Olivia's Romantic Roman Holiday
An unforgettable weekend for the star with her special man and daughter Chloe
It’s springtime in Rome, the eternal city, and romance seems to be blossoming as brightly as the city’s flowers for one deserving Aussie star, Olivia Newton-John. Cradled in the strong arms of her lover Patrick McDermott, Olivia seems ready to declare eternal affection for the man who’s won not only her heart, but also the trust of her daughter Chloe. Olivia, Patrick and 14-year-old Chloe made a close-knit trio as they wandered the streets of the Italian capital, happily snapping shots for the family album during their whirlwind weekend visit.
Olivia chose these two precious people to be by her side for an important event in her life. They flew from their Malibu home to Italy after Olivia received a personal invitation to sing for His Holiness Pope John Paul II.
The singer headlined a charity performance in Trastevere, outside the Vatican, to raise money for disabled children. Draped in a striking evening gown, Olivia sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow and spoke of her dedication to worthy causes such as children’s charities and breast cancer awareness.
While the Pope had asked to be part of her audience, a highlight of the Roman weekend was Olivia’s own face-to-face audience with the pontiff. US cameraman Patrick, her lover of the past two years, and Chloe, her daughter from her marriage to Matt Lattanzi, looked on in open-mouthed pride as Olivia clutched the religious leader’s frail hands.
The star had to lean close to the sick, seated man, and the Pope pressed a small, white box into her palm in it, a set of rosary beads as a special thank-you gift for getting involved in the charity event. Olivia, with Patrick and Chloe, crammed as much as she could into her trip, shopping in Italian boutiques, sightseeing around St Peter’s Square and stepping into the city’s rich history in the Imperial Forums.
The deeply spiritual star has often said she counts her blessings - her glamorous career, her beautiful daughter, her victory over breast cancer and her second chance at love with Patrick. Now, after her Roman holiday, she can say her life is truly blessed.