While she is currently in her third battle with breast cancer, Olivia Newton-John is being very open with her journey — but her situation wasn’t always as public, and she revealed why exactly that was in a candid new interview.

The 70-year-old sat down with Today on Friday, March 8 and explained that she kept her second bout with cancer a secret simply to avoid “speculation.” She said, “I just decided I wanted to go through it myself. And I did a lot of natural healing and a lot of herbs that my husband [John Easterling] made for me.”

Olivia Newton John
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Just recently, the Grease star revealed that she found herself celebrating her 70th birthday at the hospital. “There were all these things I was going to do for my birthday,” Olivia told People of her party plans which turned into a night with doctors because of a cancer-induced pelvis fracture. “But God had other plans.” She continued, “I never say, ‘Why me?’ I was like, ‘Wow, I’m in my hospital that I’d dreamt of building for people to have rest and peace and there I was getting the best care.’ It was quite magical.”

Olivia Newton John
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Olivia also told the outlet that it’s due to the support of John, 70, and her daughter, Chloe Rose Lattanzi, that she has been able to keep her hopes high. “Of course, I had my moments, and my tears and all that, but I have a wonderful husband who supports me through those things,” she said. “I’m feeling good, just getting stronger.”

Her support system and her positive thinking has Olivia feeling great. She previously told Australia’s Sunday Night, “I believe I will win over it, and that’s my goal.” She added in her book Don’t Stop Believin’, “Cancer is something I will need to stay on top of. It’s up to me to manage my stress, to eat and rest well and to continue with the healing protocols. I truly believe this will be my final round with cancer. I will go on with my life.”

Stay strong, Olivia!