Liza Minnelli Reveals Her Secret to Survival as She Turns 78: 'Just Keep Going!' (Exclusive)

The legendary entertainer celebrates her 78th birthday and jokes to PEOPLE, "I have never been this damn old!"

Asked how she plans to spend her 78th birthday on March 12, screen, song and stage legend Liza Minnelli says it will be “fabulous," of course.

Just ahead of the big day, the entertainer shared her plans with PEOPLE via email.

“A party is being thrown in my honor by dear friends [pianist] Michael Feinstein and Terrence Flannery “ she says. “There will be food, fabulous music and I am told to expect a wonderful surprise and my only clue is Elsa Peretti!" (Minnelli has long worn the modern designs of the Italian jeweler, who, like her, was a friend of Halston.)

Minnelli, the daughter of Judy Garland and film director Vincente Minnelli, celebrated for her electric performance as Sally Bowles in the 1972 film Cabaret (for which she won an Oscar) and her show stopping renditions of such classics as New York, New York and Maybe This Time, not only sang songs about survival — but has also lived it.

Related: Liza Minnelli and Lorna Luft Discuss Mom Judy Garland's Legacy Ahead of Late Star's 100th Birthday

“I am so grateful for all the good wishes and all the love that comes my way. Not only on my birthday, but always,” she shares. “I wish I knew how to act my age. But kids guess what, I have never been this damn old! Just keep going baby, that’s the secret!"

The EGOT winner also has a few new projects in the works.

Related: Liza Minnelli's Only Beauty Philosophy Is 'Just Make Sure You Look Good Before You Walk Out the Door!'

“I am recording music again!” she shares.  “And I’m involved in an exciting brand collaboration that will be announced soon.” According to her publicist Victoria Varela, “It’s very exciting news but not something we can reveal yet.”

Minnelli also just finished collaborating with publisher Rizzoli and author Mark Bozek on a book about fashion photographers Bill Cunningham and  and Jean-Luce Huré, entitled The Battle of Versailles: The Fashion War of 1973, to come out this September, for which she’s written the forward.

She’s also working to make sure the legacy of her father, the director of such classic musicals as American in Paris, Meet Me in St. Louis and Gigi, who died in 1986, is also remembered. “I’m developing multiple projects based on the intellectual property of my father, tentatively titled: ‘Dreams My Papa Gave Me,” she says.

Last but not least, as only Minnelli can, she adds, “I just received notice that I will be receiving another honor from the government of France."

Happy Birthday Liza!

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