously beaten breast cancer twice but was diagnosed with the same sickness in 2017 again. She spent her last years at home campaigning for animal rights and raised money for her charity through online campaigning.

In an interview with The Guardian, she said, "It's been a part of my life for so long. I felt something was wrong. It's concerning when it comes back, but I thought, 'I'll get through it again."

In another interview, Newton-John commented, "I've had and am having an amazing life so I have no complaints."

Talking about her sickness, she said, "Everyone goes through something. We all have something we need to go through in life. This has been my challenge."

Olivia received her big break 4 years after returning to England when Grease producer Allen Carr won her over for the role of Sandy Olsson.

Although she had reservations about the movie, it became a worldwide hit soon after its release. This made Newton-John a global sex symbol. Her memory will stay with us forever.