The Late Suzanne Somers Forged Intense Bond With Olivia Newton-John When Both Were Diagnosed With Cancer: “Olivia Taught Me Not To Be Afraid”

By Radhamely De Leon
Published Oct. 16, 2023, 10:41 a.m. ET

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Suzanne Somers, who died at age 76 this past weekend, battled breast cancer two decades ago before the disease returned earlier this year. In an interview conducted last year, the Threes Company actor looked back on her years-long friendship with the late Olivia Newton-John, revealing how the two bonded over their shared breast cancer diagnoses.

Somers spoke with The Daily Mail after Newton-John died in August 2022 at age 73, telling the publication that the Grease star “taught me not to be afraid when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.”

“Everyone would want an Olivia Newton-John in their life,” she said of her longtime friend, describing the actor as a “sister” through their shared breast cancer battle.

“There is a sisterhood that grows larger every year. It’s a sisterhood you never want to join but when allowed entry you find great comfort with other ‘sisters,'” she said at the time. “Olivia provided great comfort for me when diagnosed 25 years ago. Her fight was my fight, as she won, I won.”

Somers continued, “She taught all of us so much through her bravery and ‘never give up’ philosophy. We got strength through Olivia and her example of life.”

Somers also paid tribute to Newton-John in a social media post after her death.

Somers died Sunday, Oct. 15, only one day before what would have been her 77th birthday, per The Los Angeles Times. A spokesperson for her family shared a statement confirming her passing with the L.A. Times: “Suzanne Somers passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Oct. 15. She survived an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years.

“Suzanne was surrounded by her loving husband Alan [Hamel], her son Bruce, and her immediate family. Her family was gathered to celebrate her 77th birthday on Oct. 16,” the statement continued. “Instead, they will celebrate her extraordinary life, and want to thank her millions of fans and followers who loved her dearly.”