Chloe Lattanzi Honors Her Late Mother Olivia Newton-John with Empowering New Single “Phoenix”

Chloe Lattanzi is keeping a heartfelt promise to her late mother, Olivia Newton-John. In honor of what would have been Olivia’s 76th birthday on Sept. 26, Chloe released her new single, Phoenix, a song that holds deep personal meaning and is a tribute to her mom’s unwavering love and support.

Chloe, 38, tells PEOPLE exclusively that the song is a promise she made to Olivia before her passing from breast cancer two years ago. “I co-wrote the song ‘Phoenix’ for my mom as a promise to fly, to know my own worth, and to make sure to love myself,” she shares.

Having struggled with mental health challenges in the past, including PTSD, Chloe has long been open about her journey. But after losing her mother, she says the song is a reminder to stay strong and embrace her true self. “…The most important thing to her more than anything in the world was that her child, me, shared her gifts with the world and was happy,” Chloe says, reflecting on her mom’s desire for her to live a fulfilled life.

Phoenix is a powerful anthem for anyone facing struggles of the mind, body, or spirit. Chloe wants listeners to feel empowered by the message that they are stronger than they realize. “You are not what has happened to you, and you are not the illness that you have. You are eternal, bright light,” she says.

The song had been in the works for years, with Olivia encouraging Chloe to release it. “She would listen to it every day and just say, ‘Come on baby, put it out, put it out,’” Chloe remembers. But as Olivia’s health began to decline, the young composer focused on caring for her mom, delaying the release. Now, Chloe is excited to share the song with the world in her mom’s honor.

Phoenix follows Chloe and Olivia’s previous duets, including Window in the Wall and You Have to Believe (We Are Magic), which hit #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart. Chloe fondly recalls how music was always a part of her life. “I remember being like two years old walking around the house singing,” she says, smiling at the memory of her mom’s influence on her musical journey.

Beyond music, Chloe is continuing her mother’s legacy by leading the Olivia’s Walk For Wellness in Melbourne, Australia, on October 6. The walk, which raises funds for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, is a significant event in Olivia’s mission to promote mind-body wellness. This year, the event is themed around Olivia’s iconic 1981 hit, Physical. Chloe is excited to see the joy on the faces of those who participate. “I’m so looking forward to seeing everybody dancing and the joy on their faces,” she says.

Reflecting on her own growth, Chloe feels her mother’s positive energy more than ever. “I feel really proud of myself,” she admits, noting that after Olivia’s passing, she didn’t feel strong but pushed herself to honor her mom’s fight. “I saw what my mom went through with cancer, and I’m like, ‘I want this to f—ing stop,'” Chloe says. She dreams of expanding the wellness center and making mind-body care the standard for all.