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The Resilient and Electrifying Olivia Newton-John

The Resilient and Electrifying Olivia Newton-John

For more than five decades, Olivia Newton-John  has been one of the most successful and adored entertainers within the industry. A four-time Grammy award winner and the leading lady in iconic films like Grease and Xanadu, her stardom has proven to be eternal. However, in addition to her screen and music success, Olivia is an inspiration for millions around the world.

Her strength, courage, and grace have been put to the test after she was diagnosed with cancer three times. No matter how scary and disheartening the situation is, Olivia has not let her illness prevent her from living life to the fullest. Do you think she is going to sit at home and wait for death? Hell, no! She is giving her cancer a much-deserved ass kicking.

In addition to that ass kicking, she also just released her long-awaited memoir, Don’t Stop Believin’, this past March.

Don’t Stop Believin’ covers everything from Grease to her journey with cancer to her passion for charity work and the founding of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in her hometown of Melbourne. This memoir is truly a pager turner, and OUT FRONT had the absolute pleasure of chatting more with her about the book and her life.

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me, Olivia! OUT FRONT is very excited for the opportunity to feature you.

Of course; my pleasure!

I would like to start off by chatting more about your memoir, Don’t Stop Believin’. Why did you want to write the book?

Well, it didn’t start off like I suddenly wanted to write it. What happened was, I heard that a movie about my life was wanting to be made in Australia, and you know, to cut to the chase, I wanted to write my version. The right version. I don’t know what they would have said. That was the inspiration, really.

What do you hope readers take away from the book?

I hope they are entertained and they feel motivated, and they feel positive things. That’s not why I wrote the book, but I truly hope they are entertained and feel something.

What was the writing process like for you? Did it energize you, or was it an exhausting process?

It was both. I worked with a wonderful woman who helped me and interviewed me, and we talked for hours. She wrote stuff down; then I would put it in my own words. It was a learning process; it was emotional; it was a journey, and it made me think about a few things I haven’t thought about in a while. But it was fun. So, it was a mixture of all those things.

And how did you come with the title Don’t Stop Believin’?

I have always loved that song, and John Farrar produced the album, and it built my career. I always thought it was such an inspiring lyric. It is one of the first songs I sang with lyrics like that, so positive, and consequently, I have done other albums and more kinds of those things. That song kept coming to my head, and I thought, what a perfect title for this book.

Your career spans more than five decades, so I am sure there are many moments that you will forever cherish. What are some of your favorite moments that you highlight and talk about in the book?

Throughout my career, the first thing that always comes to mind is singing at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games with John Farnham. That was such an incredible experience and I was honored to walk out on that stage and see all those people. It was amazing.

It sounds amazing. And of course, you talk about Grease.

Oh yes, of course! But that isn’t like a moment; that’s been a lifetime spanning five decades. The Olympics was just one night, but Grease keeps going.

Did you ever think Grease would become one of the most successful movie musicals in history?

Oh, no! Of course not! I wish I had the crystal ball [laughs]! I am still blown away by the fact that people ask me about Grease almost every day, and we filmed it all those years ago. I think that’s amazing, and the movie has such great energy. I am glad to be a part of it.

Do you still stay in touch with John Travolta?

Yes, very much. In fact, we spoke yesterday. He’s doing great.

Fabulous. Now, another big issue you talk about in the book is your health and battle with cancer. How are you doing these days?

I am doing really great! I am out of my home, shopping. That may sound like nothing to you, but when you have been through what I have, I mean, I had to learn to walk again. I am very grateful to be back in life and doing things. Do not take anything for granted.

I am so glad to hear that. I mean, at the beginning of the year, tabloids were saying you were basically on your deathbed and ready to cross over.

Yes, I saw that. I thought, it’s time to put this to bed. This is so stupid, and it was a very strange feeling to read that. I don’t know if you have ever read your own death, but it’s odd! [Laughs]. I needed to face this head on and put an end to it. It was stupid.

The tabloids can be quite a pain to deal with. So, is your cancer in full remission?

I don’t call it that. I try not to label things, but I am doing very well. I am living over it and winning over it. How does that sound?

Sounds great! When you were diagnosed with your latest bouts of cancer, how were you able to come to terms with it?

Oh, you just do. It wasn’t the first time, and it’s the same kind of cancer I have had. The same old one rearing its ugly head. So, you just have to have a sense of humor about it. Obviously, it’s scary, but I think it makes you realize the gift of every day even more. I know that sounds like a cliché, but it’s really true. Especially as you get older, every day is a gift anyways. I have lost friends lately who were much younger than me, and they seemed to be in perfect health. You just need to be blessed to be alive and never lose sight of that.

For people who are currently battling cancer, what is the best advice you can offer?

Oh, gosh. I think, try to stay as positive as you can. You create what you believe, and if you believe you can do this and you believe you can win over this, you can do it. Also, have something to look forward to. Take time for yourself to do the things you want to do. Everyone’s cancer journey is different, and there is no blueprint. Everyone copes in a different way, but get as much information as you can, and remember, you are the one making the decisions. Do not let anyone do something to you that you don’t want to happen.

Solid advice. Another great achievement happened for you earlier this year. You were appointed the Companion of the Order of Australia?

Yes! You know, they stopped using the word dame, but I would be a dame! The closest I’ll get to being a dame is a companion [laughs]. This was such a wonderful honor, and it’s such a beautiful award.

And you truly deserve it! What’s next for you, Olivia? What other projects and philanthropic endeavors should we be on the lookout for?

Well, the book of course, but I also have Gaia Retreat & Spa, which is my beautiful retreat in Australia. It’s in one of the most beautiful places in the country. I have my cancer wellness and research center, fundraisers, and overall raising awareness. I would like to see an end to cancer in my lifetime.

Photos by Denise Truscello

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