Olivia Newton-John has paid tribute to her late cancer nurse and hailed her as an "energetic and powerful woman".

Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John

The 72-year-old actress is mourning the loss of Emma Cohen - a nurse at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre - after she sadly died earlier this month, and she revealed the impact she had during her battle with the disease.

She wrote on Instagram: "My heart is still in shock and so saddened to learn of the sudden loss of the very special Emma Cohen.

"Emma took care of me at a very vulnerable time in my life when I was a patient on her unit at the @onjcancercentre in 2018.

"She ensured my stay was safe and comfortable, always had practical advice for me, showed strong leadership skills and had a great sense of humour.

"She was a bright, energetic and powerful woman with a huge future ahead of her, and we connected on our mission to help patients on their cancer journey."

Olivia was diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer – her third battle with disease – in 2017.

The 'Grease' star - who didn't reveal a cause of death - admitted she will "miss seeing [Emma's] lovely face" at the centre.

She continued: "Emma had such a generous spirit and a warm and loving heart - I will miss seeing her lovely face at the Centre and send my love and deepest condolences to her friends and family."

The Cancer Nurses Society of Australia - on which Emma served as a board director - revealed she died after a "short illness" on April 9.

They wrote on Facebook: "Emma was a vibrant and passionate leader, and a fierce and intelligent advocate for the cancer nursing workforce, and her patients. Her loss has left a huge gap in our community, and in our hearts."

Meanwhile, Olivia recently opened up about her cancer battle and revealed how “keeping a positive attitude” has helped her get through each day.

She said: "I’m doing really well.

“I think it’s just keeping a positive attitude and believing that I will be OK. And talking to my body and doing all the things that I can to support myself emotionally and mentally.”


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