On what would have been Olivia Newton-John’s 76th birthday, Thursday, September 26, her widower, John Easterling, has shared that he “couldn’t imagine” finding love again after her passing.
Newton-John, who faced a long battle with cancer, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones at her Southern California ranch.
At the time, Easterling delivered a moving announcement of her passing on social media, touching many with his emotional tribute.
“Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” he said at the time.
“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer. Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.”
Now, Easterling, who was married to the Grease star from 2008 until her passing, shared that he feels “messages” from her encouraging him to “live life”. However, he doesn’t ever envision himself with another romantic partner.
“I couldn’t imagine it being possible the first time. So I can’t imagine it being possible again,” he told People magazine.
“Our whole life experience and the things that we shared and believed in were just too important. I didn’t even think love could be like that.
“That’s not going to happen again, I mean, I don’t expect it.
“More recently, I’m getting messages coming from Olivia when I’m in Peru at our special places there, and those messages are like ‘Love life, live life. Life is very, very precious, and don’t waste a moment of life because it’s a very thin veil that separates us.'”
Despite the profound loss of his beloved wife and the heartbreak that followed, Easterling maintains that he is “doing super fantastic”, emphasising the activities that have kept him engaged and busy during this difficult time.
“I’m staying very busy with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund and the research that’s going on there. We’re sponsoring plant medicine and cancer research. And the beauty of that is that we’re seeing quite stunning results in the early stages,” he said.
Alongside his fulfilling lifestyle, Easterling finds comfort in his belief that he will be “reunited” with his late wife when the time is right. This conviction provides him with the “strength” he needs to navigate the heartbreak he has experienced.
“I see and feel her presence all the time, and I know we’ll be completely reunited again. So that’s giving me the strength and the energy to really push forward,” he said.
-with BANG.