Inside Olivia Newton-John's Heartbreaking Battle With Cancer

From Country Living

• Olivia Newton-John was first diagnosed with cancer in 1992.

• The disease returned in 2013 and in 2017.

• She has relied on her family, husband John and daughter Chloe, for support.

In January 2019, actress and singer Olivia Newton-John looked into a camera and smiled as she recorded a very important message for her social media followers.

“The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated,” Olivia said. She then began laughing as she realized the silliness of the situation. “I’m doing great and I want to wish you all the happiest, healthiest 2019 as possible.”

Whispers regarding Olivia’s health began to swirl in late 2018 as tabloids claimed the Grease star was dying from cancer. Some alleged she was bedridden, and others said she was in organ failure.

In reality, Olivia, now 70, is busy at work at both her artistic and philanthropic projects, and she’s the subject of an upcoming movie airing on Lifetime on February 16. Hopelessly Devoted to You looks back at the star’s five-decade career and her many successes, as well as her personal tragedies.

Olivia’s battle with breast cancer and her determination to beat the disease is featured in the film. Olivia was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, according to Marie Claire. The disease returned in 2013, and Olivia opted to keep her diagnosis quiet. But when it returned again in 2017 and metathesized to her back, Olivia had to postpone some of her shows and share the news with her fans.

During treatment, Olivia described the positive attitude that kept her going. “I’m a now person. No one knows about the future, you only know the moment you’re living in, and I’m grateful for that moment. I tend not to look back,” she told the Arizona Republic.

Olivia also had a strong support system to help her through her ordeal. She has been married to John Easterling, a rainforest advocate and businessman, since 2008. She also relied on her daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, 33.

Olivia’s experience with cancer prompted her to open the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre, a public hospital in Australia. The center opened in 2014 and now has 200 clinical trials underway.

Last month, the Australian government honored Olivia for her charitable contributions with the highest honor given to citizens.

Olivia didn’t return home for the ceremony, which had rumors swirling that she was too sick to travel. But fans will see Olivia in coming months. Her memoir, Don’t Stop Believin’ releases in March, and she’s planning a book tour.

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