Lorna Luft is reassuring fans with a rare and uplifting update about her sister and music icon Liza Minnelli. Speaking at The Pierre hotel’s Red Diamond 95th Anniversary Gala in New York City on November 20, the actress told E! News that the 79-year-old icon is thriving.
“She’s great,” she shared, confirming that Minnelli is currently in Los Angeles. Luft also noted that distance hasn’t affected their closeness. “We talk on the phone a lot, because I live back in New York. So, everything’s really, really—she’s great.”
How the 79-Year-Old Oscar Winner Has Been Spending Her Time
GettyMinnelli has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years, though she has made several meaningful appearances. In October, she stepped out for the Dancers Against Cancer Gala of the Stars in Los Angeles, where she helped honor Janet Jackson with an Icon Award.
Earlier in the year, she appeared during the season 17 finale of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” receiving a legacy award and a warm ovation from the audience.
Why Awards, Dance and Performing Still Mean Everything to Liza
Minnelli reflected on the meaning of recognition during a July interview with W Magazine, looking back on a lifetime in entertainment. “I think it’s wonderful to receive awards for things that matter,” she said. “And dance has always been central to my life.”
She also spoke warmly about her parents, director Vincente Minnelli, and screen icon Judy Garland. “There isn’t a better singer than Mama, or better director than Papa, but one thing I know I can do, and have done, is dance.” Her trademark humor shone through as she added, “Honey, I’m never gonna stop dancing. If I can’t do it standing up, I’ll spin in a bleeping wheelchair—with a tall, handsome partner, of course!”
Liza Minnelli on Aging, Health and Staying Joyful Through Challenges
GettyMinnelli has also been refreshingly open about focusing on her health and learning to embrace aging. “I have one piece of advice: Take care of your body ’cause you might live longer than you expect to,” she told Interview Magazine last year. “I just keep replacing parts and moving forward.” She said staying positive remains essential for her. “You just deal with it and be happy,” she shared. “And as Dick Van Dyke sang and taught to me, ‘Put on a happy face.’”
Luft’s update has comforted longtime fans, confirming that Minnelli is still very much the woman they’ve admired for decades, resilient, hopeful, and continuing to find joy wherever she can.
