Olivia Newton-John’s daughter, Chloe Lattanzi, and husband, John Easterling, recently had their first interview since that star’s passing in August after battling breast cancer. Lattanzi and Easterling spoke to Hoda Kotb for “Today,” speaking about their immense love they felt for her and how their lives have changed since she passed away. One thing that Lattanzi and Easterling said that got them through the tough times was the support from Newton-John’s fans. “It actually has been a life raft,” Lattanzi told Kotb. “It has felt like a big hug from the universe. And I’m very grateful for all of the people who reached out to us and extended their heart and their connection.”

The “Grease” star was an iconic star to so many, but to Lattanzi, she was just mom. “I love my mom more than anything,” Lattanzi said. “She’s my mama, you know? She’s not Olivia Newton-John to me, but I’m so glad that she was Olivia Newton-John for so many people.” Towards the end of Newton-John’s battle with breast cancer, she lost her ability to speak, but Lattanzi shares the sweet last words she spoke to her daughter. “The last words she could say to me was, ‘My sunshine,'” she said. “And right before she lost her ability to speak, she was making jokes.”

Easterling spoke about the heartbreak of losing Newton-John, saying he feels her presence “late at night or early in the morning.” He also spoke about how thankful he was to have had the amount of time with her that he did.  “A guy I was flying with said, ‘You know, John, when you’re lucky enough to have found your true soul mate, and you share a heart, when one passes, the other has the obligation to live life for both.’ And that was very empowering and very powerful for me, and, you know, and gave a way forward.”

Olivia Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. She battled it multiple times throughout her life before passing away at age 73 on August 8th, 2022.