Search

John Travolta's heartbreaking tribute years after losing wife and son

<p>John Travolta has shared a heartbreaking post commemorating his late wife, Kelly Preston, and son, Jett Travolta. </p> <p>Jett was only 16 when he passed away while on vacation with his family in the Bahamas in 2009. He had a seizure at the time and hit his head on a bathtub at their vacation home. </p> <p>His wife Kelly died in July 2020 aged 57, two years after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. </p> <p>John took to Instagram to share a throwback photo of their family, on what would've been Jett's 32nd birthday over the weekend. </p> <p>“Happy birthday my Jetty — not a day goes by where you’re not with me,” he wrote.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5sBcYKN9ub/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5sBcYKN9ub/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by John Travolta (@johntravolta)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The post gained 400,000 likes with fans and fellow celebrities rushing to the comments to share their support. </p> <p>“Will never forget him, or Kelly,” wrote actress and good friend Rita Wilson.</p> <p>“Always in your heart forever and ever,” added actress Kristin Chenoweth.</p> <p>“And you will see him and her again.”</p> <p>“They are together and some day you’ll all be together again. Happy heavenly birthday Jett,” wrote one follower.</p> <p>"Happy Birthday to Jett and beautiful Kelly...two angels watching over you and family," added another. </p> <p>The couple had two other children together — daughter Ella, 24, and son Benjamin, 13.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram/ Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

"Finally felt like the right time": John Farnham's huge announcement

<p>John Farnham has announced his triumphant return one year on from his cancer surgery, sharing the news of a highly anticipated project. </p> <p>The 74-year-old Aussie music icon is set to tell his story in his own words with the release of his own candid memoir titled <em>The Voice Inside</em>. </p> <p>The autobiography, which will be released on October 30th, is co-written by Poppy Stockwell, who is the award-winning writer and director of the critically acclaimed biopic Finding the Voice.</p> <p>The book documents Farnham's early life and stardom growing up in Melbourne in the 1960s, to his comeback 1986 album <em>Whispering Jack</em>.</p> <p>It will recall the highs and lows of fame, including when his stellar career stalled, record companies turned their backs and he faced financial ruin.</p> <p><em>The Voice Inside</em> will also detail his shocking diagnosis of mouth cancer in 2022 which turned his life upside down. </p> <p>The book was announced on Farnham's Facebook page, with a statement sharing how he felt it was "the right time" to tell his story. </p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fjohnfarnham%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02tZwog7QbEW6AxDUxNMp3Kn5msAghjd9yUQe56optBdyX8ZL1DQFm4qvpUYsSjo2Rl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="728" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>"Having been asked many times, it finally felt like the right time to sit down and tell my story," he said.</p> <p>"It is a very strange feeling looking back on my life, on the good and the bad, and now that I have started, it is all rushing back. I hope the book engages and entertains, because that’s what so much of my life has been about."</p> <p>The book will "chart John Farnham’s very personal and public journey, told in his own words and with his inimitable humour, insight, and humility."</p> <p>The post was quickly flooded with comments from fans eager to get their hands on the memoir, while many shared their well wishes as he continues his lengthy recovery from cancer. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Caring

John Farnham’s son reveals secret health battle

<p dir="ltr">John Farnham’s youngest son has shared the details of a private health battle that he was navigating while his famous father was recovering from throat cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">James Farnham revealed that he underwent “major surgery” that “saved my life” in 2023 to deal with diverticular disease.</p> <p dir="ltr">Taking to Instagram on Tuesday night, Farnham shared a post-surgery photo and some symptoms of diverticulitis to raise awareness of the condition. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Last year, just as Dad was recovering from his cancer surgeries, I also had major surgery to deal with diverticular disease that had caused perforations in my bowel,” he began.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The surgery saved my life but it has left me with a stoma — a surgically created opening in the abdomen that allows me to poo... into a temporary colostomy bag.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“With any luck, I will be receiving my reversal surgery in the next couple (of) months.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He said with hindsight he was ready to share his story, being able to see that the “whole thing may have been preventable”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was totally shocked to learn how many people (including young people, I can’t stress that enough) receive this diagnosis,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Coming off the back of what felt like a torturous period that left us emotionally exhausted.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was one thing after another, and when I noticed something felt wrong I kept ignoring it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“While I felt unwell for a while the whole thing happened very quickly in the end and I didn’t have much time to comprehend what was happening.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“After the surgery, I dealt with fear, isolation, disgust, paranoia and something I’ve never had before — body image issues.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve had to go through a huge psychosocial adjustment.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Farnham said that his main symptom was abdominal pain that he experienced for months and “kept ignoring”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“After a few days of complaining ... arguing with my partner Tessa, she finally said, ‘enough is enough!’”</p> <p dir="ltr">Upon more checks, Farnham was diagnosed with diverticulitis that had perforated in his bowel.</p> <p dir="ltr">His situation soon became “an emergency situation” and was “absolutely terrified” when it came time to have his surgery.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I had a rough recovery period and it took three weeks before I was able to go home.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Farnham said that the “reality was now setting in ... this was my life now.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was almost too much for me to comprehend. Thankfully I had support.”</p> <p dir="ltr">James credited his partner Tessa who comforted him through his health journey, and helped him come to terms with his new reality. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Flash forward to now, I’ve figured out my ways and how to deal with everything and I now feel more comfortable.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m telling people and making jokes about it. Maybe this is because I know it’s temporary, but it’s really changed the way I deal with things, especially the way I view my health.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Listening to my body and respecting it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">For his birthday, Farnham requested donations to <a href="https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/online-donation">Bowel Cancer Australia</a>, <a href="https://crohnsandcolitis.org.au/how-to-help/donate/">Crohn’s & Colitis Australia</a> and <a href="https://cabrinifoundation.com.au/donate/lets-beat-bowel-cancer/">Let’s Beat Bowel Cancer</a> to help raise awareness for bowel disease.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 36-year-old’s health battle took place as his father, singer John Farnham was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/john-farnham-s-sons-share-latest-health-update">recovering</a> from throat cancer, undergoing a 12-hour surgery where doctors removed a tumour from his mouth before reconstructing his jaw in a second major operation.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Vale ‘sister suffragette’: how Glynis Johns became a pop-culture icon in the story of votes for women

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ana-stevenson-196768">Ana Stevenson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lindsay-helwig-1500979">Lindsay Helwig</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a></em></p> <p>Glynis Johns, most famous for her role as the suffragette mother Mrs Winifred Banks in Disney’s Mary Poppins (1964), passed away last week at the age of 100.</p> <p>A fourth-generation performer who made her <a href="https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-04-17-ca-126-story.html">stage debut</a> in London when she was only three weeks old, Johns inherited her Welsh father’s love of acting. She appeared with him in The Halfway House (1944) and The Sundowners (1960) and argued for the establishment of a Welsh National Theatre <a href="https://twitter.com/huwthomas/status/791367871242862592">as early as 1971</a>.</p> <p>Johns’s career spanned eight decades in Hollywood, Broadway and the British stage and screen. As Palm Springs’s Desert Sun <a href="https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=DS19630426.2.50">reported</a> in 1962, her “husky voice and big blue eyes” were her hallmarks. But it was her portrayal of Mrs Banks in Mary Poppins which would make her a pop culture icon.</p> <h2>A childhood inspiration</h2> <p>Feminist activists and scholars often describe the Mrs Banks character as a childhood inspiration.</p> <p>As feminist communications scholar Amanda Firestone <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Resist_and_Persist/s5HiDwAAQBAJ">reflects</a> on the film: "I especially loved […] Mrs Banks (Glynis Johns), who marches around the family home, putting Votes for Women sashes onto the housekeeper, cook, and the (departing) nanny. Of course, as a kid, I had no idea that the people and events embedded in the song’s lyrics were actual parts of history, but I did find a kind of joy in a vague notion of women’s empowerment."</p> <p>Set in 1910, the symbolism associated with Mrs Banks references the history of the British suffragettes. Johns’ musical showstopper, Sister Suffragette, directly refers to <a href="https://www.thehistorypress.co.uk/articles/the-pankhursts-politics-protest-and-passion/">Emmeline Pankhurst</a>, who founded the militant Women’s Social and Political Union in 1903. In 1906 British newspapers <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S0020859007003239">coined</a> the moniker “suffragette” to mock the union.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K0SDECwO54E?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>This ambivalence continued into the 1960s. Historian Laura E. Nym Mayhall <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/4316653">argues</a> that American concern over the impact of women’s public roles on their domestic responsibilities influenced the film’s depiction of Mrs Banks, especially her movement from a public suffragette back into an involved mother at the film’s end.</p> <p>For Mayhall, the figure of the suffragette emerges in popular culture as “a symbol of modernity”: a harbinger of democracy and political progress whose characterisation would elide ongoing struggles such as the civil rights movement.</p> <figure class="align-right zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/568335/original/file-20240108-23-tf6kwm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/568335/original/file-20240108-23-tf6kwm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/568335/original/file-20240108-23-tf6kwm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=949&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/568335/original/file-20240108-23-tf6kwm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=949&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/568335/original/file-20240108-23-tf6kwm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=949&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/568335/original/file-20240108-23-tf6kwm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1193&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/568335/original/file-20240108-23-tf6kwm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1193&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/568335/original/file-20240108-23-tf6kwm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1193&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">This 1909 Dunston Weiler Lithograph Co. anti-suffrage postcard offers resonances of Mrs Banks and her household staff in Mary Poppins.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://thesuffragepostcardproject.omeka.net/items/show/44">Catherine H. Palczewski Postcard Archive/The Suffrage Postcard Project</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p>While some see the character of the suffragette mother as <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Mary_Poppins/BLujEAAAQBAJ">supporting</a> women’s votes during the 1910s and women’s liberation during the 1960s, other readings of the film suggest a more satirical representation of the suffrage movement. Some historians even find <a href="https://doi.org/10.1215/02705346-6923118">resonances</a> of anti-suffrage propaganda in Mrs Banks, including in her usage of her Votes for Women sash as the tail of a kite in the film’s final scene.</p> <p>Looking back at film reviews offers insight into how audiences received this character – and, by extension, Johns as an actor. American studies scholar Lori Kenschaft <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books/about/Girls_Boys_Books_Toys.html?id=Or13vhnA_W4C">suggests</a> that film critics who saw Mrs Banks as a “nutty suffragette mother” reiterated popular stereotypes about suffragettes and feminists being “mentally unbalanced”.</p> <p>Such stereotypes may have been reinforced by the film’s depiction of motherhood and the nuclear family. Involved parenting emerged as the bedrock of the 1960s nuclear family, an idea both supported and actively promoted by Walt Disney in both his films and his theme parks, as <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Children_Childhood_and_Musical_Theater/XHrRDwAAQBAJ">argued</a> by American musicologist William A. Everett.</p> <p>As Mrs Banks, Johns embodied the transition from the distant, uninvolved parenting of the British middle-class in the earlier 20th century to the involved mother who facilitated the stable nuclear family. As women’s studies scholar Anne McLeer <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/4316893">argues</a>, Mary Poppins, through Johns’ portrayal of Mrs Banks, demonstrated the liberated woman of the 1960s could be contained within the nuclear family: the bedrock for a Western capitalist economy.</p> <h2>A long career</h2> <p>Beyond Mary Poppins, her most prominent role was in Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway musical A Little Night Music (1973).</p> <p>Johns originated the character of ageing actress Desiree Armfeldt, becoming the first to sing Send in the Clowns. As she <a href="https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-04-17-ca-126-story.html">reflected</a> of the classic in 1991: "It’s still part of me. And when you’ve got a song like Send in the Clowns, it’s timeless."</p> <p>Sondheim composed this song with Johns’s famously husky voice in mind. Yet some were less enamoured with her performance. One 1973 theatre critic <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/3850619">described</a> Johns as “a now somewhat overage tomboy, kittenish and raspy-voiced, precise and amusing in her delivery of lines but utterly, utterly unseductive.”</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OAl-EawVobY?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>A veteran of stage and screen, Johns appeared in more than 60 films and 30 plays. In 1998, she was honoured with a Disney Legends Award for her role as Mrs Banks. Johns also received critical acclaim throughout her career, including a Laurel Award for Mary Poppins and a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for A Little Night Music.</p> <p>Regardless of how incongruous her status as a “<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-05/glynis-johns-mary-poppins-send-in-the-clowns/103287036">Disney feminist icon</a>” may be, Johns’s extraordinary influence upon the 20th century’s cultural memory is a remarkable legacy. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/220766/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ana-stevenson-196768"><em>Ana Stevenson</em></a><em>, Senior Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lindsay-helwig-1500979">Lindsay Helwig</a>, Lecturer in Pathways, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Disney</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/vale-sister-suffragette-how-glynis-johns-became-a-pop-culture-icon-in-the-story-of-votes-for-women-220766">original article</a>.</em></p>

Caring

John Laws hangs up in disgust on Kyle and Jackie O

<p>The radio waves became a battlefield this morning as the titans of Australian talkback clashed in a dramatic showdown involving corset dresses, colon procedures – and a surprise departure for medical attention.</p> <p>The day kicked off with Jackie O making a grand entrance, albeit a slightly woozy one, having undergone surgery to bid farewell to a cervical polyp. Kyle, ever the supportive co-host, explained to listeners that Jackie was feeling under the weather and experiencing some tingling in her arm. (Because, as you know, corset dresses and surgery recovery are a match made in radio heaven.)</p> <p>"She just stepped out for a lay down. She’s got like a corset dress on and she had an operation yesterday," Kyle explained, giving us all a mental image of a radio host napping in style.</p> <p>But that was just the appetiser. The main course featured none other than radio legend John Laws, who decided to play hardball with the hosts in a dramatic fashion. Scheduled for an interview to celebrate an impressive 70 years on-air, Laws decided he'd had enough after catching wind of Jackie O's surgical – and, let's face it, highly graphic – revelations.</p> <p>Jackie O explained to a bemused Kyle that her surgeon had operated on her “via the colon or the vagina, I’m not sure which... What must I have looked like on the operating table? Nude, shower cap...” </p> <p>Now, let's take a moment to appreciate the delicacy of the situation. Laws, a seasoned broadcaster, chose that exact moment to hang up on the dynamic duo faster than you can say "corset controversy". Apparently, the mere thought of following that "real" a discussion about medical procedures, particularly those involving the nether regions, was way too much for his delicate radio palate.</p> <p>In an unexpected turn of events, Laws' assistant then became the unwilling messenger between the offended radio icon and and the KIISFM hosts. “Is it true he got angry about Jackie’s disgusting story?” Kyle asked. The assistant revealed that Laws "just doesn’t like it, Jackie. He doesn’t like following all that talk about vaginas." A sentiment we're sure many have echoed when trying to enjoy their morning coffee.</p> <p>But the cherry on top was Laws hanging up not once, but twice! Cementing forever his stance on steering clear of on-air discussions involving surgical escapades.</p> <p>Jackie O valiantly defended herself, insisting it wasn't gratuitous and was, in fact, a perfectly normal chat about a medical procedure. Laws, unmoved, made it clear he had no interest in such shenanigans.</p> <p>As if that weren't enough drama for one day, Jackie O had to bow out early due to feeling unwell, prompting Kyle to make a mercy call to Laws on-air to explain the situation. Laws, ever the gentleman, softened his stance, admitting he was just surprised at the talk and muttering a nonchalant "never mind".</p> <p>After that morning of medical misadventures, corset calamities and a radio veteran hanging up, who would have guessed that a discussion about surgery could cause such a ruckus?</p> <p><em>Images: KIISFM / X </em></p>

Body

"Kevin Kline and I killed a man in Denmark": John Cleese's startling admission

<p>John Cleese has made a startling admission on his new video series, <em>The Dinosaur Hour</em>, where he hosts intimate chats from a twelfth-century castle.</p> <p>The <em>Monty Python</em> actor claimed that he inadvertently killed someone at a screening of his 1988 comedy film <em>A Fish Called Wanda, </em>which co-starred Kevin Kline and Jamie Lee Curtis. </p> <p>“We killed a man … Kevin Kline and I killed a man in Denmark,” Cleese said, according to the <em>Daily Mail</em>. </p> <p>“He was a dentist, he had a huge laugh. A famous laugh. Very popular. It was in Aarhus, not a big town, but everybody knew him," he added. </p> <p>“And he went to see Wanda and he started laughing about two minutes in and never stopped.</p> <p>“They carried him out dead, he’d had a heart attack.”</p> <p>Cleese is known for his shock factor during TV appearances and interviews. </p> <p>In July, the <em>The Fawlty Towers </em>actor <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/i-don-t-want-to-talk-about-it-john-cleese-shuts-down-waleed-aly" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shut down </a>Waleed Aly's question about the iconic sitcom before poking fun at the <em>The Project</em> star's name. </p> <p>“We can’t let you go without talking about Fawlty Towers – at least I can’t, because I think it’s one of the greatest shows …” the broadcaster began, before Cleese shut him down. </p> <p>“I don’t want to talk about Fawlty Towers,” he said.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Movies

Happy ending after company's awful retirement send-off

<p>An elderly gentleman in the United States, who had faithfully served as an "extremely dependable" employee for 42 years, recently experienced a remarkable change in his fortunes, thanks in large part to the generosity of individuals from Australia.</p> <p>John Bartlett, the dedicated worker in question, had received <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/retirement-life/you-deserve-more-company-slammed-over-measly-send-off-party" target="_blank" rel="noopener">underwhelming recognition from an unnamed company</a> for his decades of commitment. His daily 40-minute commute on public transportation to a job paying only the minimum wage went largely unnoticed until recently, causing widespread consternation.</p> <p>Sonia, one of his colleagues, was deeply moved by the perceived injustice and decided to share a video clip of Bartlett's story online. In her post, she expressed her wish that his hard work had been better acknowledged and thanked him for his unwavering loyalty. She noted that Bartlett loved his job so much that he was reluctant to retire, receiving nothing more than a barbecue and a certificate as a token of appreciation.</p> <p>After sharing Bartlett's story on social media, Sonia was inundated with messages from people eager to contribute to his well-deserved retirement. Responding to this outpouring of support, she set up a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/happy-retirement-john#xd_co_f=YjM1NWNiYzAtN2QwYS00MDc2LTgzZWEtNzRiYzE2ZjczZDU2~" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> campaign, inviting the public to contribute "a little something for a better retirement" for him.</p> <p>Within a matter of days, the fundraiser received an overwhelming response, with donations and messages pouring in from around the world, including numerous contributions from Australians. The campaign was eventually closed after more than 1,900 individuals contributed, resulting in a total of A$57,454 for Bartlett's retirement fund.</p> <p>In his 70s, Bartlett was left speechless when Sonia shared this incredible news with him. She conveyed the global impact of his story and the messages of support he had received from people across the globe. Overwhelmed by the gesture, Bartlett could only smile and nod in response.</p> <p>“They left messages for you," said Sonia in the video. "So I’m going to print it out and go ahead and make something nice for you so you can read it on your own time. We started the GoFundMe because they wanted to give you something for your retirement on their part and it just blew up overnight. You deserve it, OK? I’m going to make sure everything goes to your account, just for you.”</p> <p>Supporters encouraged Bartlett to use the funds for special treats, like a grand holiday or for spending time with loved ones. Messages from donors expressed their heartfelt wishes for his retirement and new beginnings.</p> <p>Sonia expressed her gratitude to the donors, assuring them that every cent raised would be placed directly into Bartlett's account. In her final update to the GoFundMe account, she thanked donors for their kindness and reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring Bartlett received every penny, attributing the success of the campaign to their collective efforts.</p> <p>In the end, the power of community and compassion won out, as people from all walks of life came together to make a meaningful difference in the life of an individual who had dedicated so much to his job.</p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Retirement Life

“You deserve more”: Company slammed over measly send-off party

<p dir="ltr">A company has been slammed online for their measly attempt to farewell a hard-working employee of 42 years. </p> <p dir="ltr">John Barlett was a dedicated worker for four decades, commuting long distances to work at minimum wage and give his all to his colleagues. </p> <p dir="ltr">After 42 years of hard work, John announced his retirement from the company, prompting a measly farewell party from his place of work. </p> <p dir="ltr">One of John’s longtime co-worker, Sonia, was devastated over the injustice, sharing a short clip to social media of John – now in his 70s – and what she felt was his hard work going unappreciated.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Today is my co-worker’s last day. He worked for this company for 42 years making minimum wage,” Sonia wrote with the video. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The company only threw him a barbecue and gave him a certificate. He takes the bus and Bart (train) to get here every day on time. He’s 70+.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“He loves working here so much he didn’t want to retire. [He got] No bonus, just a barbecue and a certificate. Don’t be a slave to your job. Thank you John for your loyalty.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The video quickly went viral and was flooded with comments of support for John, with one person even suggesting that John start a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/happy-retirement-john" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> for people to contribute to his retirement. </p> <p dir="ltr">In the fundraiser, she revealed John could not drive because of a disability, but “rain or shine” would always make it to work.</p> <p dir="ltr">He was “extremely dependable”, Sonia added, revealing it had been difficult to convince him to take a break because he always wanted to work. </p> <p dir="ltr">He was “one of the most talented and hard working” employees at the company and his energy was “unmatched”, she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“He has no wife or kids, however he does have a nephew whom he loves dearly,” she wrote in the fundraiser.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It would be nice to give him some kind of company or something to do so he knows that he’s special and loved.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In the few days since the GoFundMe was created, it has raised almost $45,000, as many shared their comments of support.</p> <p dir="ltr">One person wrote, “Happy retirement, John. You deserve more than what this company has offered you. Wish you all the best in your life and your future.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: GoFundMe</em></p>

Retirement Life

It was written for nuclear disarmament – but today You’re The Voice is the perfect song for the ‘yes’ campaign

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-tregear-825">Peter Tregear</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p>The serendipity of the pairing between John Farnham’s 1986 hit single You’re the Voice and the Voice to Parliament referendum is obvious, but it goes well beyond the fact the two share the key word “voice”.</p> <p>The original was composed by a team of British songwriters in response to an anti-nuclear demonstration in London’s Hyde Park in 1985. Chris Thompson, Andy Qunta and Maggie Ryder had planned a song-writing session on the day an <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1985/10/27/world/100000-in-london-protest-arms-race.html">estimated 100,000 marched through central London</a> in support the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.</p> <p>Thompson, however, overslept. As an act of self-admonishment he decided to express his remorse by conceiving a song that emphasised the importance of personal agency in achieving political change.</p> <p>This is the kernel of meaning in You’re the Voice. It is also what makes it so especially well suited to support a campaign about a referendum to give Indigenous Australians a constitutionally recognised Voice to Parliament nearly 40 years later.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">OUR NEW AD IS LIVE!</p> <p>You’re the Voice that will make history.</p> <p>On 14 October, we know we all can stand together with the power to be powerful.<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HistoryIsCalling?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HistoryIsCalling</a>, so <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VoteYes?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VoteYes</a>. Are you in? John Farnham is.<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UluruStatement?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UluruStatement</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StayTrue2Uluru?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StayTrue2Uluru</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YoureTheVoice?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YoureTheVoice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VoteYes?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VoteYes</a> <a href="https://t.co/4ujYd9gk0M">pic.twitter.com/4ujYd9gk0M</a></p> <p>— ulurustatement (@ulurustatement) <a href="https://twitter.com/ulurustatement/status/1698260272165875951?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <h2>The grain of Farnham’s voice</h2> <p>Thompson was not at all convinced at the time Farnham <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/why-john-farnham-was-nearly-rockblocked-from-youre-the-voice/news-story/9e048f2d4550a8b4c1a28e2eba4909f6">could do the song justice</a> when he requested it for inclusion in his album Whispering Jack.</p> <p>And yet the particular qualities of Farnham’s singing is also arguably crucial to the song’s success, then and now.</p> <p>The music’s combination of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentimental_ballad#Power_ballads">power ballad</a> tempo with <a href="https://music.amazon.com.au/playlists/B078H6J6BF">pub anthem</a> singability calls for a kind of full-throated vocal performance that takes more than a little inspiration from African American gospel traditions.</p> <p>Singers drawn from these traditions include giants of popular musical culture like James Brown, Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin. It is not exaggerated praise to suggest Farnham here delivers a performance that stands with their best.</p> <p>And it was career changing for him, helping Farnham to put to rest his earlier image as a clean-cut purveyor of sentimental pop songs like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0c55lXRAeg">Sadie the Cleaning Lady</a> and relaunch his career.</p> <p>Farnham’s singing here exemplifies what Roland Barthes famously described in <a href="https://courses.lsa.umich.edu/jptw/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2017/08/Barthes-ImageMusicText.pdf">an essay from 1972</a> as the “grain of the voice”: the element of a singer’s individuality which helps convey the sincerity and authenticity of what is being sung.</p> <p>You’re the Voice further highlights the grain of Farnham’s singing via the exclamation “oh, whoa!” regularly punctuating the song’s chorus. In a powerful moment of sonic symbolism, the exclamation is eventually taken up in the advertisement (like the sentiment of the song itself, it is no doubt hoped) by a chorus of supporters.</p> <h2><em>You</em> are the voice</h2> <p>Indeed, if it is to succeed, the referendum will need to convince an especially broad coalition of Australians to vote for “yes”.</p> <p>The song supports this goal from its very title: <em>you</em> are the voice. It asks each of us, individually, to consider how we can act for the common good.</p> <blockquote> <p>We have the chance to turn the pages over <br />We can write what we want to write <br />We gotta make ends meet, before we get much older.</p> </blockquote> <p>The song’s explicit call to action has now been connected to the forthcoming referendum: now is the moment to use your voice at the ballot box to give, in turn, a constitutionally enshrined voice to indigenous Australians.</p> <p>The “yes” campaign’s appeal to collective responsibility is one aspect of the referendum process that <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/aug/16/lidia-thorpe-calls-for-referendum-called-off-indigenous-voice-to-parliament-no-campaign">concerns some Indigenous critics</a>. The very enterprise of constitutional reform, after all, presumes the legitimacy of the Australian constitution which in turn presumes the legitimacy of the original act of colonial dispossession.</p> <p>But the bigger threat to the “yes” campaign arguably comes from those who see the idea of an <a href="https://ipa.org.au/ipa-today/the-indigenous-voice-to-parliament-has-the-potential-to-be-divisive">Indigenous voice to parliament itself as divisive</a>.</p> <p>Yet, as the song goes:</p> <blockquote> <p>This time, we know we all can stand together <br />With the power to be powerful <br />Believing we can make it better.</p> </blockquote> <p>The use of You’re the Voice here reinforces the view that supporting the Voice to Parliament is a positive act of national reconciliation that we, as a nation, can take together.</p> <p>It is an injunction to take personal and collective responsibility for the history and character of the country we all share.</p> <h2>Politically inclusive</h2> <p>The advertisement is the work of Mark Green of <a href="https://themonkeys.com.au/">The Monkeys advertising agency</a> and historian <a href="https://www.clarewright.com.au/">Clare Wright</a>.</p> <p>It focuses on a family as they watch key moments which shaped Australia’s collective identity. It looks at key moments of reconciliation, Indigenous achievement and Indigenous protest; but also broader moments in collective action.</p> <p>In a particularly astute move, the advertisement overlays images of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jan/01/john-howard-port-arthur-gun-control-1996-cabinet-papers">John Howard’s 1996 gun reforms</a> in the wake of the Port Arthur massacre as Farnham delivers the lines:</p> <blockquote> <p>We’re all someone’s daughter<br />We’re all someone’s son<br />How long can we look at each other<br />Down the barrel of a gun?</p> </blockquote> <p>Implicit in this conjunction is a reminder to us that support for the “yes” vote, like any nation-changing political act, can come from any side of politics.</p> <h2>Democratising the message</h2> <p>There are many more layers we could tease apart in You’re The Voice. Its extended bagpipes solo originated as an homage to AC/DC singer Bon Scott, connecting it to the egalitarian, <a href="https://www.popmatters.com/141796-let-there-be-rock-2496022409.html">working class culture</a> Scott’s music addresses.</p> <p>Then there is the way the bagpipes, combined with the song’s use of side-drum rhythmic patterns, evoke the sound world of a military tattoo or march. This simultaneously elevates the register of its message. The song – and now the ad – is an implicit call to arms.</p> <p>The inclusion of You’re the Voice in the “yes” campaign thus provides powerful support for its central message.</p> <p>Farnham himself recognises this. Upon release of the advertisement, Farnham <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/john-farnham-backs-voice-permits-his-anthem-to-front-yes-campaign-ad-20230901-p5e18t.html">spoke about</a> how, when it was first released in 1986, the song “changed his life”.</p> <p>Generously, he concluded: "I can only hope that now it might help in some small way, to change the lives of our First Nations Peoples for the better."</p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-tregear-825">Peter Tregear</a>, Principal Fellow and Professor of Music, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/it-was-written-for-nuclear-disarmament-but-today-youre-the-voice-is-the-perfect-song-for-the-yes-campaign-212769">original article</a>.</em></p>

Music

Backlash for John Farnham over use of iconic song in Voice campaign

<p>John Farnham, the celebrated Australian music legend, has allowed his timeless classic, "You're the Voice", to serve as the official soundtrack for the Yes campaign in the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum of 2023. This decision, however, has sparked mixed reactions from the public.</p> <p>Farnham's decision to lend his 1980s hit to the campaign holds particular significance as Australia gears up for the pivotal referendum on October 14.</p> <p>In a heartfelt statement, Farnham expressed his motivation for this gesture, saying, "This song changed my life. I can only hope that it now might help, in some small way, to change the lives of our First Nations people for the better."</p> <p>Tim Wheatley, the son of Farnham's late longtime manager Glenn Wheatley, added, "Win or lose this referendum, this song will forever remain on the right side of history."</p> <p>The campaign video featuring the song will be widely disseminated, appearing on television, social media and various digital platforms.</p> <p>However, the decision to use Farnham's iconic track has not been without controversy. Some critics argue that the campaign missed an opportunity to promote the event using an Indigenous artist, thereby highlighting the importance of Indigenous voices in this critical moment.</p> <p> </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">A very sad day today to hear John Farnham allowing his song to be used for the YES Campaign.<br />Selling yourself out to a divisive political stance.<br />Have been a fan of yours for decades. You have just sold your soul to half of Australia.<br />Shame on you.<br />Vote No to the Voice</p> <p>— Bobby Abruzzo (@wbfc1954) <a href="https://twitter.com/wbfc1954/status/1698126419912745206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also expressed his reservations about the choice of song. He remarked, "In a sense, it's the appropriate theme song for the Yes campaign because remember that the key line in the lyrics there is, you know, 'you're the Voice, try to understand it.' I honestly don't think most Australians understand it. And they want to be informed."</p> <p>The two-minute campaign ad is a poignant montage that showcases significant moments in Australian history, all experienced through the lens of television. As Farnham's hit plays in the background, viewers witness iconic events such as Cathy Freeman's historic victory at the 2000 Olympics, former Prime Minister John Howard's landmark gun reform in 1996, and Kevin Rudd's heartfelt apology to the stolen generations in 2008.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I used to think the song "You're The Voice" was for all Australians.<br />Disappointed that John Farnham has decided to make it divisive and political.<br />Have your say privately by voting John but not like this.<br />Still wish you well in recovery.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VoteNO23Australia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VoteNO23Australia</a> <a href="https://t.co/29lxkmCFWG">pic.twitter.com/29lxkmCFWG</a></p> <p>— Jenny (@JennyandFreedom) <a href="https://twitter.com/JennyandFreedom/status/1698123945176891520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><em>Image: Supplied</em> </p>

Music

Elton John hospitalised after fall

<p>Elton John has been hospitalised after suffering a fall at his luxury French villa just outside of Nice on Sunday. </p> <p>The Rocket Man singer, 76, stayed overnight at the Princess Grace Hospital in Monaco after "slipping" in his home, as a precautionary measure. </p> <p>The star has since recovered and is back at home after the incident. </p> <p>"Elton visited the local hospital as a precautionary measure," a representative for the icon told <em>People</em> magazine. </p> <p>"Following check ups, he was immediately discharged this morning and is now back at home and in good health."</p> <p>This comes almost two years after the icon revealed he had a hip replacement surgery in November 2021. </p> <p>"I've had a hip replacement, but I'm full of beans and I'm full of zest. But this is just a prompter to say 'come on you've got more to do now,'" he told the <em>Evening Standard</em> at the time. </p> <p>"I may not look as if I'm 100 per cent fit – but I'm not quite – but I'm still raring to go and I've got a lot more work to do as far as my life goes. So this is just a reminder that there's more to do."</p> <p>He recently ended his <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/elton-john-s-final-message-to-crowd-at-last-concert-ever" target="_blank" rel="noopener">final tour</a> in Stockholm, Sweden with a touching message after 52 years of performing. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Caring

John Farnham reveals joyous first wish after finally coming home, cancer free

<p>The Aussie music maestro, the one and only John Farnham, has officially kicked cancer to the curb! After a rollercoaster year of medical procedures, he's emerged victorious and ready to rock on.</p> <p>In a joyous announcement full of gratitude, the 74-year-old crooner spilled the beans about his epic cancer journey. After battling through rehab and finally being given the all clear by his medical team, Farnham wrote "I am the luckiest man I know right now. It's been a year since my first surgery and to be honest I've lost count as to how many other procedures there's been since then.</p> <p>"I'm sure someone's kept track of them all - let's just say, there's been a few. But, I'm home now and I'm a very grateful and happy man."</p> <p>Now he's finally back home and soaking up the love from his clan: "I'm sitting here in my living room lapping up the attention from my beautiful wife, Jill, my boys Rob and James and my mini Schnauzer, Edmund," he wrote.</p> <p>"It's only now that I can start to appreciate and comprehend, for myself, how many messages of love and support have been sent to me over the past year. I don't know what to say, other than thank you so very much. It honestly means the world to me. Thank you to everyone who took the time to write and send a message."</p> <p>And of course how does one of Australia's most celebrated entertainers mark the occasion of finally being cancer-free? Pizza, of course!</p> <p>"Today is a special day," he wrote. "And I'm going to mark it by having a pizza – because I can! I can't wait to see what might be next on the menu. Bring on 2024."</p> <p><em>Images: Getty / Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Olivia Newton-John's daughter reveals health issues

<p>Olivia Newton-John's daughter, Chloe Lattanzi has opened up about a few health struggles in a candid video posted on Instagram. </p> <p>The 37-year-old daughter of the <em>Grease</em> star shared that she had been struggling with the effects of grief, around one year after her mother's passing. </p> <p>"Since my mum's passing and the year and a half with her going through cancer, I have not been OK," she said. </p> <p> "If I have forgotten to return your calls – I've had extreme memory loss, I've had difficulty getting out of bed. I've stuck to my commitments but I have been neglecting myself."</p> <p>She also revealed one of the messages her mum told her before her death. </p> <p>"One of my mum's biggest messages was 'take care of you'," she added. </p> <p>"If you don't take care of you, you cannot give your full capacity of love, wisdom, kindness and power to everyone else."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwJJkSLNkWW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwJJkSLNkWW/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Chloe Lattanzi (@chloelattanziofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>She then explained that she would be going to Newton-John's annual Walk for Wellness on October 8 in Melbourne, but will disappear for a few weeks after that to honour her mum's words and focus on herself. </p> <p>"After the walk I'm going to disappear for about three weeks, just to honour my mind, body and spirit because I'm developing a little bit of health issues in my mind and my body," she explained.</p> <p>Following Olivia's death on August 8 last year, Chloe revealed that she will be continuing her mum's cancer advocacy by taking over the Walk of Wellness that her mum lead. </p> <p>Her post has been with overwhelming support from fans. </p> <p>"Absolutely - your Mom wants you to take good care of you so please do that & remember she’s always with you 💕" wrote one.</p> <p>"We all love you and we all want to see you at your best healthy and thriving and I’m sure mama would want the same too. We totally all understand and take care of your body, mind and spirit," commented another. </p> <p>"Sending you love Chloe. Look after yourself and always know, you are loved," wrote a third. </p> <p>She has previously opened up about her <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/olivia-newton-john-s-daughter-reflects-on-her-mother-s-life-one-year-after-her-death" target="_blank" rel="noopener">struggles with grief</a> and how she will continue to work tirelessly to keep her mother's legacy going. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

"One of the greats": Elton John's stirring tribute to Michael Parkinson

<p>The entertainment world has been cast into a somber veil of mourning as it bids farewell to the iconic Michael Parkinson, the legendary interviewer who has left us at the age of 88.</p> <p>Elton John, David Attenborough, Michael Caine, Eric Idle ...the long list of luminaries who have joined the chorus of heartfelt tributes to the "TV titan" and the undisputed "king of the chat show" seems limitless.</p> <p>The poignant words of Oscar-winning Michael Caine resonate with a sense of irreparable loss: “Michael Parkinson was irreplaceable," he wrote. "He was charming, always wanted to have a good laugh. He brought the best of everyone he met. Always looked forward to be interviewed by him.”</p> <p>David Attenborough's reflection on his interactions with the man affectionately known as "Parky" evokes a sense of melancholic nostalgia: “He was extremely generous, he wanted you to shine and would always laugh at your jokes and give you an opportunity to make them sound funnier than in fact they were. It was always friendly, it was always thorough, it was always intelligent, it was always a pleasure to do it and I think that came over no matter who his interviewee was.”</p> <p>Elton John said Parkinson was “a TV legend who was one of the greats. I loved his company and his incredible knowledge of cricket and Barnsley Football Club. A real icon who brought out the very best in his guests. Condolences and love to Mary and his family."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwC4JoBMmKq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwC4JoBMmKq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The reminiscences continue, with Stephen Fry's words dripping with a bittersweet tone, saying that being interviewed by Parkinson was an experience of impossibly intense thrill.</p> <p>“The genius of Parky was that (unlike most people (and most of his guests, me included) he was always 100 per cent himself. On camera and off. ‘Authentic’ is the word I suppose,” he wrote. “For one of the shows I was on with Robin Williams, a genius of unimaginable comic speed and brilliance. Now they’re both gone.</p> <p>“One should get used to the parade of people constantly falling off the edge, but frankly one doesn’t. So long #parky.”</p> <p>The poignant announcement of the loss came from Parkinson's family. “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family,” the statement read.</p> <p>“The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”</p> <p>The memories flood in as the recollection of Parkinson's rise to prominence in the 1970s fills the air with a sense of wistfulness. His list of more than 2000 interviewees includes luminaries such as Sir Billy Connolly, Muhammad Ali, Prince Philip, Sir Elton John, Madonna, and Paul McCartney.</p> <p>Four-time guest Muhammad Ali's absence echoes through time as Parkinson's voice emerges: “When people ask me who I most enjoyed interviewing, I’m unable to give them an answer”, Parkinson once said in an interview. “If they ask me who was the most remarkable man I ever met, I answer without hesitation – Muhammad Ali. I interviewed him four times – I lost on every occasion.”</p> <p>These titanic verbal sparring matches stand as poignant testimonies of the show's indelible legacy, underscoring their magnetic effect on millions of viewers.</p> <p>Among the program's other poignant moments, the chaos induced by Rod Hull's puppet Emu assaulting Parkinson on his own talk show couch remains etched in memory. Parkinson jestingly admitted that his career would forever be epitomised by "that bloody bird".</p> <p><em>Images: Getty / BBC 1</em></p>

Caring

Olivia Newton-John's daughter reflects on her mother's life, one year after her death

<p>Olivia Newton-John's daughter has opened up about her grief journey on the one year anniversary of her mother's death. </p> <p>Chloe Lattanzi spoke candidly with <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/stellar/world-exclusive-chloe-lattanzi-on-the-first-anniversary-of-olivia-newtonjohns-death/news-story/9fcd4dccc2113fabbbe508e9c92520ee" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Stellar</em></a> magazine about what the last year has looked like for her and her family, as they still struggle with the reality of losing a loved one. </p> <p>Since Olivia's death last year, Chloe and her husband James moved into Olivia's ranch in California, where Chloe says she still feels the healing presence of her late mother. </p> <p>"I feel like she’s still alive," she said. "Even though I feel her around me in spirit, it’s a tangible place where I feel my mother."</p> <p>"I can walk on the soil and be like, her foot was here. I can sit on her favourite seat and know that she sat there a thousand times, and visualise sitting on her lap. It’s the last place she lived, where she crossed and I held her hand. She’s still alive there for me.”</p> <p>Chloe shared that the outpouring of love after Olivia's passing was overwhelming, as fans from around the world sent their thoughts and messages of love. </p> <p>“I got absolute oceans of love and support and connection. I’m kind of isolated on the ranch, and I’d have fans reaching out: ‘If you ever need anything, anyone to talk to… we love you so much.’"</p> <p>"It was the lifeboat, and beautiful in a way, all these people sending so much love to our family and loving my mother. They really lifted me out of dark places."</p> <p>Chloe is determined to carry on her mother's philanthropic work through the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre at Melbourne’s Austin Hospital, and the annual Walk for Wellness event, which will be celebrating 10 years in October. </p> <p>Since her mother's passing, Chloe and her family have worked tirelessly to continue her mother's legacy, and encourage others to get involved in the cause.</p> <p>“It means everything. [Olivia] said, ‘You’re going to carry the torch for me, darling, but you’re going to shine your own unique light.’ I want to rally and encourage everyone to get together, like my mum did."</p> <p>On the anniversary of Olivia's death, Chloe said she is sure she will feel "shattered", but will surround herself with loved ones and bask in happy memories of her mother. </p> <p>“I’m going to be spending the day with a mother figure, going to do the things that my mum liked to do. When I think about the day, it quite honestly just shatters me. That’s the truth. It shatters me. But I know that she’s guiding me and she’s with me."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Family & Pets

Kate Ritchie reflects on special moment with John Farnham

<p>Kate Ritchie has recalled the moment she met John Farnham on the set of <em>Home & Away</em>, in a moment that made her feel like "the luckiest little girl in Australia”.</p> <p>The former Aussie soap star shared the touching tribute as part of <em>7NEWS Spotlight’s The Lost Tapes of John Farnham</em>, as she revealed how much the iconic singer means to her. </p> <p>Ritchie first met Farnham in 1998, as the pair filmed a special episode of <em>Home & Away</em> in which Ritchie, who played nine-year-old Sally Fletcher, was lucky enough to meet her idol, during what was to become an iconic Australian TV moment.</p> <p>“I think we forget how big John Farnham was,” Ritchie told <em>Spotlight’s</em> Michael Usher. “Not only was he an incredible talent and so likeable, I feel as though he represented what Australia was all about."</p> <p>“Not only was he our soundtrack, but he was the guy you wanted to be friends with.”</p> <p>Since filming the episode with Farnham 25 years ago, Ritchie says he’s touched her life in a very special way.</p> <p>“I remember I was the luckiest little girl in Australia,” she said. “The story was that Sally Fletcher won tickets to see Johnny perform but at the last minute she got an awful case of the chicken pox and because he is such a great guy ... he decided to come back to Summer Bay and visit Sally Fletcher in her pyjamas.”</p> <p>After the two filmed the special episode together, Ritchie said she has never forgotten that moment.</p> <p>“He made the child that I was feel like I was the important person on set that day,” she said. “It was like he had come to see me and he needed my help.”</p> <p>Even now, 25 years later, Ritchie is still one of the country’s biggest Farnham fans.</p> <p>“It’s really nice to talk about it,” she said. “I’ve bored my family over the years and (his 1990 hit) <em>Burn For You</em> is a bit of a favourite.</p> <p>“I think that if you’re celebrating the nation we live in ... and you’re not playing John Farnham, you’re not doing it correctly.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: 7News Spotlight</em></p>

Music

John Howard's extraordinary colonisation claims

<p>John Howard has made an extraordinary claim about Australia's history, saying the colonisation by the British was the "luckiest thing" to happen to Australia. </p> <p>The former Prime Minster was discussing the proposed Voice to Parliament in an interview with <em>The Australian</em>, when he said he believed colonisation was "inevitable". </p> <p>He said, “I’m totally opposed to (reparations). You have to understand that in the 17th, 18th century, colonisation of the land mass of Australia was next to inevitable."</p> <p>“I do hold the view that the luckiest thing that happened to this country was being colonised by the British,” he said. </p> <p>“Not that they were perfect by any means, but they were infinitely more successful and beneficent colonisers than other European countries.”</p> <p>His controversial claims come just days after support for the "yes" campaign has seemingly lost momentum, with the "no" campaign ahead with 52 percent in the Resolve poll for Nine newspapers. </p> <p>He went on to say he believed the referendum was destined to fail, saying the voice will “create a new cockpit of conflict about how to help Indigenous people”.</p> <p>“I don’t think the voice is going to produce anything other than regular stand-offs between what the voice is asking for and what the government of the day is willing to do with a fair dollop of constitutional adventurism thrown into the mix. That’s what I think will happen.”</p> <p>“The idea that a sovereign country makes a treaty with part of itself is just preposterous. It is constitutionally repugnant. </p> <p>“Treaties are made between sovereign states. They’re not made between the sovereign state and part of the sovereign state. The very notion of this treaty is antagonistic to national sovereignty.”</p> <p>Instead of a Voice to Parliament, Howard believes Australia should be “just talking about how to lift up Aboriginal people, and put them in the mainstream of the community, finding out ways of doing it”.</p> <p>Mr Howard said, “Shouldn’t we just be sitting down talking to each other?” </p> <p>“It’s going to be hard. It’s going to take a long time. It’s going to be less successful than we would like. But why are we doing this to ourselves?” he added.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

"Crazy" development stuns John Farnham

<p>John Farnham has been left stunned by a "crazy" resurgence in his popularity following the premiere of the documentary about his life. </p> <p><em>John Farnham: Finding the Voice</em> aired on Monday night and follows the highs and lows of his remarkable career.</p> <p>The documentary has smashed viewing records, with the television broadcast of the film quickly becoming the most watched entertainment program on Monday.</p> <p>The film, which became the highest Australian grossing feature length documentary of all-time since opening at cinemas in mid-May, had 1.3 million viewers nationally for the Seven broadcast.</p> <p>In the days following the premiere, Farnham’s popularity has had a massive resurgence, with his albums dominating more than half the ARIA charts.</p> <p>Speaking to <em>The Morning Show</em> hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies, entertainment editor Peter Ford said that “everybody has kind of rediscovered John Farnham” after seeing the award-winning doco. </p> <p>“Yesterday, at one point John had 12 of the top 20 in the albums charts and then he had another five in the 20 to 40,” Ford said.</p> <p>“This includes <em>Greatest Hits Collections</em>, <em>Age of Reason</em>, <em>Full House</em>, of course, <em>Whispering Jack</em>, even his Christmas album with Olivia Newton-John got into the charts in July."</p> <p>“So, you know, it’s just fantastic that people have gone and discovered that music again."</p> <p>“John’s still going through a challenging time, even though we’ve got the great news that he is cancer free. Obviously it’s still a tough road."</p> <p>“And so to have this success in the box office at the movies, the biggest documentary ever to go in cinemas, the TV success and now the chart success ... good, good days.”</p> <p>The resurgence of Farnham's popularity comes just days after his son Robert gave a <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/he-sings-at-home-again-john-farnham-s-son-gives-heart-warming-update" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heart-warming update</a> on his father's health following his major surgery. </p> <p>The 74-year-old underwent a 12-hour operation after being diagnosed with throat cancer, with surgeons removing a tumour in his mouth and reconstructing his jaw.</p> <p>Now, Robert says his dad is now “cancer free” and is “really really happy”.</p> <p>“He’s doing fantastic,” he said on <em>Sunrise</em>. “Just the other day he was, you know, walking around with his cane and did a little bit of a dance, which was pretty fabulous."</p> <p>“He’s walking with his dog a lot — so he’s really, really happy.”</p> <p>“Like we’ve said before, cancer is a terrible, terrible thing. And it’s his time to walk that road, but he’s cancer free."</p> <p>“He sings at home again, the whole thing.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

"He sings at home again": John Farnham's son gives heart-warming update

<p>John Farnham's son has shared a heart-warming update on his dad's condition, as he continues to recover from major surgery. </p> <p>Robert Farnham appeared on <em>Sunrise</em> with his father’s long-time friend Gaynor Wheatley to discuss the premiere of the award-winning <em>John Farnham: Finding The Voice</em> on Channel Seven.</p> <p>Robert said his father's condition is continuing to improve after he underwent major surgery last August. </p> <p>The 74-year-old underwent a 12-hour operation after being diagnosed with throat cancer, with surgeons removing a tumour in his mouth and reconstructing his jaw.</p> <p>Now, Robert says his dad is now “cancer free” and is “really really happy”.</p> <p>“He’s doing fantastic,” he said on <em>Sunrise</em>. “Just the other day he was, you know, walking around with his cane and did a little bit of a dance, which was pretty fabulous."</p> <p>“He’s walking with his dog a lot — so he’s really, really happy.”</p> <p>The proud son went on to say that his dad has even started singing again, which has been a major turning point in his mental and physical recovery. </p> <p>“He’s doing really good, he’s super positive,” he added.</p> <p>“Like we’ve said before, cancer is a terrible, terrible thing. And it’s his time to walk that road, but he’s cancer free."</p> <p>“And, yeah, he’s doing really, really good. So, it’s very, very good to hear him."</p> <p>“He sings at home again, the whole thing.”</p> <p>Later on <em>The Morning Show</em>, Robert and Wheatley shared that John hasn't yet seen the documentary film about his extraordinary life and career. </p> <p>“No, he still hasn’t seen it,” Robert said to Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies.</p> <p>“He’s not one to watch himself, you know, on, on TV, or even read reviews. He’s just, he’s just not like that — but we’ll make him watch it.”</p> <div> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook / Getty Images</em></p> </div>

Caring

"I don't want to talk about it": John Cleese shuts down Waleed Aly

<p>John Cleese has butted heads with Waleed Aly in an awkward interview on <em>The Project</em>, with the Monty Python star refusing to answer a question and mocking Waleed's name. </p> <p>The 83-year-old comedic legend appeared on the show to promote his new Australian tour, <em>An Evening with the Late John Cleese</em>, when Waleed asked him what had brought him Down Under for the show. </p> <p>Cleese simply quipped, "Money."</p> <p>The interview turned sour when Waleed began to ask Cleese about his iconic 1970s sitcom <em>Fawlty Towers</em>, before he was shut down. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/JohnCleese?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JohnCleese</a> is 83 years old, but he doesn't fear death; in fact, he says he's already dead. <a href="https://t.co/2uHTp1w1oX">pic.twitter.com/2uHTp1w1oX</a></p> <p>— The Project (@theprojecttv) <a href="https://twitter.com/theprojecttv/status/1681961238731825152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>“We can’t let you go without talking about <em>Fawlty Towers</em> – at least I can’t, because I think it’s one of the greatest shows …” Aly began, before Cleese interjected.</p> <p>“I don’t want to talk about <em>Fawlty Towers</em>,” he said. </p> <p>“Yeah but, you know what – it’s not all about you, is it? I mean, I can ask you about <em>Fawlty Towers</em>?” Aly asked.</p> <p>“You can talk about <em>Fawlty Towers</em>,” Cleese told him, before turning his back and facing away from his hosts to take a sip of water, which earned him a round of applause from the panel.</p> <p>After making his point, Cleese turned back to the hosts, and asked: “What kind of a name is Waleed, anyway? Is it an anagram?”</p> <p>“No. It’s just Arabic. I take it your Arabic’s not great?” Waleed replied. </p> <p>“No. I tried to learn it once. There’s about four h’s and two k’s or something.”</p> <p>“Do you know what John is in Arabic? Yahya. I bet you can’t say that either,” said Aly.</p> <p>Cleese remarked that it was a “more interesting” topic to discuss than <em>Fawlty Towers</em>, but Aly persisted, asking whether he could see the show’s imprint in any recent comedy series.</p> <p>Despite his reluctance to talk about the show, Cleese conceded that it was, in fact, “a very interesting question.” </p> <p>As the interview wrapped, Cleese joked that as his original family surname is actually Cheese, he could be known as “Yahya Cheese.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: The Project</em></p> <div class="AV62af35d851923c62777207b4" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px auto; width: 712.1875px; background-color: white; height: 1px;"> </div>

Our Partners

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

John Travolta's heartbreaking tribute years after losing wife and son

"Finally felt like the right time": John Farnham's huge announcement

John Farnham’s son reveals secret health battle

Vale ‘sister suffragette’: how Glynis Johns became a pop-culture icon in the story of votes for women

John Laws hangs up in disgust on Kyle and Jackie O

"Kevin Kline and I killed a man in Denmark": John Cleese's startling admission

Happy ending after company's awful retirement send-off

“You deserve more”: Company slammed over measly send-off party

It was written for nuclear disarmament – but today You’re The Voice is the perfect song for the ‘yes’ campaign