70s Oscar winning legend surprises fans with her first single-Joel Harley-Entertainment – Metro

The Family Stone star Diane Keaton is releasing a Christmas single (Picture: Shutterstock)

Hollywood legend Diane Keaton has changed her tune – surprising fans by releasing her first single.

The actor, 78, is best known for starring in classic movies such as Something’s Gotta Give, the Father of the Bride films and Godfather trilogy – as well as winning an Oscar for her performance as the titular character in the Woody Allen classic Annie Hall.

The Family Stone star has put another feather in her cap with the release of a new holiday song, titled First Christmas.

The festive tune – Diane’s first solo recording ever – is a ballad about the pain of spending Christmas alone after the death of a lover.

The song was co-written by Carole Bayer Sager and producer Jonas Myrin, and features piano and strings from the Stockholm Symphony.

In a statement, the star said: ‘It is such a beautiful sentiment, and I couldn’t wait to sing it. I’m very proud to be a part of this beautiful Christmas song, and I hope you enjoy it.’

Diane provides the vocals for the holiday song First Christmas (Picture: Shutterstock)

That the star can hold a tune should come as no surprise to anyone who’s been paying attention – having previously sung onscreen for the movies Annie Hall, So It Goes and Morning Glory.

After listening to the song, fans took to social media to air their surprise, describing the emotional song as ‘heartbeaking’ and something of a future Christmas classic.

‘My god! Just listened to @Diane_Keaton’s first ever solo Single, a beautifully breath-taking song—“First Christmas” written by the genius Carole Bayer Sager. This is so tender, heart string tugger. Adding to my Holiday playlist & should you! 🎄🎶 XOXO, Joanie 💋🌹’ said JoanandtheRoses on X.

‘Such a beautiful yet heartbreaking song ❤️‍🩹 I love it so much,’ wrote 47mins3secs.

“You’ve probably already heard Diane Keaton’s new song First Christmas, but if you haven’t, give it a listen. It’s just beautiful. And heartbreaking,’ said YuliaKits.

Diane previously partnered with Justin Bieber for his 2021 music video Ghost (Picture: Shutterstock)

This isn’t the first time Diane has played the part of a grieving widow for a heartbreaking ballad – appearing in the music video for Justin Bieber’s Ghost, back in 2021.

Here, Diane played the Peaches singer’s grandmother, in a storyline which saw her trying to move on from the death of her husband.

When asked about appearing in the video, Diane said: ‘I couldn’t believe it. This was like one of those things that happens [and] you’re going, “I’m what?”.’

‘And of course, it was so much fun, it couldn’t have been more fun. I can’t believe it. I still can’t believe it.’

Diane rose to fame as a young actress in the 1970s (Picture:Shutterstock)

However, she wouldn’t exactly describe herself as a Belieber, admitting: ‘No, I hadn’t been a fan,’ she told Metro.co.uk.

‘I mean, I didn’t even know him. I knew the music a little and I liked the music, but I wasn’t a fan exactly – so you know, I don’t have music pouring in my ears all the time.

‘I don’t know why me, I still don’t understand. I don’t know how, but I loved it. I wish you could have been there!’

Diane won the Oscar for Best Actress after starring opposite Woody Allen in his Annie Hall (Picture: Shutterstock)

Far from being the grieving widow in reality, Diane has described herself as very happy living the single lifestyle, telling InStyle Magazine in 2019 that she hadn’t been on a date in 35 years.

‘Never. All right?’ she said, when asked about dating. ‘Let’s just get that straight. That one’s important. I haven’t been on a date in, I would say, 35 years. No dates.’

In the past, Diane had dated Godfather co-star Al Pacino and actor Warren Beatty – as well as her frequent collaborator Woody Allen.

The star collaborated with Allen several times on film (Picture: Shutterstock)

In 2023, she described herself as ‘proud’ of her work with Allen during their collaborations on Annie Hall, Play It Again Sam, Sleeper and more.

‘No, not at all. No,’ she insisted when asked by The Hollywood Reporter whether she regretted working with Allen in light of the controversies surrounding him – including allegations that he sexually abused his adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow, as a child.

‘I’m proud. I’m proud beyond measure,’ she added.

Farrow has claimed that Allen abused her in August 1992 when she was just seven years of age, which he has repeatedly denied.

In 2018, Diane wrote: ‘Woody Allen is my friend and I continue to believe him. It might be of interest to take a look at the 60 Minute interview from 1992 and see what you think.’

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