Gloria Gaynor Talks Sexual Abuse, Surviving and (Finally!) Thriving in New Documentary (Exclusive)

'Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive' is playing in theaters nationwide exclusively on Tuesday

Through her own story, Gloria Gaynor hopes to inspire a generation of women to never give up on their dreams.

Gaynor's documentary, titled Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive, is playing in theaters exclusively on Tuesday — which the "I Will Survive" singer herself says will make for the perfect Galentine's date.

The film documents how Gaynor — who lived through serious hardship — rediscovered her faith and self-love.

In the documentary, Gaynor, 80, reveals for the first time that she was sexually abused. Speaking to PEOPLE about recounting those memories, the singer-songwriter admits it was not easy.

"It was difficult, but I feel in light of all of this stuff that's going on in this country — and not only that, with human trafficking and sexual abuse. When people come out of it, they need to know how to get past it," she says. "They need to know that they can get past it. It was incumbent upon me to share that so that people can know that you can get past those things, you can survive, and you can thrive."

Related: Watch the Trailer to Gloria Gaynor's Inspiring Documentary: 'Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive' (Exclusive)

Now that it's out in the open and much time has passed, Gaynor says that she's "absolutely healed."

"I feel healed, and it wasn't... it's been a process. There wasn't any particular time. It's been a process. The Lord has brought me through with different things that have happened to me," she says.

Adding, "Prophets have been given to me, experiences that I've had, and the things that I've said to people have helped me to know, 'Yeah, yeah. You've come past that. You've come through that, you're over that, you're healed.'"

Opening up about those dark times in her life was important for Gaynor — whose song "I Will Survive" turned into an anthem for her very own story.

"I want them to know how and why I survive, and that these elements of life, these uplifting, encouraging, inspiring, empowering elements of life are available to them as well," she says.

She adds, "I found that the song 'I Will Survive' has been so encouraging and uplifting to so many people around the world, and it's the story of my life. So I thought, 'Let's give them a little more detail.'"

The documentary largely documents the making of her 2019 Gospel album Testimony, which went on to earn a Grammy.

For Gaynor, this album means "that I'm on the right path. It's validating in so many areas for me because of things that I've wanted to do and this being one of them," she says. "I think I have something to offer that that is uplifting and inspiring to people and what better legacy to leave?"

Because Gaynor was known as a disco artist for the majority of her career, crossing over to gospel was not an easy feat — but even more worthwhile in the end.

"It wasn't easy at all. I always had this sort of mantra that, 'Easy is boring.' And so the more that I got pushed, the more I pushed back," she says.

Related: Gloria Gaynor Reflects on 'Extremely Liberating' Divorce After 26 Years: 'I'm Very Happy'

Jason Crabb, who worked with Gaynor on the album along with Bart Millard, Mike Farris and Yolanda Adams, says the documentary is a story about resilience.

"Her ability to touch hearts and uplift spirits through her music is truly remarkable. Gloria's enduring faith in Jesus Christ shines through her music, exemplifying the power of God's love and grace to overcome adversity," he says.

He continued, "I was continually inspired by Gloria's unwavering trust in God's plan and her dedication to spreading hope through her songs. Our collaboration has deepened not only my appreciation for her as an artist but also my faith in the guiding hand of God. Through her music and friendship, Gloria reminds us all of the boundless strength we find in our relationship with Jesus Christ."

At 80 years old, Gaynor is feeling more inspired than ever — and says she feels like she's "40." She is currently working on her upcoming EP, which she hopes to release this year.

Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive is in theaters now.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.

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