Brave Olivia smiles again
Olivia Newton-John will use her New Year holiday to heal after her mum's sad passing
Facing her first Christmas and New Year without her beloved mum Irene has been hard for music industry veteran Olivia Newton-John, but the singer is using the time to heal at her US home, surrounded by family.
Her daughter Chloe, 17 - who was recently signed to her mum’s record company, Festival Records - has stood steadfastly by Olivia’s side throughout her ordeal. “There’s nothing more important than my daughter. She’s my life,” says Olivia. Chloe has joined her mum on her sell-out American tour, which ends in February, and the close pair has been wowing fans with their duets.
Friends who watched the former Grease star retreat after her mum’s death earlier this year say the resilient singer is showing signs of bouncing back, and is starting to embrace life again-just as her mum taught her to.
“My mother was an intelligent, funny, creative, beautiful woman who was extremely involved with life,” says Olivia. “My mum is a big part of who I am today. I owe her a great deal.”
Even amid all the pain, the courageous star found time to comfort singer Delta Goodrem when she was diagnosed with Hodgkinson’s Disease earlier this year. Delta recalls: “She sent me this amazing letter saying how this was not the end, just a blip on the radar.”
At 55, ’70s golden girl Olivia is still as ravishing as ever. Though cancer-free for more than 10 years, she still has six-monthly check-ups, and is looking great thanks to healthy eating and yoga.
Despite undergoing a partial mastectomy, breast reconstruction and chemotherapy, Olivia has managed to remain positive. “I was never angry. I never once thought, ‘Why me?”. The truth is, why should I be different from anyone else who has to go through this - why not me? I decided I could either fight this thing or I could curl up and die -I found an inner strength.”
Olivia's six steps to fabulous health
*Veggies are vital
I’m on a wheat- and dairy-free diet. Wheat makes me bloated, so I feel better when I don’t eat it. Also, I’m not food motivated - I eat for good health rather than pleasure. I love grilled foods, steamed vegetables and a good crisp salad with my own dressing. I use olive oil, fresh lemons and a light soy sauce rich in aminos.
*Vitamin supplements and herbs help
I really like my new vitamin/herb spray, rich in calcium, magnesium, vitamins C and D, fennel, alfalfa, rosemary with a natural fruit-juice base. When I’m driving I take a squirt of it. The spray is better than pills, because you have to digest the pills and you lose a lot that way.
*Get physical
I always feel better after a walk in the park. I walk a lot. I’m lucky because where I live I can run on the beach. I go to the gym twice a week, where I do aerobics, work out on the treadmill and lift weights. I do something every day. I’m lucky genetically, I don’t really have to do much, but feel better when I exercise. It’s a way to get rid of stress.
*Stay positive
A positive attitude is essential to one’s ultimate survival. I realise that I am blessed to be alive and every day I acknowledge and affirm that life is a gift-so I live in the present.
*Try something new
I balance western and eastern philosophies, practising meditation, yoga and prayer. I complement my treatments with herbs, homeopathy and acupuncture to help me stay centered and focused.
*Get support
Last but not least, the support of family and good friends is priceless, as is lots of laughter - the best medicine of all!