20/20 Exclusive: Barbra Streisand

Nov. 3 -- They have, as Barbra Streisand says, grown up together.

Since she first interviewed Streisand while at the Today show, Barbara Walters has consistently obtained exclusive opportunities to talk with the elusive entertainer. Now, for her first televised interview since her marriage, Streisand sits down for the sixth time with Walters to discuss her future plans, her politics, and the changes in her personal life. The interview airs on 20/20 this Friday, Nov. 3, at 10 p.m. ET.

Streisand discusses her decision to retire from performing live and the farewell concerts she gave in New York and Los Angeles. She tells Walters the demands of performing in front of a live audience — the necessary voice pampering and the public’s high expectations — have proven to be too much. “Why should I do something that I don’t enjoy doing at this stage in my life?”

Still, Streisand stresses this is not retirement. Her musical career, she insists, will continue — mostly in the recording studio. “I like recording,” she says, “It’s very private and I love being with an orchestra … love being with musicians.” She also plans to continue acting, directing and producing films.

At Peace With Herself

Born in New York, Streisand’s father died when she was 15 months old, leaving her to be raised by her mother, who Streisand says never had much faith in her. Struggling with a lifelong sense of loss and abandonment, Streisand shares several instances in her life where she says she has been able to connect with her late father, Emanuel. Those moments, she adds, have helped her come to terms with her loss. “I will always miss that part that I didn’t have,” she says. “But … I’m doing well … with all that I have.”

And what she has is a new life, and a happy marriage, to actor James Brolin, whom she wed in July 1998. She tells Walters marriage agrees with her.