As Jane Fonda approaches her 80th birthday, the iconic actress has opened up in a heartfelt interview with Closer Weekly. In this candid conversation, she shares the emotional moments that still bring her to tears, the hard-earned lessons she's learned about love and life, and the power of making peace with the past. It's a story of resilience, growth, and grace, told by one of Hollywood's most enduring legends.

EXCLUSIVE: Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are set to go head-to-head at the Emmys, both earning well-deserved nominations for their roles in the beloved Netflix series Grace and Frankie. It's a testament to their incredible talent and enduring friendship.

Revisiting a Life-Changing Moment

For Jane Fonda, some memories are so profound they stay with you forever. Back in the early '80s, she starred in and produced the film On Golden Pond as a tribute to her late father, Henry Fonda. Recalling the emotional rollercoaster of that time, Jane gets visibly emotional. "My dad was very, very ill and couldn't attend the Oscar ceremonies," she explains. "He asked me to accept the award on his behalf. When they called his name, it was like the universe aligned. That moment, watching my father win the Oscar, was probably the happiest moment of my life."

Read also:
Keiran Lee The Rising Star Whorsquos Making Waves In The Entertainment Industry

Jane and her father, Henry Fonda, share a special bond that transcends time.

Facing the Past with Courage

Jane Fonda's life has been a journey of highs and lows, and she's not afraid to talk about the tough times. From her controversial involvement in the Vietnam War protests to the personal struggles she faced as a parent, Jane admits she's had to make peace with some difficult truths. "I feel remorse about certain things," she reveals. "Like the fact that I wasn't a better parent. But life is about growth, and I've learned to let go of the past and focus on the present." It's a message of hope and healing that resonates deeply.

MUST SEE: Stars like Will Smith and Susan Sarandon have shown up to the Oscars with their kids, creating unforgettable moments for the whole family. But what does it really take to raise Hollywood's next generation?

Learning to Say No

For much of her life, Jane Fonda was driven by a need to please others, a trait she attributes to her privileged but emotionally challenging upbringing in Greenwich, CT. But over time, she's learned to prioritize herself. "I wish I'd known sooner that it's okay to say no," she reflects. "And that 'No' is a complete sentence." It's a lesson she learned the hard way, having experienced sexual abuse and workplace pressure early in her career. "I was fired from jobs because I didn't comply," she says. "But now, I'm stronger, braver, and more authentic."

Jane and her dear friend Lily Tomlin star together in Grace & Frankie, a show that celebrates friendship and resilience.

Finding Joy in the Present

Despite the challenges she's faced, Jane Fonda says she's never been happier. "Right now, I'm in the best place I've ever been," she shares. "I get more than eight hours of sleep every night, I meditate twice a day, I eat right, and I work out. It's all about balance and self-care." At 80, Jane is proof that life can get better with age, as long as you're willing to embrace change and grow.