The two words Donnelly uses to describe Newton-John are "modesty and grace." Newton-John's wonderful performances remain on full display in the countless songs she sang, but her acting roles outside of "Grease" also do her credit. And her grace is never more ever-present than in Olivia Newton-John's on-screen duet, "Whenever You're Away from Me," with Gene Kelly in "Xanadu."
"And when she [Newton-John] came in, it was Sandy," Donnelly spoke of her friend's modesty on the set of "Grease," during an interview with the Australian daytime show "Today." "She was wonderful. And I'll say, she was so modest. She was already a big popstar, country western singing star, but she came to me right away. And she said, 'you know this is all new to me, acting. And so, any time you see anything you think I might need help with, or any suggestions you have, I'm wide open. I'm counting on you guys because I'm really new to all this.'"
The outpouring of love for the devastating death of Olivia Newton-John continues, and her legacy endures. Newton-John's accolades include four GRAMMY wins and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but Donnelly perhaps said it best: modesty and grace. These qualities, along with her humble nature, are what endear Olivia Newton-John to so many fans and colleagues.
