It was a reaction felt keenly not only by ardent fans who grew up idolising the co-star of Grease for her turn in the film as Sandy.

The nationwide expressions of mourning and affection following her death showed Newton-John's legacy extended far beyond music into something even more personal and profound.

Her starring role in the 1978 hit musical, and her chart toppers, brought her to international fame and made her a household name. It was her own qualities of personal kindness and humility, her lack of pretension, that deepened her relationship with the nation from one of fleeting, casual fandom into genuine lifelong admiration and fondness.

One element of Newton-John's cultural impact has grown less visible as Hollywood has welcomed more Australian stars since she first starred opposite John Travolta in Grease. In 1978, Australians saw an Australian actress, speaking in an Australian accent, play a leading role in a movie that helped define an era.

It was something new for the country, and in that way, Newton-John's success blazed a trail for Australian stars that followed her to the United States. For decades afterwards, she kept a lead role in Australia's cultural pantheon.

Her musical success was considerable. She sold more than 100 million records in a career spanning nearly five decades.

The tributes that flowed for Newton-John spoke of the sense of "light" she brought, for a reason.

Fans and admirers described her as a "beacon of hope", someone who exuded positive energy even despite her personal battles with breast cancer. Her courage battling the disease gave inspiration to people and families fighting cancer everywhere. She broadened her legacy by setting up the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, which researches plant-based treatments for cancer, and a cancer research and wellness facility in Melbourne.

Her loss will long be mourned, and for the same reasons, her life will long be celebrated.