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“I Want to See an End to Cancer”: Tracy’s Last Interview with Olivia Newton-John
When Olivia Newton-John sat down with her longtime friend and journalist Tracy Grimshaw for what would become her final major interview, it wasn’t just another conversation — it was a farewell filled with grace, purpose, and light. Though her body was fragile from her decades-long battle with cancer, Olivia’s spirit radiated hope. “I want to see an end to cancer,” she told Tracy with a soft but unwavering voice. “If that’s my legacy, then my journey will have meant something.”
Olivia’s relationship with cancer began in 1992, when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer at just 43 years old. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy and seemed to recover, only to face two more recurrences — in 2013 and again in 2017, when the cancer had spread to her spine. Yet, even as her body weakened, her determination only grew stronger. “I refuse to see myself as a victim,” she said. “I see myself as a thriver. Every day is a gift.”
In her interview with Tracy, filmed from her peaceful ranch in Santa Ynez, California, Olivia appeared serene and glowing, surrounded by sunlight, flowers, and the comforting presence of her husband, John Easterling. She spoke of love, healing, and the lessons her illness had taught her. “Cancer taught me to slow down,” she said. “To appreciate every sunrise, every laugh, every moment of kindness. It made me understand what truly matters.”
For Olivia, that understanding became a mission. In 2012, she founded the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia — a sanctuary for patients combining modern medical treatment with holistic therapies like meditation, art, and music. “I wanted to create a place that treated people, not just their disease,” she explained. “Healing isn’t only physical. It’s emotional and spiritual, too.”
When Tracy asked how she kept her optimism alive despite so many challenges, Olivia smiled. “Gratitude,” she said. “Even on the hard days, I find something to be thankful for. Love from my family. A visit from a friend. A good laugh. There’s always light if you look for it.”
Their conversation grew emotional as Olivia spoke about her daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, and the bond they shared. “Chloe has been my strength,” she said, her eyes misting. “She’s taught me how to fight with love, not fear. I want her to remember me as someone who never gave up.”
When Tracy gently asked if she feared death, Olivia shook her head. “I’m not afraid,” she said softly. “I believe our energy continues — it transforms, but it doesn’t end. I’ll always be with the people I love.”
As the interview ended, there was a stillness in the room — a peace that seemed to come from deep within her. “If my story helps even one person feel hope,” she said, “then I’ve done what I came here to do.”
Months later, when Olivia Newton-John passed away on August 8, 2022, her words in that final interview echoed around the world — not as a goodbye, but as a promise. A promise that her light, her courage, and her dream to see an end to cancer would live on.
