Olivia Newton-John and Didi Conn in 2015.Photo: David Becker/WireImage
Didi Connis remembering how her lateGreasecostarOlivia Newton-Johnwas concerned for Conn’s health “just a few weeks before” her own death.
Conn said she andNewton-John, who died of breast cancer at age 73in August, spoke about “once a month,” according to an interview published onPage Sixon Sunday. She told the outlet the last time Conn spoke to Newton-John was when her friend was in the hospital.
“She had broken a leg and didn’t even notice. Like, her bones were just cracking,” said Conn, 71.
But despite her own situation, Newton-John was upset at her friend fornot telling her that she, too, had been sick as of late.
“She said, ‘What?! Why didn’t you tell me?’ " recalled Conn, who played Frenchy, the best friend of Newton-John’s Sandy, in the hit 1978 musical film.
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Olivia Newton-John and Didi Conn inGrease(1978).Paramount/Rso/Kobal/Shutterstock
Upon hearing the news of Conn’s ailing health, Newton-John sent her a “beautiful orchid plant” the day after they spoke.
“And three days before she died, one of the orchid flowers fell down and my heart stopped,” Conn toldPage Six. “I said, ‘I hope that’s not a sign.’ "
Recalling when Newton-John firstreceived her cancer diagnosis, the actress said, “Her priorities about stardom and all of that just flipped to living, to being the best mom, being the best friend.”
“And also being an advocate and a spokesperson for cancer and thriving, as she said, surviving but thriving. And that’s really what she dedicated her life to — besides performing,” Conn added.
RELATED VIDEO: 40 Years AfterGrease, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John Open Up About Their Friendship Through Good Times and Bad: “We Have a Bond”
“In this industry, we have the rare luxury of getting to do what we love for a living, and sometimes getting to do it with people that we come to love,” said Travolta, 69. “Since tonight is a celebration of the work and the accomplishments of our community and this past year, it is only fitting then that wecelebrate those we’ve lostwho’ve dedicated their lives to their craft, both in front of and behind the camera. Through their immeasurable contributions, each of them left an individual and indelible mark that shared and informed us.”
“They’ve touched our hearts. They’ve made us smile, and became dear friends who we will always remain hopelessly devoted to,” he added while becoming emotional, quotingNewton-John’s famous solo song fromGrease.
Travolta posted a lovingtribute to Newton-Johnfollowing the news of her death, praising his longtime friend for her “incredible” impact.
“My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better,” he captioneda throwback photoof Newton-John. “Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!”
source: people.com
