Olivia Newton-John 'in shock' over death of cancer nurse

Olivia Newton-John has said she is in shock following the "sudden" death of a cancer nurse who helped care for her.

The actor explained the late nurse, Emma Cohen, had worked at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre as she posted the news to her Instagram.

"My heart is still in shock and so saddened to learn of the sudden loss of the very special Emma Cohen," the Grease star shared.

"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.

Read more: Olivia Newton-John defends Grease from critics

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

"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.

Watch: Olivia Newton John mourning 'sudden' death of cancer nurse

"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," she concluded.

The 72-year-old accompanied her message with a photo of herself and Cohen taken at the centre in 2018.

Newton-John survived her first breast cancer diagnosis in 1992 but it returned in 2013. In 2017 she was diagnosed with breast cancer for the third time.

She's been open about usual medical marijuana alongside her cancer treatments.

Read more: Olivia Newton-John addresses Kelly Preston's death from breast cancer

Sharing an update on her health earlier this year on The One Show, Newton-John said she felt "wonderful".

I'm fine, I just – listen, I was dealing with metastatic breast cancer for the last seven years but I feel great.

"Every day is a gift," she added. "I feel really wonderful."

Watch: Olivia Newton-John 'feels great' amid cancer battle