Updated October 20th, 2020

Olivia Newton John, Battling Advanced Breast Cancer, Is Pure Joy Singing “Xanadu” Classic In Honor Of 40th Anniversary

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Sometimes, all we need is a little moment of joy. Olivia Newton-John probably knows this better than many people as she battles advanced breast cancer, and she provided some serious nostalgia by honoring the 40th anniversary of hit musical theatre film “Xanadu” in honor of its 40th birthday.

On Instagram, Newton-John, 71, shares back-to-back videos of her singing “Magic” from everyone’s favorite 80’s musical theatre movie “Xanadu,” which was released 40 years ago in 1980. Newton-John starred in the film as Kira, who is known for her big vocals and incredible roller skating skills. The song “Magic” was a U.S. number one hit at the time of its release, and no one knows how to honor this movie’s incredible legacy more than the woman herself.

In one of the videos, Newton-John took a moment to say how grateful she has always been for the opportunity to work on “Xanadu’s” set, and gave a special thank you to her co-stars, producers, directors, and more. The film might be a few decades old, but for Newton-John and fans alike, it’s the perfect walk down memory lane.

“What an amazing song,” Newton-John says in the video. “That song from ‘Xanadu,’ that I can’t believe is 40 years old old, where did the time go? But for me, the experience has never changed. The experience for me was life changing.”

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Finding Moments Of Joy During Cancer Treatment

Newton-John has had a few brushes with cancer throughout her life. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, where she underwent chemotherapy and a modified radical mastectomy, a procedure which removed both of her breasts, and she went into remission until 2015. That year, she revealed her cancer had recurred and immediately received hormone treatment leading to her entering remission again. However, in 2017, Newton-John's breast cancer returned, but this time doctors shared it was a stage 4 diagnosis meaning it had spread beyond her breasts and begun metastasizing elsewhere in her body, including in her bones. While doctors have said the disease may be incurable, Newton-John has consistently said she plans to overcome her diagnosis once again.

Despite her roller-coaster ride with the disease, clearly Newton-John is taking every moment to appreciate precious moments. She’s not the only cancer patient and survivor to take this approach. Two-time survivor Joel Naftelberg, who overcame both liver and pancreatic cancer, says his love of dancing and music helped him find pockets of joy during his journey.

SurvivorNet Resources for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

“ I have found music and rock and roll to be transformational,” Joel tells SurvivorNet. “[It] doesn’t necessarily solve anything, but it does let us dance on our problems for at least an hour or two. Nothing better on a Friday afternoon than to hang with your friends and listen to beautiful music.”

Two-time cancer survivor Joel Naftleberg on how finding pockets of joy helped him throughout treatment

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