Rona Newton-John Dies, Olivia Mourns

Actress Olivia Newton-John, right, poses with her sister, Rona Newton-John, at a cocktail reception before the 10th Annual Human Rights Campaign Gala in Los Angeles, Calif., on Feb. 17, 2001. (Photo by Newsmakers)

Rona Newton-John dies of brain cancer: The older sister of singer and actress Olivia Newton-John died on May 24th of brain cancer, Newton-John announced on May 29.

“My beautiful sister Rona sadly passed on May 24th in Los Angeles. It was May 25th in Australia—which was our mother Irene’s birthday,” Newton-John wrote on her Facebook page. “Rona died of a very aggressive brain tumor and mercifully suffered no pain. She was surrounded by the love of her four children—Fiona, Brett, Tottie, and Emerson and, her wonderful friends.”

“I will miss her forever—my beautiful, smart, talented, funny, brave sister Rona.”

Newton-John had canceled a planned residency as a performer at the Flamingo hotel in Las Vegas to spend time with her ailing sister.

“As a cancer ‘thriver’ myself, as many people are, I am very aware of the importance of love, support, and family during this journey she is about to begin,” Newton-John, 64, told Entertainment Tonight in April.

Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, but with chemotherapy, a partial radical mastectomy, and the positive thinking and family support she says helped greatly, she survived.

In lieu of flowers, the Newton-John family is requesting donations to the Olivia Newton John Cancer and Wellness Centre.