Hollywood legend Liza Minnelli is opening up about the private battle that has followed her for decades — and why she considers herself lucky to still be here at 80.
The Oscar-winning entertainer shared an emotional message marking National Recovery Month, telling fans she is “grateful to be alive” after years of struggling with substance use disorder.
“Yes, even at 80…we can still be kids,” Minnelli wrote. “I feel damn childlike on days that make me vulnerable to my disease…Substance Use Disorder.”
Minnelli, the daughter of screen icon Judy Garland, has never hidden the painful addiction struggles that have shadowed her extraordinary career.
The EGOT winner has previously spoken openly about her battles with alcohol, prescription drugs and cocaine, and has said she believes her addiction issues may have been inherited from her famous mother.
Garland herself endured a highly publicized struggle with drugs before her death in 1969 at just 47 years old.
Now, Minnelli says the love and support surrounding her helped her reach a milestone she might otherwise never have seen.
“Thank God I have so much support,” she wrote.
The Cabaret star singled out her sister, actress and singer Lorna Luft, longtime friend Michael Feinstein and celebrity physician Dr. Lawrence Piro as some of the people who have helped her along the way.
But Minnelli isn’t simply looking back.
The Hollywood survivor revealed she is also working on a new initiative that will share what she has learned during a lifetime filled with incredible highs, devastating lows and years of recovery.
She said the upcoming program will serve as a “companion” to her memoir, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!, which was released in March.
Minnelli’s deeply personal message comes during an emotional period for longtime entertainment fans following the deaths of two other beloved 80-year-old stars, Dolly Parton and Rocky Horror Picture Show actor Tim Curry.
Parton died Aug. 25 following what her family described as a “short” battle with cancer.
Curry died the same day after years of health problems stemming from the severe stroke he suffered in 2012. An official cause of death has not been announced.
The back-to-back losses even sparked dark jokes online from worried fans suggesting someone needed to keep the “Grim Reaper” away from Minnelli.
Minnelli herself was devastated by Parton’s death and posted a heartbreaking tribute to the country music superstar.
“No. It can’t be true. @dollyparton joined the celestial choir,” Minnelli wrote.
“This is devastating for so many reasons. I love Dolly. And she was always a truly supportive friend. We cheered each other on many times. When I was in trouble? Dolly knew it.”
Despite the recent heartbreak, Minnelli made one thing clear in her latest message: she is still here, still working and still fighting.
At 80 years old, one of Hollywood’s most enduring survivors appears determined to keep going.
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