Olivia Newton-John said that people often asked her what her secret to staying healthy at her age was, prompting her to write a cookbook. In the book, she explains that there’s no real secret, and that it all comes down to exercise and what we put in our bodies (via Body and Soul). While Newton-John had attempted to write other books in the past, this was her first complete book. She felt its success came down to the fact that it was about her journey with food and not her personally. “Livwise: Easy Recipes for a Healthy, Happy Life,” written with the help of chefs and nutritionists, is filled with vegetarian recipes for the whole family. Newton-John writes, “Every plant and animal once had life, and each time I eat, I try to acknowledge this and honor that life with a quiet grace” (via Livwise).
The iconic actress and singer told Body and Soul that she didn’t like to dwell on death. “I try to meditate and be peaceful about it and know that everyone I love is there, so there’s something to look forward to.” Though Newton-John’s passing on August 8 will undoubtably leave a hole in the entertainment community, her contributions and legacy will continue to make an impact. Proceeds from her cookbook benefit the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Victoria, Australia.