Olivia's New Love Bombshell
AFTER a year of heartache. superstar Olivia Newton-John has reached a secret “understanding” with her estranged husband Matt Lattanzi. Olivia’s mum, Irene, in an exclusive interview with Woman’s Day, says the couple have patched up their differences and “everyone is happy”.
“They are working things out and hopefully will be happier than ever. It’s been a tense time for everyone and I am delighted it has all been sorted out,” she reveals.
Olivia, 46, and Matt, 35. split almost a year ago. Matt walked out on their 10-year marriage, saying he wanted a divorce. But now, says Olivia’s mother, they are together again.
Irene, a striking blonde in her 70s. says Olivia has been shattered by the break-up and will never talk about it again. “Olivia is still very bitter about all the attention the marriage break-up received.”
“She and Matt have reached an understanding and this time they won’t allow any intrusion into their private lives. It’s a very private matter and they just want to be left alone with their daughter Chloe to get on with their lives.”
Olivia and Matt’s close friends and their legion of adoring fans around the world will be delighted the couple are back together. Their marriage crash rocked the entertainment industry because they were considered the ideal “golden” couple.
Irene says the marriage bust-up was caused by “outside pressures and long separations because of heavy work commitments. “Olivia and Matt both adore Chloe, and after months of soul-searching it has all been resolved and they’ll be looking for a new place to live. They’ll probably spend more time at their farm near Byron Bay.”
The couple have had their magnificent Malibu beachside mansion on the market for some time, and have now dropped the asking price from $11 million to $8.5 million. They intend to downgrade their lifestyle and buy a smaller apartment in Los Angeles.
Declaring her loyalty to her famous daughter. Irene refused to disclose the intimate details behind the marriage split. “It’s been an ordeal for all the family and Olivia and Matt just want to be left alone. Enough is enough! Olivia has given so much to Australia and she was genuinely hurt by some of the publicity.”
But despite her personal woes. Olivia has never been happier in her career, according to Irene. “She’s putting the final touches on the second Wildlife series and now just wants to enjoy her family and work.”
“She is also delighted with The Songs From Heathcliff, a musical she recorded with Cliff Richard.”
Irene says Olivia has managed to put her personal heartache behind her and is looking and feeling “wonderful”.
“Her medical problems a few years back took a lot out of her, but now she’s on top of everything,” she explains. “She’s been positive through it all and I am convinced that this attitude is why she has made such a remarkable recovery.”
Olivia lost a breast to cancer three years ago. Friends say her marriage problems worsened after the cancer battle. In April this year. Olivia and Matt released an official statement confirming they had separated.
Irene says: “I’ve always kept in the background when it comes to Olivia. I have never thought it my place to talk about her private life.”
“We are a very private family and I’ve always respected her wishes that anything said must come from her. I’m her mother and I love her dearly, and I can fully understand all the problems associated with being in the spotlight.”
“I’m proud of my daughter. She has enormous drive and talent and I’m confident she’ll remain in show business for many years to come. It’s what she loves doing, but she always puts Chloe and her family first. She’s that kind of girl.”
“She’s down to earth and has a great ability to change with the times.”
“I’m planning a holiday at her avocado farm in the very near future, to enjoy some sunshine, and I’m hopeful the whole family will be reunited for Christmas”
Story: Brian Blackwell and Ian Dougall
Editor's note - unfortunately the reconciliation between Olivia and Matt did not work out and the next year they divorced.