Interview: Olivia Newton-John Opens Up About Cancer Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply. Close
Olivia Newton-John Opens Up About Cancer
The Grease star discusses her diagnosis stardom and living with gratitude
Rachel Luna/FilmMagic Olivia Newton-John was catapulted to superstardom after playing Sandy Olsson, opposite John Travolta's Danny Zuko, in the 1978 movie musical . More than a decade later, in 1992, the four-time Grammy winner made headlines when she revealed her breast cancer diagnosis at age 43. Now 70, the British-born singer-actress — who came out with a memoir Don’t Stop Believin’, earlier this year — is managing her third cancer diagnosis. A longtime activist for cancer awareness and research, she’ll be offering up the iconic motorcycle jacket she wore in Grease’s final scene, along with other memorabilia, at a Julien’s Auctions event next month to raise funds for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in her childhood hometown of Melbourne, Australia (estimated sale price? $100,000-$200,000). Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. We talked to her about her diagnosis and the particular challenges and opportunities it offers someone so prominently in the public eye. It was cause for celebration because I got there. We're all lucky to get to each birthday because you don't know what's going to happen. You have to relish each day. Age to me is a gift. – Olivia Newton-John on turning 70 When you were first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, did you have reservations about going public? I was kind of coerced because the press was going to write some pretty scary things that would frighten my family. So I thought I'd better come out and be open about it in the beginning. It wasn't my plan, but it turned out to be the best thing for me. I didn't have to keep secrets. I was able to talk to other women who were going through the same thing. I found a support system. When the cancer returned in 2013, why did you decide to keep it quiet? I didn't want to draw more attention to myself. I was doing a lot of natural therapies. And I was working. I didn't want to draw attention away from what I was doing. In 2017, you revealed that the cancer had come back and progressed to stage 4. How are you feeling now? I'm doing really, really well. Last year, I was in my own hospital in Melbourne. I spent my birthday there, and it was beautiful. I finished my radiation, and they wheeled me out and I had a party with my family. For entertainment news, advice and more, get Are you undergoing treatment now? I did radiation last year. Now I take estrogen blockers. Apart from that, I do nutrient herbal-based treatments and I take a lot of cannabis. That's been a huge part of my healing. I'm trying to reach out to people and make them realize that cannabis is a healing plant. Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > Are you optimistic about the progress in research? I am optimistic. We have seen great results. I hope we see more research in plant medicine. That is the future. Our bodies are becoming resistant to all the chemicals. Plants and herbs are on the planet for a reason. My wonderful husband, a plant medicine man, says we need to use the whole plant. It doesn't work if you just use a part of it. Aging can be rough for women in show business. Did turning 70 rattle you? It was cause for celebration because I got there. We're all lucky to get to each birthday because you don't know what's going to happen. You have to relish each day. Age to me is a gift. Is there anything you still want to do professionally? I think I've done it all — and more. I had icing and cream on the icing, and candles on top of that. I've achieved everything I could have possibly dreamed of. I'm very grateful. Edna Gundersen is an American journalist and a former longtime music writer and critic for USA Today. More on entertainment AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS