Olivia Newton-John Sits Down With 60 Minutes Australia

This thoughtful and insightful interview by 60 Minutes Australia with pop music icon, Olivia Newton-John last night in Australia.

In addition to being a fan, I'm lucky to count Olivia as a friend. She was very supportive during my own cancer journey, and this in depth interview highlights some of the work she's done on behalf of those affected by cancer.

The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Center not only treats the bodies of cancer patients, but the mind and spirit as well with wellness programs like meditation, yoga, art and music therapies and more. Over the past decade, Olivia has helped raise over $200 million to make the center a reality.

She also discusses other aspects of her life: her husband, John; her daughter, Chloe; "the pants" from Grease; and yes, the disappearance of Patrick McDermott over a decade ago.

It's a really good, balanced look at a superstar who's has remained centered and clear-eyed about who she is and what she has to offer a changing world.

Her new album, written and recorded with Amy Sky and Beth Neilsen Chapman - LIV ON - drops October 7th.

And here's a "web bonus" from 60 Minutes Australia:

Las Vegas: Olivia Newton-John Launches Pink and Blue for Two Wines

Olivia Newton-John (R) and nephew Emerson Newton-John (L)

I had the pleasure (hello - wine involved, how could it not be pleasure?) to attend a media event this week where Las Vegas headliner and music icon Olivia Newton-John hosted the launch of Pink and Blue for Two wines, now being sold at the Flamingo Las Vegas' Center Cut high-end steak house and at the hotel's boutique store.

Everyone knows I'm a wine lover, and I have to say - I had the Chardonnay and it's excellent.

With proceeds from sales going to support the PB42 campaign and the wellness programs at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Center in Australia, you might assume the wine (being a charity wine) is a "secondary" or "less than" wine from Meadowcraft Winery. But it's very, very good.

There's also a Merlot for red wine lovers. And ONJ picked them out herself.

Co-hosting the event was Emerson Newton-John, Olivia's nephew, who founded Pink and Blue for Two. The charity campaign encourages men and women to take part in breast and prostate exams as a way to catch possible cancers early.

For folks who can't get to Las Vegas, you can order the wine online (for a great cause) by hitting this link.

All photos by Denise Truscello

Olivia Newton-John with Tom Meadowcroft of Meadowcroft Winery and Emerson Newton-John

Hubby Michael and I with Emerson and Olivia

Olivia Newton-John Is Still The One We Want

Queerty just posted my interview with Olivia Newton-John about her new show "Summer Nights" at the Flamingo Las Vegas.

Olivia chats on her new show, her support for marriage equality, and her personal passions for health and wellness.

Here's just a bit:

You were one of the first major celebrities to speak out in support of marriage equality in Australia. Are you surprised at the momentum the marriage equality movement has had in the past few years?

I think it’s fantastic. Not surprised, because I think we’re all becoming more educated and more aware. Just about every family has a gay member, I think. It used to be swept under the carpet, but not anymore. I think that as the awareness grows and the love grows, it will be accepted more and more. We’re very lucky that we have this in the free world. There are those in other countries who can’t be who they are.

Have you ever been concerned about sharing your opinion about important issues like marriage equality, breast cancer awareness or the environment?

I might be a little nervous, but it doesn’t stop me if it’s correct. I’m not really a political person; I don’t affiliate myself with any particular party. But I will get involved with an issue if I feel it’s the right thing to do. I’ve spoken out in Australia about ‘fracking’ where they are breaking open the ground to release natural gas which really endangers the water supply. It was a kind of dangerous area to tread in, but I knew that it was incredibly important to make people aware because I don’t think enough people knew about it. That was important to me. I cancelled a tour of Japan many years ago because of the killing of whales and dolphins in tuna nets, and I can’t believe it’s still happening. So, there are a lot of things that I feel passionately about. Sometimes I’m a little nervous about it but that doesn’t stop me — you have to have the courage of your convictions.

Read the full interview at Queerty.

Olivia Newton-John celebrates opening the final phase of her Cancer and Wellness Centre

Olivia Newton-John talks to Sunrise about her Cancer and Wellness Centre

Olivia Newton-John begins an early day full of press for the opening of the second and final phase of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre.

The Centre opened parts of it's facility a year ago and now the entire hospital is open along with all the Wellness programs to help cancer patients and their families during the cancer journey with all kinds of alternative therapies and programs like massage, acupuncture, art therapy, music therapy and more.

This past Sunday, Olivia led over 2,000 attendees on a fund raising "Wellness Walk" that raised over $140,000 and tonight in Melbourne is a "Grease Gala" to help raise more.

While the government does contribute at some level for the hospital component of the Centre, the Wellness programs are paid for by private donations.  So the effort is an ongoing one to keep those vital programs in place.

Here's Olivia on Sunrise this morning talking about the Centre:



For more information about the ONJCWC, please visit www.oliviaappeal.com

And if you'd like to donate to the Centre, please click here.  The donation pages for the Wellness Walk are open for another ten days.

Australia: Behind the scenes with Olivia Newton-John at the 2013 Wellness Walk

A few snapshots from the 2013 Wellness Walk in Melbourne, Australia, benefiting the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre.

Click any of the pics for a larger view...

Michael Caprio, Madonna Melrose, Olivia and husband John Easterling

Olivia and husband John leading the Wellness Walk

Olivia Newton-John getting "physical" at the 2013 Wellness Walk

Olivia doing press, press, and more press...

It's important to keep hydrated while exercising...

Photo time in front of the Wellness Centre

Olivia with nieces Tottie and Fiona

Olivia Newton-John sings acoustic "Physical" at 2013 Wellness Walk

Speaking of health and wellness, how fantastic does Olivia look?

Via Vimeo:

Singing sensation Olivia Newton-John got physical and donned her exercise gear to take part in an event to raise money for a hospital named in her honour.

Attending the event with her husband, John Easterling, Newton-John led a wellness walk through the streets of Ivanhoe on Sunday to raise money for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Heidelberg, in Melbourne.

Addressing the crowd, Newton-John said support from friends and family helped her battle breast cancer in 1992.

"It's important to support a person suffering from cancer with wellness. It does more than just treating cancer, it's about providing care for the whole person body, mind and spirit," Newton-John said.

"It shows people that there is a way to wellness through cancer. It is an amazing feeling to see a dream become a reality. This is the start of something wonderful."

Newton-John performed her hit song Physical, to a sea of cheering fans dressed in green t-shirts marking the start of the 4km walk to the wellness centre.

Mayor Wayne Phillips said it was an honour to host the "down-to-earth megastar".

"To have a person like Olivia so committed after her own troubles is just fantastic," Mr Phillips said.

Newton-John cut a GREEN (not pink) ribbon to open the wellness walk and afterwards planted a remembrance pinwheel at the centre.

By the way, here's the pic Olivia took from the stage of the crowd.  Click on the pic to enlarge and get a sense of how big it really was:

And here's Olivia crossing the Wellness Walk finish line:

Photos and Videos By Carbie © www.carbiewarbie.com

The Wellness Walk benefitting the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre

This Sunday, September 15th, in Melbourne, Australia, Olivia Newton-John will lead the 1st Annual Wellness Walk in a fundraising effort to benefit the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre.

As regular readers of The Randy Report know, my husband has been Olivia's long-time publicist. Olivia is everything you hope she would be in person, and I am not shy in extolling her extraordinary virtues aside from her amazing talent but as a cancer "thriver" advocate.

She has dedicated years raising funds for the ONJCWC, with her focus on the Wellness Centre. The Wellness Centre component of this world-class facility helps bring comfort and non-traditional therapies into play with Western medicine approaches. The Wellness Centre provides massage therapy, art therapy, music therapy, meditation and a whole host of complementary programs to help those traveling their cancer journey.

As a cancer "thriver" myself, I know first hand how much these programs and therapies can help.

I don't ask Randy Report readers often, but on this special occasion - the 1st anniversary of the opening of the ONJCWC - I'd like to ask, if you feel so inclined, to make a donation (however small) to the ONJCWC via the Wellness Walk this coming Sunday. Ten dollars, twenty dollars, whatever amount you may feel comfortable giving.  My husband Michael is traveling there to take part in the event with Olivia and has set up a donation page under his name to make the process easy.

Michael sends this message:

Having worked with Olivia as her publicist for so many years I have watched everything she has done for the world and, being so closely involved with the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre since its inception - my goal is to help continue to raise funds and awareness for this place that is so near and dear to our hearts!

Please help and donate - every little bit helps and cancer impacts EVERYONE!

Here's the link to donate.

And thanks for being a part of The Randy Report.

LivWise Cookbook by Olivia Newton-John now in paperback

You can now order LivWise Cookbook by Olivia Newton-John on Amazon in paperback.

I've been currently improving my approach to eating and this cookbook has been great introducing me to some tasty, healthy and most importantly, EASY recipes that are good for me.

Plus, the proceeds go to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre.  Buying things is even better when you know the money goes to a good cause.

If you didn't get this when released last year, you can now get it in paperback.

Check it out on Amazon.

Olivia Newton-John on the passing of her sister, Rona

Rona Newton-John

A note from Olivia Newton-John on the passing of her sister, Rona Newton-John:

My beautiful sister Rona sadly passed on May 24th in Los Angeles. It was May 25th in Australia - which was our mother Irene's birthday. Rona died of a very aggressive brain tumor and mercifully suffered no pain. She was surrounded by the love of her four children - Fiona, Brett,Tottie and Emerson, and her wonderful friends. I will miss her forever - my beautiful smart talented funny brave sister Rona.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the ONJCWC where a brain tumor wellness program will be started in her name. Thank you all for your kind words of love and support.

Love and light,
Olivia

Click here to donate to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre

Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta to reunite for first time in 30 years

John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John reunite for the first time in 30 years for THIS CHRISTMAS Album to be released Nov. 13

Guest-stars include Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, James Taylor, Chick Corea,
Kenny G, Cliff Richard 

“You’re the One That I Want” Songwriter Contributes To New Original Duet

To pre-order This Christmas, click here. (I understand the Amazon link will be active soon)

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 2, 2012— When your first single from the Grease album, the biggest movie musical of all time, is chart-topping “You’re the One That I Want, and it becomes the best-selling duet in pop music history - that’s a tough act to follow. But almost 35 years later, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John have combined their iconic voices for This Christmas, available November 13 from Universal Music Enterprises. A true labor of love made specifically for “the giving season,” Travolta and Newton-John will donate the artist proceeds from the album equally to their respective charities, the Jett Travolta Foundation and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne, Australia.

One of the highlights of the album is the one original song, the aptly titled “I Think You Might Like It.” This is the sequel to John and Olivia’s Grease smash, “You’re the One That I Want,” a new tune by that song’s writer/producer John Farrar, marking yet another This Christmas-spawned reunion. “John Farrar was just as hard on me now as he was then,” laughs Travolta. “We went for perfection on it.” “It was really fun to do that,” says Olivia. “If it wasn’t for that song, we wouldn’t be here talking about it 30 years later.”

Produced by veteran keyboardist/arranger/orchestrator Randy Waldman, This Christmas is the audio equivalent of those classic network TV specials hosted from the stars’ homes, an intimate, warm set of traditional holiday songs from an all-star lineup that includes Barbra Streisand (“I’ll Be Home for Christmas”), Tony Bennett and the Count Basie Orchestra (“Winter Wonderland”), James Taylor (“Deck the Halls”), Chick Corea (“This Christmas”), Kenny G (“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”), Cliff Richard (“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”) and the original “I Think You Might Like It” by writer/producer John Farrar.

The idea for the collection came from Travolta after receiving a Christmastime text from his old friend Olivia noting that their 1978 smash, “You’re the One That I Want,” had just become the best-selling duet in pop music history. “From the moment we decided to do this, magic happened,” says Travolta. “Everyone we contacted agreed to do it.”

“It just fell into place,” added Newton-John, a four-time Grammy® winner, who has scored five No. 1 singles and two chart-topping albums, selling a total of more than 100 million albums worldwide. “With our busy schedules, I don’t know how we got it done. John and I have always connected. That’s never gone away. When we’re together, we have a good laugh and feel bonded to one another. We’ve been through some amazing experiences together.”

“My desire was to make This Christmas an intimate album, not something too ostentatious or showy,” says Travolta, who early in his career was featured as an actor/singer/dancer with the touring company of Grease. “I wanted people to be able to play it around the house or in the car during the holidays, and make us part of your celebration. Gathering around house listening to Christmas music has always been an important part of that time of the year to my family.”

But the real importance of This Christmas is the money it will raise to fund Travolta and Newton-John’s charities - one to combat children’s disabilities, including autism and seizures, named after John’s late son, Jett; the other to help search for a cure for cancer and to help victims of the disease.

“We all felt a wonderful, joyful energy while recording this album,” adds Olivia. “We want to make a lot of people smile and happy. It’s a project that we’re hoping turns into a perennial, one that can continue to raise money for these causes year after year, a gift that keeps on giving.”

To pre-order This Christmas, click here.

More information on The Jett Travolta Foundation:
http://jett-travolta-foundation.org/

More information on The Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre:
http://www.oliviaappeal.com/

TRACK LISTING:
1. Baby It’s Cold Outside
2. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (featuring Kenny G)
3. I’ll Be Home for Christmas (featuring Barbra Streisand)
4. This Christmas (featuring Chick Corea)
5. Silent Night
6. The Christmas Waltz
7. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (featuring Cliff Richard)
8. Winter Wonderland (featuring Tony Bennett and The Count Basie Orchestra)
9. White Christmas
10. I Think You Might Like It
11. The Christmas Song
12. Deck the Halls (featuring James Taylor)
13. Auld Lang Syne/Christmas Time Is Here (Medley)

Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre stamp

Around 110,000 cases of cancer are diagnosed in Australia each year, and the disease is a major cause of death. This stamp issue will help raise funds towards the new cancer research and treatment centre at the Austin Hospital, Melbourne.

The Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre will offer an integrated approach to cancer treatment, undertaking clinical research in collaboration with the renowned Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and offering mainstream medical treatment alongside complementary wellness therapies. Stage 1 of the centre opens in July 2012, with the full centre scheduled to open by mid-2013. The centre will provide services for men, women and children with any type of cancer.

The purchase of each sheetlet of 10 x 60c stamps will raise $2 in support of the centre.

Whether for actual postage or for a keepsake, this is a cool purchase that helps people.  You can purchase online for delivery anywhere (as I understand) by clicking here.

Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre a reality

Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre opens

Olivia and Michael before seeing the interior of the Centre for the first time.

Michael is currently in Australia with Olivia Newton-John for the grand opening ceremonies for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre.

Olivia has spent the better part of the last ten years helping raise almost $200 million dollars to build this research, treatment and wellness centre for people diagnosed or affected by cancer.

The Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre will combine research laboratories, clinical treatment and complementary therapies in a one stop shop aimed at attacking cancer from all angles.

Patients will be able to join singalongs in a dedicated music room, take a yoga class or enjoy a massage in combination with their chemotherapy.

Cutting the ribbon on the centre on Friday, Newton-John said complementary therapies were an underrated component in the fight against cancer, which began for her with a diagnosis in 1992.

'I had to find it myself and go to different places or have them come to me,' she said.

'I was lucky I could do that but most people can't so that's why this is wonderful.

'It's actually more than I ever could have pictured or dreamed of.'

The pics below were taken right before Olivia was able to see the inside of the newly built centre for the very first time.

Read more here.

Olivia Newton-John on The Candi & Randy Show

Listen to internet radio with CandiXRandy on Blog Talk Radio

Olivia Newton-John on The Candi & Randy Show!

Olivia has spent decades not only as a chart topping music icon and star of film (Grease, Xanadu) & TV (Sordid Lives, Glee) but as an international ambassador of good health & well-being.

After her own cancer journey 20 years ago, she emerged as a breast cancer activist who advocates the best in not only western medicine but alternative holistic therapies that help support the body, mind and spirit.

Olivia has written a best-selling cook book of health-conscious recipes - "LivWise: easy recipes for a healthy, happy life" - to help everyone reach their goals of health and well-being. All proceeds go to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre.

Plus, we talk with Olivia's co-owner/partner Gregg Cave about their award-winning spa and retreat GAIA, named for "mother earth" located in Australia, where centering your physical and mental health is the ultimate goal.

Fox News: Olivia Newton-John's cook book "LivWise"

FOX News put together a video package covering the main points about her new cook book "LivWise."

Video: Olivia Newton-John book signing in NYC

Olivia Newton-John at Barnes & Noble Book Store in NYC on April 27, 2012.

Olivia greeted fans and signed 500 copies of her "LivWise: easy recipes for a healthy, happy life" cookbook. All proceeds of the book go to help build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre.

The line for the book signing snaked through the entire store many times over. Scheduled to end after two hours, Olivia stayed over three hours and signed for every fan who bought a book for the ONJCWC.

Olivia Newton-John on Fox Business News

Olivia Newton-John on Fox Business News talking about her new cookbook for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, her award-winning Gaia Resort and Spa, and other business ventures.

LivWise Cook Book Promotional tour 2

Just a few pics from the day so far....

Began the day at Fox & Friends, who are always so great to Olivia:

Then, across town to Good Day NY:

Over to the studios of The Dr. Steve Show (syndicated health/wellness show in many US markets - taped to air sometime in next week or so):

Progress at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre

Things are really moving along in the building of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Australia. Take a look at the pics.

The hope is to open sometime mid-2012. However, funds are still being raised to make that goal. To find out how to make a difference, go to oliviaappeal.com.