Olivia Newton-John Is Stunning in Last Photo before She Felt Worse — She Once Wasn't Able to Walk Due to Cancer
Hollywood veteran Olivia Newton-John battled cancer for three decades; even when she reached the last stage, she lived four years longer. She previously said she was ready to take her last breath.
In an interview with Australia's "60 Minutes" in September 2017, actress Olivia Newton-John opened up about her second battle with breast cancer.
Newton-John thought that she was experiencing back pain when it turned out that her breast cancer had returned and spread to her lower spine.
Singer and actress Olivia Newton-John during the 35th anniversary of "Xanadu" at Share Nightclub on August 9, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada.┃Source: Getty Images
She told herself that she needed to beat the disease again and swiftly decided to drop everything, even though she had a lot to do. Newton-John admitted that the experience was "scary, but I felt very sure I would get through," she said.
The singer-songwriter went through great pain, which she shared was "the hardest thing" about the ordeal. She explained that she was trying to work at the time, but the ache was unbearable.
The British-born Australian activist revealed that the disease also affected her mobility which entirely prevented her from doing daily activities:
"I couldn’t walk at all a month or so ago. As I heal, I’ll be able to walk more."
Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 at age 44 and underwent chemotherapy and a partial mastectomy.
She had acknowledged that the disease would be something she would have to live with for the rest of her life but remained optimistic about the inevitable.
The "Hopelessly Devoted To You" hitmaker believed that she would eventually be okay. She added that many women had had their cancers return and continued to live into old age, which she imagined for herself.
The "Grease" star shared that she remained positive despite her condition because of the love and support from people. The "Xanadu" star said she had no complaints because she lived a good life, noting that everyone had gone through difficult times, so cancer was her journey.
NEWTON-JOHN'S LAST INTERVIEW & PHOTO BEFORE SHE DIED
Newton-John gave her last interview half a year before she passed, wherein she discussed her own death. She acknowledged that it was hard to do because passing away is "extremely personal."
When she appeared on Sarah Grynberg's "A Life of Greatness" podcast in 2021, the acclaimed star said people tend to be "in denial" about the unavoidable.
The songwriter said people know that death is inevitable, "but I think we spend our lives in denial. It's extremely personal, so it's hard to put into words," adding that all humans are connected somehow. "The Guru" star stated that she had experiences with "spirits and spirit life."
Moreover, Newton-John shared that she looked forward to crossing over to the next life, noting she hoped people she loved would be there: "I hope the energies of the people you love will be there. I'm looking forward to that, not now, but when it happens."
During an appearance on Extra TV, Newton-John got asked whether she was cancer-free, and she replied, saying she was unable to say whether or not she was, "but I am stable and feeling well," adding she felt lucky.
Sadly, she died a year later, on August 8, at age 73. Newton-John's husband, John Easterling, announced her passing on social media.
"Dame Olivia Newton-John passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends," he wrote.
A photo of the fan-favorite star surfaced following the news of her death, taken on April 17, 2022. The image showed her posing in her garden while beaming and surrounded by sunflowers.
Little did followers know that it would be Newton-John's last social media post. The People's Choice Award winner captioned the said picture: "Wishing everyone a Happy Easter on this beautiful Spring day."
Fans reacted to the photo wherein the country music crooner wore a white shirt with a denim jacket and commented on the post.
A screengrab of a fan commenting on Olivia Newton-John's Instagram post.┃Source: Instagram/@therealonj
One follower complimented Newton-John, saying she had a "beautiful smile as always." Another Instagram user said the picture was stunning.
A third individual shared the same sentiments commenting on Newton-John ageless beauty while wishing her a "Happy Easter."
In addition, merely three days before her death, Newton-John shared a throwback photo of herself in her husband's arms. "Flashback Friday," she captioned the post.
One person commented on the picture, saying it was "beautiful" while wishing Newton-John good health, "love and light," adding he was praying for her.
NEWTON-JOHN'S FAMILY REVEALS HER LAST WISH
Since the news of her death, Newton-John's family revealed her last desire to her beloved fans. The Golden Globe nominee requested fans to donate to her charity instead of buying flowers before she departed.
The Hollywood starlet's spouse revealed that her "final request was for donations to be made to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, 'in lieu of flowers." The said foundation funds research into plant-based medicine and holistic treatments for cancer.
Easterling wrote on his wife's Facebook page that she was a beacon of hope for three decades while fighting breast cancer and sharing her journey with others. He added that her legacy and remarkable experience with plant medicine would be continuing with the "Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund."
Newton-John became a household name since her stint on the most successful musical 1978 film, "Grease," portraying the role of Sandy.
She received critical acclaim for the role, playing an innocent high schooler, and earned a Golden Globe nomination.
The "Glee" alum was a much-loved movie star. In her last video, posted right before Christmas, Newton-John thanked fans for their unwavering support throughout the years:
"I wish all a primarily healthy, happy, peaceful Christmas. I want to thank you all for all your support over the years, and I wish you all the best and send you love and light."
The doting mother of one is survived by her husband, Easterling; daughter Chloe; sister Sarah Newton-John, brother Toby Newton-John; nieces and nephews, Fiona, Tottie, and Brett Goldsmith; Randall, and Jeremy Newton-John.
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