British-American musician and songwriter Graham Nash (CSNY, The Hollies) still sends his former partner Joni Mitchell flowers on her birthday every year. "She was a great love of my life. We are constantly in contact," said Nash of the German Press Agency.

He added: "And every year on her birthday I send her flowers - since the year we broke up." He was also very relieved that the Canadian-American singer returned to the stage after a serious illness last year.

The now 81-year-old Nash was in a relationship with the now 79-year-old Mitchell between 1968 and 1970 - a time that was an important creative period for both of them. Both are considered legends of folk rock and the Woodstock generation. On May 19, Graham Nash plans to release his new album entitled "Now". At the beginning of September he will appear as part of his tour in Zurich (September 5), Munich (September 6), Berlin (September 8) and Hamburg (September 9).