Still The One We Want - Noosa Style, April-July

By: Violet Wilder

Considering all she's been through since her Sandra Dee days, Olivia Newton-John is a true inspiration to us all.

Through an acting and music career- that ebbed and flowed between prolific and imperfect, she has ridden the waves, forever stayed true to her Aussie roots, and worked a way through life’s challenges, of which there have been many. Her latest success is undoubtedly the way she has once again, kept at arm’s length the spectre of cancer. Diagnosed with metastasis breast cancer in the early Nineties, the singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and international superstar, has worked her way through considerable physical and mental doubt - and, as she says, is now in the best shape of her life. Activity for me helps reduce stress, she begins, and for me this has been a big part of finding normality. Playing sports, going for a walk, keeping moving. If I'm feeling stressed I'll put on my running shoes and go either to the gym, or go for a walk to appreciate the beauty in nature. It’s not radical, it’s simple – but it makes me feel good.

I don't think there is any secret to being happy - I think it's a decision. I think I have a naturally pretty positive outlook and tend to believe the best in people and things. Referencing what has become an almost perpetual battle against cancer, she says: The first time I beat cancer I went through a divorce shortly afterwards, and that’s about the only time I would say a divorce felt so easy, she laughs. The biggest battle of my life had already been won.

After a car accident in 2013, a second cancer diagnosis materialised after doctors found some irregularities in her shoulder. And then, in 2017, a new malignant cancer on her back – three times lucky, right, she laughs.

I joke, but when you have already beaten something twice, the third time around you really don’t consider it in the same way. Cancer is something I’ve learned to live with – it’s part of my life and I do the right thing to keep it at bay. No-one will stop me, she thunders. Newton-John has been helped in no small part by her daughter, Chloe, who is 35. Spiritually, she has been a guiding force, though in a medicinal sense her Amazon Herb Company, which advocates the use of marijuana in easing anxiety, aiding sleep and, ultimately, lessening the pain of the physical effects of cancer - means the actress has embarked on the ultimate mother/daughter project.

Indeed, you might say, at 73, the remarried, singer, songwriter, actress and international superstar is arguably at peace - after a full on and sometimes tumultuous career in the spotlight. “I like to stay current and relevant, but that’s to myself,” she offers. I’m not going to do it for anyone else, and nor should I.

In career terms, although Newton-John’s impact in recent decades has been rather more understated than her time at the forefront of teen entertainment in the late Seventies, when she partnered John Travolta in making the iconic teen love movie Grease, the fact remains the Aussie has sold over 100 million albums. Her success includes four Grammys, numerous Country Music, American Music and People's Choice Awards, an Emmy Award, two number one hits and over 15 top 10 singles.

She is still in touch with Travolta, despite the fact their careers have taken them in very different directions. He is a member of the Hollywood elite; she is someone just as much at home holidaying on the Sunshine Coast – she had a house on Noosa Heads beach in the Eighties – as she is hunting out her next big LA project. Whatever I do, it’s about ensuring I don’t take myself too seriously, she says. I was born in the UK, and actually, a lot of my work ends up back over there on TV. I’ll rough it with light entertainment as much as I want to sell out concert halls – I’m not picky, I just want to contribute and feel a part of it.

The fact she is and still feels a part of it - over three decades since the peak of her stardom, proves the enduring legacy Newton-John has over us.

Perhaps it’s her sunshine smile, perhaps it’s her ability to laugh through even the toughest of life’s challenges, or perhaps it’s because her music has become the greatest advocate for someone, whose battles have extended well beyond getting her latest movie or album to the top of the rankings.

In a way, my songs have always been for anyone facing a time of challenge in their life. I've always told people to get physical, get spiritual, get happy - in your own time. Life is a gift. I think you have to laugh at everything, particularly at yourself - and even in difficult situations. I know I've always found that laughter – and crying – is an emotional release. Some people laugh, some people cry, and some people do both at the same time. Whatever you do, it's a release for your brain and body and helps you feel good, so do it. Personally, laughter is the one for me – it’s incredibly important. It's a wonderful release of endorphins. I'm usually able to laugh at most things, in fact, even when I was given the news I had breast cancer, I think I laughed. I guess it's a natural stress releaser for me - and a strange way to react to some things. It's not always appropriate, but it works.

A big part of the singer, entrepreneur, and activist staying at the top of her game is the fact she has looked after herself so impeccably. It’s the little things, says the entertainer, who has a spa retreat in New South Wales, called Gaia, that was nominated for a prestigious World Luxury Hotel Award. If you do something little every day, ultimately it adds up to making something big, and I’d like to think that’s the way I’ve managed to retain a feeling of being young and alive. I've always taken my makeup off at night - no matter how tired I am; I will always cleanse my face and then moisturise – I use a Vitamin C serum and some form of face cream and still do – perhaps it’s those things, perhaps I’m just lucky.

Olivia Newton-John Q&A

Q: What's your favourite luxury?
OLIVIA: Makeup I love buying makeup. I love the Maybelline mascara in the pink container.

Q: You've mentioned being out in nature and walking your dogs. Do you have a regular exercise program?
OLIVIA: Yes I walk. I have a small gym at home and I was an avid tennis player and loved playing tennis with my husband (she's married to businessman John Easterling), but I haven't had a chance to do that lately. I love to hike and walk my dog. My husband and I take long walks.

Q: How do you think music In general, helps health the body and soul?
OLIVIA: Music Is healing. You might hear a song that sparks a memory or mood and it creates emotions in your body. It's proven that plants grow more with music than without, so music helps In healing and going forward. Babies respond to music even before they're born. Music is a vibration and we are made of vibrations.

Q: Any certain tune of yours that a perennial favourite?
OLIVIA: It's a difficult question. It's like saying who your favourite child is - they all have different meanings. Obviously, Grease was an important part of my life and career - Hopelessly Devoted To You was a wonderful song You’re The One That I Want and Honestly Love You are special to me as well.

Q: What two words best describe Olivia Newton-John today?
OLIVIA: Oh golly. Happy and grateful.