Jason Merritt/Getty ImagesOlivia Newton-John's sister is ailing.
The Grease star has announced that she's postponing an upcoming series of gigs in Las Vegas after getting some "very sad news" that her older sister, Rona Newton-John, has been diagnosed with brain cancer.
"In light of this news, I have decided to postpone my forthcoming Las Vegas residency to spend time with her and our family," Newton-John said in a statement released by her publicist. "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."
Per the Las Vegas Sun, the Aussie actress and singer was expected to fill in for Donny and Marie Osmond's show at the Flamingo this spring and summer with tickets going on sale May 1.
No word yet when Newton-John will reschedule the concerts.
As her statement indicated, the 64-year-old pop icon is no stranger to cancer herself, having been diagnosed with breast cancer 20 years ago and later undergoing a mastectomy. Thankfully, she made a full recovery and has since become a strong advocate on behalf of breast cancer survivors.
Rona Newton-John is an actress and model who has appeared in numerous British television productions. She was previously married for five years to Olivia's late Grease costar Jeff Conaway, but they divorced in 1985. She has one son, Emerson, a professional race car driver, from her marriage to her second husband.