Olivia's Passionate Romance
There’s a certain tone in Olivia Newton-John’s voice. Chatty, bubbly, cheery, there is no mistaking it - this woman is happy!
Olivia is thrilled to be returning to her Down Under home. She’s heading a star-studded line-up for the Nine Network’s Carols by Candlelight presentation at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Christmas Eve.
Speaking exclusively to Woman’s Day, the LA-based star says the Carols engagement caps an amazing year for her.
First she made a new movie, then she wowed the world at the Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony. And throughout, she’s revelled in the company of a man friends describe as her soul mate-her partner of the past three years, Patrick McDermott.
“He’s very romantic; the most romantic person I’ve over met.” Olivia admits, although she’s too coy to say whether he’ll be joining her for her Christmas Eve engagement in Australia.
And it’s clear Patrick has a passion for Olivia. He openly declares his feelings, although he won’t yet confirm another kind of engagement - a rumoured July 2001 wedding - saying instead, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” But he confesses, “The first time we made true eye contact we were locked, as if we had known each other for years, in past lives.”
Dad to an eight-year-old son, Chance, Patrick has experienced the pain of divorce but has much more pleasant things in common with Olivia, including their love of gardening, hiking and nature walks. And friends say Chance gets on a treat with Olivia’s daughter, Chloe, 14.
The only note that mars Olivia’s perfect year is her separation from Chloe this Christmas - the first time they’ve been apart for the family day. While Olivia’s in Melbourne, Chloe will be with her dad, Matt Lattanzi, and his second wife, Cindy Jessup. But Olivia has planned a special pre-Christmas treat for her daughter.
“Chloe’s spending Christmas with her dad,” she explains, “so we’re going to have Christmas early. We’ve already got the tree up and decorated and Chloe and I are going to have our own Christmas celebration this week, before I leave. Then I’ll have a second Christmas in Melbourne.”
On the bright side, Olivia’s quick Carols trip means she’ll be able to spend Christmas with her mother Irena, who lives in Melbourne.
“I decided if I took the opportunity to do Carols, I’d be able to spend some time with my mum and enjoy Christmas together, which I really wanted to do,” she says excitedly. “My sister Rona and my nephew Emerson and his wife and new baby are all coming so we can celebrate Christmas together in Melbourne.”
This year’s Carols-hosted by Ray Martin for the 11th time-boasts an impressive list of performers including Tina Arena, Vanessa Amorosi, Olympics opening child-star Nikki Webster, plus Marina Prior, Julie Anthony and a huge choir.
Olivia was approached for Carols while in Sydney for the Olympics, but feared US work commitments would keep her from the festivities.
“It was only a few weeks ago that I realised, even if it meant a lightning trip, I could fit this in. I really wanted to be part of such a special night,” she says.
“With Tina, Vanessa and Nikki, it will be like the Olympics all over again. I don’t think I’ve got over that night yet and I don’t think I want to. It’s something I’ll remember for ever.”
After Christmas, Olivia will be flying off again to perform on New Year’s Eve. Then she’ll have a brief holiday before the February US release of her latest movie Sordid Lives - based on a play written by a friend. Next, Olivia and Chloe will work together, playing mother and daughter in a telemovie.
Olivia took Chloe to Carols by Candlelight last year as a spectator.
“When everyone holds their candles aloft and you see this sea of flickering lights, it is a really magical experience”, she recalls. “I don’t know if they do anything quite like this in the States. I certainly haven’t been to one. And I don’t imagine there’s anything quite as special.”
Story: Patrice Fidgeon
The Nine Network will screen Carols by Candlelight live on Sunday, December 24 from 9pm.