Olivia Newton-John Discusses Her Trying Times

Oct. 10, 2005 — -- Olivia Newton-John says she is ignoring the rumors and speculation surrounding the disappearance of her longtime boyfriend, who's been missing for more than three months.

"I love him very much and this is very hard to go through," Newton-John told "GMA" today in her first televised interview since the disappearance. "He has a young son so we still hold out hope that he will come back."

Newton-John met Patrick McDermott, 48, nine years ago when he was a cameraman on a commercial shoot. He was last seen a little over three months ago on an overnight fishing trip off the California Coast. Newton-John was in Australia when McDermott disappeared on June 30.

McDermott was not reported missing until 10 days after his boat returned and he failed to appear at a family function on July 6.

Newton-John has hired a top security expert to investigate the disappearance.

Rumors that McDermott faked his own death because of financial problems or that he fell overboard have surrounded the case.

"It's very much a mystery and speculation has been rife and I choose not to buy into the speculation," Newton-John said. "This is such a personal thing for me and his family and we've chosen not to talk about it because it's an ongoing investigation."

Newton-John is on her "Stronger Than Before," to promote her new CD of the same name. Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer 13 years ago at the age of 43, and sings on the new album with other survivors.

"I thought this was my opportunity to give something back and write songs that will give other women inspiration and hope," Newton-John said.

Newton-John co-wrote the song "That's All I Know for Sure" for her daughter, Chloe, 19.

"I wanted to share with her one of the most important things I learned as a cancer patient," Newton-John said. "In the face of terrifying uncertainty, the one thing I know absolutely for sure is that love is what really matters."

Chloe wrote the lyrics to another song on the album, "Can I trust Your Arms."