On the eve of her 93rd birthday on April 3, America’s sweetheart Doris Day opens up to Closer Weekly in a rare exclusive interview — sharing her life lessons and why she finds peace living her life outside of the limelight.

While her on-screen image was squeaky-clean, her real life was often considerably more complicated. Doris opened up to Closer, revealing what no one has known about how the star has made it through tough times. “There’s no sense in having regrets,” she tells Closer Weekly, on newsstands now. “I think you have to get through the bad times to appreciate the good things in life.”

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Doris in 1963.

“I’ve had my share of both and always said I’m like one of those dolls with the round bottom — if life deals you a blow you just have to bounce right back,” Doris explains to Closer.

MORE: Doris Day Opens up About the Death of Her Son (EXCLUSIVE)

One thing nobody knows about Doris is that even though she has no regrets, she says, “Sometimes I think I should have stayed longer [in show business] and I should have done more films.” But she decided to leave the business because “I just got so involved with animals.”

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Doris in 1965.

And she hasn’t looked back. “We can’t change the past,” she tells Closer of being at peace with her bold move.

MORE: Doris Day Reveals Her Five Favorite Films — Find out Here!

She lives a secluded, quiet life more than 300 miles away from Hollywood at her Carmel, CA estate, and loves it. Through good times and tough times, Doris’ passion for animals keeps her energized and motivated. “Although I’ve loved my singing and acting career, my greatest accomplishment is the important work my two charities — the Doris Day Animal Foundation and the Doris Day Animal League — have been doing for almost 40 years,” she says in the new interview.

For the full interview with Doris Day, including details of her 93rd birthday celebration, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now!

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