Olivia Newton-John’s first husband Matt Lattanzi and the father of her only daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, has broken his silence in the wake of the star’s sudden death.
The Australian icon died at the Southern California home surrounded by family and friends on august 8, with husband John Easterling confirming the news on Instagram.
Now her ex-husband has opened up about how “overwhelming” the loss has been for him and his current wife Michelle Lattanzi.
Airing their grief in a post shared to Michelle’s Facebook page, the couple wrote: “Today we lost one of the world’s greats Olivia Newton-John.”
Olivia and Matt fell in love in the ’80s.
(Image: Getty)Michelle penned: “Matt and I are so overwhelmed with the love and gratitude shared with us by friends, family and a deeply loving community of fans who will all miss Olivia’s presence in this world.
“I have heard truly lovely stories and memories from people near and far, and honour in each of you where those feelings and memories come from.”
Though Matt didn’t personally write the post, it’s the first time fans have heard how he reacted to the news of his ex-wife’s passing.
“Nothing will replace the icon we lost, yet her legacy is alive and well in our hearts and memories, as well as her contributions to our global culture, her beloved daughter Chloe Lattanzi, and her cancer research and wellness centre in Melbourne, AU,” Michelle continued.
“Please honour your sadness, and then celebrate the joy that Olivia’s heart and lifetime achievements endowed in our world. Sending all kinds of love XOXO.”
Olivia and actor Matt met in 1980 while filming Xanadu, falling in love and dating for four years before tying the knot in 1984.
They welcomed daughter Chloe in 1986, Olivia taking to motherhood with an endless supply of love and devotion.
However her marriage to Chloe’s father wasn’t to last and the couple went their separate ways when Chloe was still a small child, divorcing in 1995.
They split when their daughter was still young.
(Image: Getty)Despite their split, Olivia and Matt remained friendly and shared a supportive relationship as they co-parented Chloe.
Matt married their former babysitter Cindy Jessup in 1997, though they divorced in 2007. He later found love again with current wife Michelle.
Meanwhile Olivia found her soulmate in husband John Easterling, whom she met in the ’90s but didn’t date until the mid 2000s.
They wed in 2008 and were together until the day she died, John voicing his grief in a heartbreaking tribute post days after her death.
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