Olivia Newton-John, who recently announced that she’s battling breast cancer for the second time, has stepped out for a very special cause.
The 68-year-old made a rare public appearance for the Olivia Newton-John Gala in Melbourne on Friday night, which she organised through her charity — the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Research Centre. The event was held to celebrate the achievements of the centre and most importantly, raise much-needed funds.
Speaking with The Herald Sun, the actress explained that the evening had become “even more significant” due to her recent diagnosis — but she insisted that she’s “winning over cancer.”
Olivia looked fashion-forward for the festivities choosing to wear an androgynous ensemble, including a black suit, crisp-white shirt and lace fingerless gloves. She was photographed alongside husband John Easterling, former Neighbours Delta Goodrem, and environmentalist Bindi Irwin who all turned out to support the indomitable figure.
During the event, Bindi paid tribute to the actress’s overwhelming strength.
“She is always beaming with love and light and love and happiness, no matter what challenge she’s faced with,” she told The Herald Sun. “She’s always so strong for everybody.”
The adored singer recently opened up to 60 Minutes about her cancer battle in what’s being dubbed “the interview of the year.”
In a newly released teaser for the tell-all, which will air this Sunday evening, ONJ tells Karl Stefanovic, “Of course it’s scary, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t scary but I intend to be healthy.”
In May, Olivia’s world was turned upside down after she was diagnosed with breast cancer again — 25 years after her first battle.
For the star, the hardest moment was having to tell her 31-year-old daughter Chloe Lattanzi.
“That was, yeah that wasn’t easy,” Olivia admits to Karl as she wells up.
The interview will also reveal what Olivia’s prognosis will be.
WATCH: Olivia’s interview with 60 Minutes will air on Sunday. Post continues…
Earlier this week, the Grease star revealed she was using medicinal marijuana to help combat her pain.
According to The Sunday Telegraph, the actress has undergone photon radiation therapy to treat the metastatic tumour found at the base of her spine, but is also using cannabis oil to treat her pain.
“I use medicinal cannabis, which is really important for pain and healing,” she said.
“It’s a plant that has been maligned for so long, and has so many abilities to heal.”
Not only that, but she plans to utilise her position in the public eye to urge the Australian government to make cannabis oil more accessible to those suffering from chronic pain in this country.
“I will do what I can to encourage it. It’s an important part of treatment, and it should be available,” she says.
We continue to wish Olivia all the very best in her recovery.