"Don't stop challenging yourself"!

Actress and singer Ann-Margret has been entertaining millions for almost 60 years. While she has enjoyed the bright lights of fame since her first hit movie Bye Bye Birdie in 1963, the 82-year-old has also faced struggles and darkness in life-like losing her husband of 50 years. Here, how faith, love and laughter keep her forging joyfully on

- Bonnie Siegler

Always ready with a smile and a voice that purrs like her cat, Harley, Ann-Margret is just as vivacious today as she was in her iconic role in Viva Las Vegas alongside Elvis Presley in 1964. And the Golden Globe winner is as prolific too, all smiles when talking about her new album, Born to Be Wild.

"I've wanted to do this type of album forever!" Ann-Margret shares with Woman's World of the project, which features rock-and-roll hits near and dear to her heart, like "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You."

"That one is for Bobby Darin, who was a dear friend," Ann-Margret says. “The album is a bunch of songs I really like because they make me happy. When I sing, I feel the way I felt when I was 10 years old.”

The Swedish immigrant has lived a storied life since she came to the United States as a girl, but “happy” has been the headline of her journey. “My parents were extremely positive people,” she says of her upbringing, which taught her not to dwell on hard times—especially after losing her husband, actor Roger Smith, in 2017.

Instead, Ann-Margret does what she has always done: find purpose in her pain. Even last year after four falls, she takes to laughter. “If you can get up, dust yourself off and start all over again, you’re okay.”

Here, Ann-Margret’s tips for staying positive, hopeful and grateful, no matter what life brings your way.