Olivia Opens Up About Journey
- Olivia Newton-John, 72, who is battling breast cancer for the third time, opened up about losing her friend Kelly Preston to the same disease.
- Preston, 57, died in July after a private two-year battle with breast cancer.
- Olivia Newton-John went public with her disease in 1992, after she found out a tabloid was going to write a story about her.
Preston’s Decision
Kelly Preston’s passing this past summer, at the young age of 57, was a surprise to many. The news of her death shocked most, as she’d chosen to stay quiet about her breast cancer battle, which she’d reportedly been fighting for two years. Travolta’s tribute to Preston spoke of her courage and love of her family. It is a heartbreaking loss.Aussie singer and friend, Newton-John, remarked in the recent interview how lovely Preston was as a person, saying, “She was a very a beautiful person, inside and out…She had a gentle spirit and I just feel so, so much for John and the children. It’s hard to put into words.”
On announcing her death, Travolta noted that he like his late wife would opt for a more quiet, private road ahead in his journey with grief. The actor said on his Instagram: “I will be taking some time to be there for my children who have lost their mother, so forgive me in advance if you don't hear from us for a while. But please know that I will feel your outpouring of love in the weeks and months ahead as we heal.”
Newton-John doesn’t speak to Travolta daily, but they are in contact, saying in the interview, “I send my love and support as often as I can.” She acknowledges how personal the journey of losing a loved one is: “Loss is loss,” says Newton-John. “And to lose your mother and your wife is an incredibly difficult thing, and it takes a long time. But ultimately it’s a private journey and I respect that for them.”
Olivia On Going Public
Unlike Preston, Newton-John chose to go public in 1992 about her breast cancer diagnosis but just revealed it was to get in front of a story that a gossip paper was preparing to publish.
“There was going to be an article released in one of the gossip papers that I was dying of cancer,” said the actress. “When I heard that, I decided that rather than frighten my family and my friends, it would be better to just come out with it.”
Since going public, she has been very transparent and vocal about her cancer journey. Newton-John is also committed to furthering cancer research and treatment options. Just recently, she began the Olivia Newton-John Foundation, a cancer center committed to better treatment and cancer care, and wellness programs. The actress shared the news of her foundation in a recent video posted to her Instagram.
Sharing Your Cancer News
For many people, sharing a diagnosis is a means of coping, and receiving needed support for a cancer journey. But it’s a highly personal decision that should be undertaken on an individual basis. Some people chose to keep their diagnosis a secret, and that’s equally respectable.
Thankfully, most of us don’t need to worry as Newton-John did about a tabloid leaking our diagnosis. But we can exercise the same thoughtfulness and care that she showed when it comes to deciding how and when and even if to tell loved ones about your cancer. Some people might find the process of sharing the news to feel like a burden and opt for something a little more removed, like sharing the news on a blog.
Health is a highly personal matter, and only you can know what will feel right for you. While emotional support and community when battling cancer is critical, it’s also equally important to honor your comfort zone.
Preston chose to stay quiet because that’s where her comfort zone was; there are many paths to take while proceeding down your cancer journey and there is no right way to go.
Deciding When and Who to Tell About My Diagnosis Became a Burden
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