Demi Lovato Says ‘Love Is the Greatest Gift’ as She Looks Back on Health Troubles: ‘Happier Than I’ve Ever Been’

Jutes and Demi Lovato at the Indiana Pacers v New York Knicks in New York City on Feb. 1, 2024. PHOTO: MICHAEL SIMON/SHUTTERSTOCK

Demi Lovato spoke with @DonnaFarizan to celebrate her engagement to Jordan Lutes, reveals what her dream song would be for their first dance and opens up about her health journey that has inspired her to spread awareness about cardiovascular disease with @American_Heart. pic.twitter.com/4lB4jG58UG

— TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@HodaAndJenna) February 2, 2024

Demi Lovato has triumphed over a lot in her 31 years — and she now finds herself in the best place she’s ever been.

In a pre-taped conversation that aired on Today with Hoda and Jenna Friday to discuss her partnership with the American Heart Association, the singer opened up about her life today, telling NBC News’ Donna Farizan that her troubles are very much a part of her past, not her present.

“I feel happier than I’ve ever been. I feel like I’m in such a really great place, just spiritually and emotionally.” said Lovato, who is engaged to Jordan “Jutes” Lutes. “Not only am I in love, but I’m also just mentally very strong.”

“I’ve overcome a lot and I am a survivor,” she added. “That’s my story today, is just one of overcoming a lot of hardships but finally feeling the love that I know I deserve and living an amazing life.”

Lovato has been vulnerable in the past about her health journey, sharing their many ups and downs with her fans.

She long battled addiction, and spent years in and out of recovery programs like Alcoholic Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous for alcohol and drug abuse treatment. In 2018, they suffered a near-fatal drug overdose, and had three strokes and a heart attack while in the hospital. The incident left her with brain damage and impairment to her vision and hearing.

The “Confident” singer is sober today, announcing in December 2021 that they had given up marijuana as well to shake the “California sober” title she once claimed.

But drugs and alcohol were partially medications that Lovato used to mask underlying illnesses, like depression and eating disorders. Through sobriety, therapy and other treatment plans, she’s worked on improving her mental health. They also stopped cutting themselves, which was an additional harmful way they coping with her emotions.

Another turning point came when Lovato was diagnosed with bipoloar disorder, something they first revealed in 2011. She told PEOPLE at the time she learned she had the mental illness while during a three-month stay at a treatment center, where they underwent therapy for anorexia and bulimia. “Looking back, it makes sense,” they said. “There were times when I was so manic, I was writing seven songs in one night and I’d be up until 5:30 in the morning.”

Demi Lovato performs in Boston in December 2022. ADAM GLANZMAN/GETTY IMAGES FOR IHEARTRADIO

Being public about all of those struggles hasn’t always been easy, but it’s something Lovato told Farizan has been rewarding — especially as she’sexpressed her candid feelings through her catalog of songs.

“The most important thing when it comes to releasing music is being able to share your gift with others,” she said on Today with Hoda and Jenna. “It gives me purpose, being the reason why some people overcome their emotional struggles or heartbreak or personal obstacles.”

It’s also why she was keen to partner with the American Heart Association, and perform at their annual Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Concert and fashion show earlier this week to raise awareness for cardiovascular disease, the no. 1 leading cause of death in women.

“Being able to step on stage is always a gift and being able to share this experience with other survivors is so meaningful and important to me,” Lovato told the outlet. “If we can raise the awareness and tell women everywhere how important it is to get routine checkups, check with their doctors, and lead healthier lifestyles, then we’re definitely helping people.”

Demi Lovato performs onstage during The American Heart Association’s 2024 Red Dress Collection Concert at Jazz at Lincoln Center on Jan. 31, 2024 in New York City. SLAVEN VLASIC/GETTY IMAGES

And looking back at it all, she credits her 2018 overdose for helping her turn a corner.
“I spent so much of my life working really, really hard and maintaining kind of a stressful schedule. And when I had my near-death experience, it put everything in perspective for me,” Lovato said — explaining that they’re now focused on what makes them happ,y including “My family, my friends, my dog [and] the memories that you make with people.”

Said Lovato: “I slowed down a little bit and I feel like it really benefited my mental health.”

And as for her past lyric that “Pain’s more trouble than love is worth,” Lovato sees that differently, too. “I think that love is the greatest gift that we can receive in this lifetime and being able to find love is so rewarding,” they said. [It] definitely makes all of the hardships that I’ve been through and heartbreaks seem worth it.”

[via]