On what would have been their 15th anniversary, John Easterling revisited the cliff in Peru where he and Olivia Newton-John exchanged their vows of love back in 2008. It was a moment of profound connection and reflection for John. "A hummingbird came and hovered so close I could almost reach out and touch it," he told Closer in an exclusive interview. He felt as though the tiny bird carried a message for him. "It was like, 'Live life, love life,' and then it just flew away," he said, his voice filled with emotion.
Olivia, the legendary singer and actress who became a global star playing Sandy in the 1978 blockbuster Grease, remains an ever-present force in John's life, even 18 months after her passing. "I feel her when I wake up in the morning," John shares. "It's like she sends me messages—messages that are always encouraging, positive, and deeply comforting." Her spirit continues to guide and inspire him in countless ways.
Before meeting John, Olivia had faced a series of heartbreaks in her personal life. Her first marriage to actor Matt Lattanzi, father of her daughter Chloe, ended in 1996 after 12 years. Then, another long-term relationship with cameraman Patrick McDermott tragically concluded in 2005 when he disappeared at sea. But fate had something else in store for Olivia—a man named John Easterling, a specialist in Amazonian plant medicine.
Read also:Al Roker Cant Handle Jenna Bush Hager And Savannah Guthries Surprise Singalong
Mutual friends set up a blind date between Olivia and John back in 1995. "I was a little skeptical about meeting a Hollywood star," John admits with a laugh. "But she was nothing like I expected. She had such a great sense of humor and was incredibly warm and personable. It was clear from the start that we clicked." What began as a simple lunch turned into a lifelong bond.
Heartstrings in Harmony
Olivia was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, and John's expertise in plant medicine and alternative therapies intrigued her deeply. For over a decade, they remained close friends, often crossing paths at charity events. But their connection took on a deeper meaning during a concert in Miami where John witnessed Olivia's magical performance. "She walked onto the stage, and the Peruvian flutes played," John recalls. "When she sang 'Pearls on a Chain,' people around me started crying. That's when I realized—she's not just a performer; she's a healer. Her music is a gift of healing."
John invited Olivia to join him in Peru, a country he holds dear because of his work with indigenous healers and the Amazon rainforest. Olivia agreed, but only if their mutual friends could come along too. Little did they know that this trip would change everything. "We ended up in the Amazon, deep in the jungle," John says. "It was there that we truly connected on a soul level."
When Olivia fell ill during their trip, John stayed by her side, putting his plans on hold. "I couldn't leave her alone in the jungle," John explains. "That's when our conversations became deeper, more meaningful. We talked about things that went back centuries in our relationship. It was unexpected, but we were bonded from that moment on." He believes their timing was perfect. "If we had met 20 years earlier, it might not have worked," John reflects. "We needed those decades of experience to truly be ready for each other."
A Life of Healing and Love
During their 15-year marriage, Olivia and John split their time between California and Florida. They cherished moments spent in nature, whether listening to birdsong or observing wildlife. "She loved being outdoors," John says fondly. "We'd play games like, 'What do you think that animal is thinking?' Those were some of our happiest times." Their shared interest in natural healing also brought them closer.
Olivia founded the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund to support scientific research on plant-based cancer treatments. "Early results from Dr. Kumar at the University of British Columbia are incredibly promising," John notes. "This three-year research project could provide new data and hope for millions seeking gentler cancer treatments." Her legacy lives on through these efforts.
Read also:Anthony Michael Hall Turned To Vince Vaughn During A Tough Career Patch
