New Life After The Divorce - Echo Der Frau

Translation from German

Olivia looks to the future with optimism. I've banished fears and negative thoughts from my life. I'm here, and I'm healthy. That's all that matters. In recent years, I've had to learn to simply enjoy the moment. I've grasped that lesson too, says Olivia Newton-John (47).

Now the world-famous star has come to Germany for a few days. Thomas Gottschalk was to blame for this brief visit: In his show Wetten, dass...? she bet on the wrong contestant. And as punishment, she went to see the musical Grease in Düsseldorf.

She became world-famous in the late 1970s in the film of the same name alongside John Travolta. Does she still keep in touch with him? Oh, yes. We talk on the phone often. He's very happy and very successful again. Life is treating him well. Recently, he asked me, quite astonished: Can you understand why young people are into our music again?

Life wasn't so kind to Olivia. Almost exactly four years ago, she received the devastating diagnosis: breast cancer! I never wished for this terrible disease.

But looking back, I have to say — I know this might sound strange — it was a gift, a challenge. I grew as a person. And I learned a lot about life, about compassion, love, and friends. That was important for my development. I used to be anxious, but now I can definitely express my anger and say a clear no.

A clear rejection also came from her husband, Matt Lattanzi (37), father of ten-year-old daughter Chloe.

We separated. Unfortunately, we went in completely different directions. At some point, the love died completely. All the stories about a reconciliation are false. For Chloe, however, our decision is hard to understand. She is the center of my life. But it's pointless to stay together just for the sake of a child. For me, there are no more compromises. My time is simply too precious for that.

Finally, the singer and actress still has a lot planned: She recorded the album Songs of Heathcliff with colleague Cliff Richard (55). Then a CD of love songs will follow to the market.

Is there a new man in her life? She laughs heartily, almost like Sandy from Grease. No, there isn't. But who knows: Maybe I'll run into him tomorrow while shopping.

By Frauke Meinen.

Photo captions: They met in Duuml;sseldorf: World star Olivia Newton-John and chief reporter F. Meinen
Their marriage broke down: There is no new beginning for Olivia and Matt Lattanzi.
The proud mother: My daughter Chloe is the center of my life. She wants to follow in my footsteps.
The musical film Grease made her world-famous overnight. John and I like to look back on that time.
Olivia was accompanied by her sister Rona. Rona's son Emerson was racing at the Hockenheimring.