Olivia's Joy - New Idea

Olivia was so over the moon at the latest addition to the Newton-John clan - grand-nephew Brin - she threw a party to welcome him

There's a new face in the Newton-John clan, and the family's most famous member Olivia couldn't be happier. Emerson Newton-John Olivia's nephew and son of her sister Rona and his girlfriend of three years Amy Leatherman are the proud parents of Brin Newton-John.

So thrilled was 45-year-old Olivia at the birth of baby Brin that she insisted on throwing a baby shower at her Malibu beach house for Emerson and Amy, both 22.

It was a low-key affair with about 30 close family members and friends attending. The guests spent the after noon sipping iced tea and taking turns to smother young Brin with attention none more so than doting great aunt Livvy, mother of 11-year-old Chloe. The singer and actress couldn't get enough of him.

It has been a long time since Chloe was that age, one observer noted. There's no no doubt that Olivia was feeling pretty clucky. She's a natural.

Emerson and Amy's unusual choice of name for their son is a tribute to Emerson's grandfather, Olivia's father Brin Newton-John. Emerson describes the original Brin, who was an academic in England, as a real brainiac and a powerful type of man. Emerson, who is a professional race car driver, says Olivia was touched by the gesture.

Olivia and Emerson have always been close. Olivia is like a mother to me. Emerson says from his Hollywood home, which is situated underneath the famous Hollywood sign. We're together all the time. She's just a hop, skip and a jump away

Emerson and Amy plan to take baby Brin on the road with them when racing's Formula Spider Cup begins in Europe in April. Before then, the couple has a full schedule. We're not sure yet but we might get married before the race season starts. That way Olivia and the whole family can be here for the celebration, Emerson says.

Olivia's diary is hardly empty either. Emerson can't disclose too much, but will say that Olivia, who still maintains a close friendship with estranged husband Matt Lattanzi, has a few things in the pipeline, among them more episodes of her environmental series Wildlife.

Meanwhile, Emerson, who is the half-brother of Sex/Life presenter Tottie Goldsmith courtesy of mother Rona's marriage to Australian entrepreneurial Goldsmith, says fatherhood agrees with him. I love it, it's wonderful. I was looking forward to it despite the shock and apprehension.

And is the latest Newton-John carrying on those famed looks He definitely has the Newton-John chin, his dad says proudly. It kind of stands out for sure.

Story: Bertt de Hoult. Pictures: Michelle Day

Photo captions: From left: Emerson, Rona, Baby Brin, Amy, Olivia.
Left: Olivia with her nephew Emerson.
Olivia gives baby Brin a big hug
Below left: Olivia's sister Rona with her grandchild.