Sources close to the stars say that while they’ve worked on some of Australia’s biggest shows and performances, it’s their role as grandparents to daughter Lauren’s four children that’s brought them the most joy.
And after a string of health concerns in the past few years, Bert – who turns 80 this year – has decided to put any work commitments on the backburner to focus on family instead.
‘While Bert retired several years ago, he and Patti are still obviously very big names in the Australian entertainment world and are constantly flooded with offers for appearances, cameo roles and endorsements,’ says a source. ‘In the past they’ve always weighed up the merits of each opportunity and done things here and there, but now they’ve decided to really just concentrate on family.
‘Both Bert and Patti have had their health struggles, and really they’re now just at the point where they want to be with their grandkids. Nothing brings them more joy than having Lauren’s kids running around the house and that’s all they want moving forward. 2018 is the year where we’ll definitely see less of them in the public arena – they just want to focus on family, making their private lives a priority.’
Indeed Bert and Patti, 72, are doting grandparents to their daughter Lauren’s children – Sam, 10, Eva, eight, Lola, five, and Monty, who turns two in February.
The children are regulars on Patti’s social media accounts, on which she recently admitted that: ‘You never want this time to end,’ posting a snap of Lola pushing Monty on a swing.
Reflecting on their family, Patti also revealed: ‘Life has been so good and we are blessed,’ before adding Bert dressed up as Santa for Lola’s kindergarten class.
‘Bert and Patti have been to the Logies and have walked the red carpet a million times – but nothing beats this precious time with their family,’ says a close source to the Newtons. ‘This is the secret about Bert and Patti that no-one really knows. We’ve seen the fun showbiz couple, but it’s their secret lives as grandparents that brings them the most joy. Family is everything to Bert and Patti.
‘Taking a back seat to all the publicity so they can see their grandkids every day and be there for Lauren and her husband Matt is what’s really important to them these days.’
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