As a long-time admirer of your work, I feel compelled to reach out as a friend who has journeyed alongside you for decades. I’ve been following your recent press engagement for your album, Rebel Heart, and your candid remarks about ageism have caught my attention. You’ve spoken out about how women seem to judge your appearance more than men do, and you boldly declared, “This is what a 56-year-old ass looks like, folks!”
While I agree that we live in a society obsessed with youth, I believe there’s a misunderstanding here. It’s not that we’re mocking you; rather, many of us feel let down.
This isn’t an easy message to convey, but I think it’s important. You’ve been a beacon of empowerment for us, teaching us to embrace our individuality and to express ourselves unapologetically. You’ve inspired us to dance, to chase ambitions, and to love fiercely. Yet, as we’ve watched you evolve, there’s been a shift that feels disheartening.
Somewhere around your late forties, it seemed you began to succumb to the pressures of a society that demands women look eternally youthful. The changes to your appearance didn’t go unnoticed. We saw a new version of you that felt different—like Madonna, but not quite. It seemed you were hiding behind a mask instead of embracing the beauty of aging.
This is where the disappointment stems from. You were our trailblazer, the fearless woman who challenged norms, yet you seemed to have faltered in this new chapter. Instead of defying the unrealistic standards placed on women, you became part of the narrative that suggests we should fear aging and seek to erase our experiences.
For those of us who’ve followed your journey, it’s painful to witness. We wanted you to show us how to navigate the complexities of getting older with grace and confidence. You’ve always encouraged us to be bold and to embrace our true selves, yet your choices suggest insecurity.
It’s vital to acknowledge that we’re not inherently ageist. Icons like Mick Jagger continue to thrive while embracing their age. Women like Joni Mitchell and Patti Smith also refuse to measure their worth by the absence of wrinkles. We need to see you embody that strength and confidence.
I’ve been holding out for your next Ray of Light moment, a time when you might reflect on motherhood or the inevitable changes we all face. Your insights on aging could offer a fresh perspective, one that resonates with your audience. Sharing your experiences with menopause, love, and the passage of time would be incredibly powerful.
Ultimately, it’s not your fans who are resistant to your aging; that pressure seems to stem from within you.
Warmest regards,
Lila
Exploring the Challenges of Embracing Aging
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