'80s Icon, 72, Had 'First Panic Attack' of Her Life Before Farewell Tour Kickoff Show

'80s Icon, 72, Had 'First Panic Attack' of Her Life Before Farewell Tour Kickoff Show originally appeared on Parade.

Iconic '80s singer Cyndi Lauper is currently on her farewell tour, and she said in a new interview that gearing up for it was completely nerve-wracking — so much so that she had the first panic attack of her life before the first show.

"Before I did the kickoff show on my new tour, I had the first panic attack of my life," recalled the 72-year-old singer to Woman's World. "I was worried about who was going to come — and if I was even still able to do this."

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Lauper revealed she tried a meditative breathing app and finally was able to calm down, then, when she debuted in Montreal, it was a packed house, much to her relief.

"The first show was in Montreal, and when I got there, the arena was filled to the rafters. I almost started crying because I couldn't believe it, and then I just got on with it and did my best," said Lauper.

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Lauper also said that she has found that just moving her body, even if only for 20 minutes a day, is a huge help in managing her emotions.

"If I'm really upset, I get off my butt and walk. Exercising at least 20 minutes a day makes you feel a lot better. I also love yoga. I've had to adjust the yoga thing because as you get older, certain things work and some things don't, but yoga always grounds me," said the singer.

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Her mom Catrine, who passed away in 2022, is also a big inspiration for overcoming obstacles. Lauper told Woman's World that the best advice her mom gave her is, "All women must have endurance and strength. You must push through challenges and get to the other side. Everyone has a purpose — and once you find it, don't let nobody get in your way!"

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'80s Icon, 72, Had 'First Panic Attack' of Her Life Before Farewell Tour Kickoff Show first appeared on Parade on Jul 11, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.