Stockard Channing, 78, has released an emotional statement about her Grease co-star and friend Olivia Newton-John following the actress and singer’s death.
Olivia, who played Sandy in the hit 1978 movie-musical, passed away on Monday following a lengthy battle with breast cancer.
Since the news was announced, Olivia’s Grease co-stars have been paying tribute to their beloved friend, including actress Stockard, who played Betty Rizzo.

Stockard released a statement to People where she said that Olivia was “the essence of summer”.
The full statement reads: “I don’t know if I’ve known a lovelier human being.
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“Olivia was the essence of summer – her sunniness, her warmth and her grace are what always come to mind when I think of her. I will miss her enormously.”
Another of the Pink Ladies, Didi Conn, 71, also spoke publicly about her friend and former co-star this week following the news of her death.

Didi, who played Frenchy in Grease, appeared on The Morning Show, where she said that Olivia was a “giving, loving, beautiful person.”
She reflected on their friendship following the movie, explaining: “It began a friendship that deepened when she got cancer. All of a sudden this major pop star, all that became important was getting well.”