'He's in my heart and he's part of me': Patti Newton on finding 'a new normal' after losing Bert

Patti Newton has opened up about finding "a new normal" in her life more than a year after losing husband Bert Newton.

The TV icon died at age 83 in October 2021, and in a new interview Patti admits she didn't know if she was "ever going to be a happy person again".

"But you know, I am, because I have talked myself into the fact that whatever I do, he's with me and he's in my heart and he's part of me," the actress and entertainer tells New Idea

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"Bert would want me to still be happy and move on with life. That's what I think is the best thing to do, and you know what? I think we've found a new normal and I feel very lucky."

Although the 77-year-old is moving on, she still often shares her fond memories with her husband from over the years. 

For Christmas, Patti posted a photo on Instagram from when she and Bert dressed as Santa and Mrs Claus. 

Patti captioned the post, "Have a wonderful Christmas. One of my favourite pics, when Bert and I were with the Wiggles. He loved it too xxxxx #wiggles.

The festive posts didn't stop there. 

She also paid tribute to her husband as she watched Carols in the Domain, as it was a reminder of when her family performed at the show in 2006. 

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Returning to the stage with her love of theatre and beginning a new chapter in her life, Patti is currently portraying the Bird Woman in Mary Poppins in Brisbane after her long-awaited return to the theatre.