Olivia Newton-John’s widower John Easterling has made the difficult decision to sell the $13.6 million California ranch where the singer spent her final days.
According to an ONJ insider, the news is “absolutely heartbreaking” for Olivia’s daughter Chloe Rose Lattanzi, 38. “She has so many memories shared with her mum on that ranch.
“The horses, all named by Olivia, ridden by her, the house, the garden, it’s going to be incredibly difficult for Chloe to let this property go.”
But, says the source, “Sadly, they have no choice. It’s devastating for everyone, but this is a money issue. The maintenance on the estate and the annual tax bill is crazy.”
“To keep that ranch would have financially impacted all the good work being done by Olivia’s charities and foundations. They made a promise to her they’d keep saving lives.
“She wanted her legacy to be about her philanthropic work. And she wanted it to continue after she had gone. There will be a few tears shed when this place sells, but it’s what Olivia would have wanted.”
FULFILLING OLIVIA’S DREAM
John and Chloe, who admits the passing of her mum is still raw, are carrying on the singer’s final wishes.
They are continuing to help others with cancer through the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne.
The organisation provides much-needed support for cancer patients and funding for research on plant medicine for cancer. To do this, it needs a steady stream of income.
So as hard as it may be to let go, John has admitted that in addition to the sale of the home, some of Olivia’s items from the ranch will also be sold.
John tells PEOPLE, “Besides some of the personal effects that Chloe and I are keeping, many of Olivia‘s treasures will be sold at a Julien’s Auctions later this year.”
He continues, “Part of the proceeds from this auction will go to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund where we’re making historical progress with the research on plant medicine and cancer.
“This was Olivia’s dream, and I promised her I would follow this through.”
WONDERFUL MEMORIES
The ranch arrives on the market almost two years after the Grease star lost her battle to breast cancer. And while John is bidding farewell to the home, he’s holding tight to their memories.
“Olivia and I made many wonderful memories at our home in Florida and the ranch in California. The message that keeps coming through so clearly is to love life, live life, and never forget about the good things that are going on,” John, a naturopathic entrepreneur, tells PEOPLE.
“The ‘Indian Way’ Ranch in Santa Ynez is a spectacular property where I can see a new family having great nature adventures and relishing the life experience.”
The sprawling 12-acre estate fronts the Santa Ynez River and boasts four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms. There’s also a pool, outdoor kitchen and two-bedroom guesthouse.
And true to Olivia’s animal-loving nature, the home is a pet-lover’s paradise. The estate features a barn, stable, arena and pastures to keep her fur babies happy.
The late actress was open about her adoration for all living creatures. “At one point, before I had my daughter, I had seven horses, nine dogs and a bunch of cats and chickens,” she shared in a 2022 interview. “But now, I have a dog, a cat, 13 chickens and two miniature horses.”
Olivia beamed with joy when she was around animals. And her spark was witnessed by everyone.
Speaking with The Australian Women’s Weekly in 2021, Chloe said one of the things she admired most about her mum was her ability to “see beauty in everything“.
