In the world of Hollywood, where friendships can be fleeting, Mackenzie Phillips and Norman Lear have forged an unbreakable bond that has stood the test of time. This extraordinary friendship has had a profound impact on Mackenzie's life, so much so that Norman even made an appearance at her milestone birthday celebration. Their connection is one of mutual respect, admiration, and love, a rare gem in the often chaotic world of entertainment.

At The Paley Honors: A Special Tribute to Television’s Comedy Legends on Thursday, November 21, Mackenzie spoke candidly about her cherished relationship with the legendary TV writer, Norman Lear, who is now 97 years old. She shared how deeply moved she was when Norman surprised her on her special day. "I’ve known him since I was 15. And I just turned 60. And he was at my party," Mackenzie gushed exclusively to Closer Weekly. This lifelong friendship has not only brought joy to Mackenzie's life but has also provided her with invaluable life lessons.

Norman Lear Mackenzie Phillips — Steve Cohn/Invision/AP/Shutterstock

During the celebration, Norman delivered a heartfelt message that left everyone in awe. "Here’s what Norman said: 'I f–king love Mackenzie Phillips and I don’t care who the f–k knows it,'" Mackenzie revealed. Norman boldly declared his admiration with a microphone in front of 100 people. "Sorry, I don’t know if you can print that. I love Norman a lot," the American Graffiti costar shared with a smile. Beyond the laughter and applause, Mackenzie also spoke about a vital life lesson she learned from Norman.

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For Mackenzie, Norman's lesson about family resonates deeply. "Family is everything to me," she said, reflecting on Norman's approach to life. "I saw Norman live exactly that way," she added. Mackenzie was inspired by Norman's close relationships with both sets of his children and his profound love for animals, particularly cats. "His closeness with his kids. You know, both sets of his kids, and his love of animals," Mackenzie explained, painting a vivid picture of Norman's values and priorities.