Suzanne Somers Reveals Birthday Plans with Her ‘Beloved' Husband and Kids After Cancer Recurrence (Exclusive)
The actress and author tells PEOPLE she hopes for "copious amounts of cake" for her 77th birthday after recent health setbacks
Editor's Note: One week before her death on Oct. 15, Suzanne Somers and her husband, Alan Hamel, spoke to PEOPLE in an email interview about her upcoming birthday.
Suzanne Somers is feeling positive as she looks forward to turning another year older.
The actress and author, who turns 77 on Monday, tells PEOPLE via email exclusively that she is planning to be with her “nearest and dearest” on her special day, including her "beloved husband Alan [Hamel], our three children, Leslie, Stephen, and Bruce, [his wife] Caroline, plus our six wonderful grandchildren.”
“I heard Caroline is making her famous short rib tacos and I have asked for copious amounts of cake,” says the New York Times best-selling author, who wed Hamel in 1977. “I really love cake.”
Caroline Somers
Suzanne Somers, Alan Hamel and family.Hamel, 87, tells PEOPLE he has been moved by his wife's strength following her diagnosis over the summer with a second bout of breast cancer.
“Suzanne and I just returned home from the Midwest where Suzanne had six weeks of intensive physical therapy,” says the former TV host. “Even after our five decades together, I still marvel at Suzanne’s amazing determination and commitment.”
Somers is recognizing the challenging year with a piece of heartfelt jewelry, telling PEOPLE she “decided to make a special little LOVE bracelet” and gift the piece to “amazing friends and followers who have been so loyal and loving to me, especially since my recent health setbacks.”
“It’s a silver heart design on a gold satin cord and it’s a way for us to send and receive love and feel the unity of our most important human connection,” Somers adds. “The message on the card memorializes a voice that I heard, as clear as day, when I was in the hospital about 10 years ago. It said, ‘It’s not who you are. It’s not what you have. It’s not what you do. It’s only about who you love and who loves you.’
“The voice was so loud and clear, it was as though it came through the speaker system,” she continues. “I knew in that moment God was speaking directly to me and simplifying our entire existence here on Earth.”
Paul Archuleta/Getty
In July, the entrepreneur revealed on Instagram that her breast cancer had returned after her first diagnosis in 2000.
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"As you know, I had breast cancer two decades ago, and every now and then it pops up again, and I continue to bat it down," she wrote. "I have used the best alternative and conventional treatments to combat it. This is not new territory for me. I know how to put on my battle gear and I’m a fighter."
Related: Suzanne Somers on Her Favorite Part of Being a Grandparent: You 'Fall in Love All Over Again'
The Three’s Company star shared a photo of herself alongside her husband, expressing gratitude for how much he and her family have been supportive since her first battle with cancer.
"Alan has been by my side every step of the way. I can’t even explain how much he has done for me. If it’s even possible, we are even closer than ever," Somers continued. "My incredible family has been so supportive, and have helped so much by keeping the business running so you can still have access to all the wonderful products. Thank you for the continued love and support. It’s only about who you love and who loves you - and I love you! ✨💛✨"
In 2017 she opened up to PEOPLE about embracing her blended family. "Kids don't know blood," she said at the time of being a stepmom to Stephen and Leslie (Hamel's children from a previous marriage). "I look at all of them and I [think], 'We made it through the rain,' as Barry [Manilow] says."
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