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Dolly Parton’s legacy will live on through her music, her movies, and the impact made by her unwavering philanthropic efforts. Throughout her lifetime, the queen of country donated millions of dollars to charity, supporting early childhood literacy, disaster victims, critical research efforts, and much more.

In 2025, Parton received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The honorary Academy Award, given at the 16th Governors Awards, celebrated the star’s outstanding work on behalf of charitable and humanitarian causes. 

Dolly Parton at an Imagination Library event. (Photo by Yui Mok – PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)

In a recorded message that was played during the awards show, Parton shared, “I grew up in a house with 12 kids. Now, that alone teaches you how important sharing is. Don’t get me wrong, we didn’t have that much to share. But my mama and daddy showed me by example that the more you give, the more blessings come your way.”

The legendary performer continued,  “And I’ve tried my whole life to live by their example. And I’ve been blessed more than I ever dreamed possible. I don’t take this kind of thing lightly. It makes me want to dream up new ways to help lift people up. And isn’t that what we’re supposed to be here for?”

For decades, Parton “dreamed up” ideas that would impact thousands, if not millions, of people. These include:

The Dollywood Foundation Buddy Program

Created in 1988, the Dollywood Foundation’s Buddy Program started as a way to decrease school dropout rates. Parton initially promised every seventh and eighth grader (in her local county) $500 if they graduated from high school. Her generous personal donation worked, and Parton managed to reduce the rate from 35% to 6%. 

Dollywood Foundation Scholarships

Dolly’s generosity didn’t stop with $500 per child. Through her foundation, she offers five $15,000 annual scholarships to high school seniors in the local county.

The My People Fund

The Dollywood Foundation’s My People Fund was designed to help the people of Sevier County, Tennessee, after their homes were destroyed by wildfires in 2016. Over $12 million was raised to help those affected by the natural disaster. 

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Parton launched this early-literacy-based charity in 1995 to provide free books to children in need. While the program started in Tennessee, it has now spread across the United States and into Canada, Australia, the U.K., and Ireland. As of 2026, the Imagination Library has gifted over 332 million books to children from birth through age five. 

Dolly Parton’s Philanthropy and Medical Research

Along with her foundation, Parton also helped to fund several medical research initiatives. When COVID struck in 2020, she jumped in and donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for research. The Dolly Parton COVID-19 Research Fund was instrumental in the development of a vaccine.

She later donated another $1 million to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center for research into pediatric infectious diseases. Per Good Morning America, Parton said, “I love children. No child should ever have to suffer, and I’m willing to do my part to try and keep as many of them as I can as healthy and safe as possible.”

Dolly Parton’s Favorite Parts of Dollywood and Imagination Library (6:35)

As the world mourns the “Queen of Country” after a brief battle with cancer on August 25, 2026, there is one indisputable fact: Dolly Parton stood the test of time even before she passed.

Fans know her mantelpiece is stacked with awards, but there are 11 world records many fans may not realize the country music superstar holds.

World records aside, few artists can claim a career spanning seven decades. Even fewer can say they were still breaking records nearly half a century after setting them in motion.

But this is Dolly Parton we’re talking about. She owned a theme park after all…

Related: Dolly Parton’s Little-Known Vacation Hideaway Is for Sale—and It Still Has Her ‘Wig Room’

While finding photos of her behind a podium accepting various awards is no tall task, the longevity behind those very achievements earned her a place in the Guinness World Records, not once, not twice, not even thrice, but 11 times in total:

• 25 No. 1 country hits: More than any other female artist.

• 35 years of No. 1s: Her country chart-toppers spanned 35 years and 26 days.

• 113 country chart hits: More Hot Country Songs entries than any other woman.

• Seven decades on the charts: Her Hot Country Songs appearances stretched across seven decades.

• Seven decades of Top 20 hits: She landed a Top 20 country hit in seven different decades.

• 49 Top 10 country albums: More than any other female artist.

• Seven consecutive decades of Top 10 albums: She scored Top 10 country albums across seven straight decades.

• Nearly 47 years between No. 1 albums: Her record spans 46 years and 197 days.

• 66 studio albums: More than any other female country singer.

• 55 Grammy nominations: A record for a female country artist.

• An EGOT first: The first country singer nominated for an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.

View this post on Instagram One Record Was Nearly 5 Decades in the Making

Of all 11 records, perhaps none showcases Parton’s staying power quite like this one, requiring her to reach No. 1 nearly five decades apart.

Related: Ella Langley’s Historic Run Continues, but Another Popular Artist Just Won 73% of Billboard Fan Vote

Her New Harvest…First Gathering reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart in 1977. Then, an incredible 46 years and 197 days later, Rockstar reached the top in 2023 —giving Parton the record for the longest span of No. 1 albums on the chart by any female artist.

Nearly 47 years later, Dolly was still finding her way to No. 1. Her name now remains firmly cemented in the record books, but the life behind those records may be the hardest act to follow.

Survivor’s 1982 hit “Eye of the Tiger” was more than a successful rock song. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for six consecutive weeks, becoming Survivor’s first chart-topper. 

More than four decades later, the song is still closely linked to sports, workouts, training scenes and moments when people need a reason to keep going.

Written by Survivor members Frankie Sullivan and Jim Peterik, “Eye of the Tiger” was created for the 1982 movie Rocky III. The song was released as a single and also became the title track of Survivor’s third studio album.

Photo of Survivor Jimi Jamison and Frankie Sullivan performing on stage.

Photo by Ebet Roberts/Redferns

Its path to becoming one of the biggest songs of 1982 began with a request connected to Sylvester Stallone and the Rocky franchise. Stallone wanted music that could match the action and energy of the film, and Survivor was given the chance to create a new song, per Muskokaradio.

The result was “Eye of the Tiger,” a hard rock anthem built around a strong guitar riff, pounding drums and lyrics about facing challenges and refusing to give up.

“Eye of the Tiger” arrived at a key moment for Survivor. The Chicago rock band had released two albums before its third album changed the group’s career.

Stallone and Survivor became connected through the people around Scotti Bros. Records. Frankie Sullivan gave credit to Tony and Ben Scotti for their role in helping make the Rocky III connection happen.

“The only reason I agreed to do this interview is because I wanted to make sure the Scotti Brothers get their credit,” Sullivan told Billboard. “Without Tony Scotti, none of this ever happens. My life would have been very different. We might’ve gotten dropped. ‘Tiger’ was our third record, so it was do or die.”

The song was shaped to fit the movie’s boxing scenes. Stallone wanted something with “a pulse” and Sullivan and Peterik created a sharp, staccato riff that could match the force and timing of punches.

Survivor recorded a demo of “Eye of the Tiger” on Feb. 1, 1982. According to Sullivan, Stallone liked the demo enough to use it in the film.

“We’d recorded Eye Of The Tiger as a demo on Feb. 1, 1982, and that’s the version used in the film,” Sullivan recalled, according to Louder. “Sly liked it so much he didn’t wait around for us to re-cut it, though the version on our record was done in a professional studio.”

The song appeared in the opening of Rocky III, helping introduce the story of Rocky Balboa and his coming fight with Clubber Lang.

The song’s success also brought Survivor major recognition. “Eye of the Tiger” won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. It was also nominated for Song of the Year and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.

The hit became Survivor’s signature song, even as the band later scored other major songs, including “The Search Is Over,” “High on You” and “Burning Heart,” which was also connected to the Rocky film series.

Sullivan has acknowledged that “Eye of the Tiger” remains the song most closely tied to Survivor, but he has made clear that he does not see that as a problem.

“Trying to compete with the past is for fools. But I’ll never, ever tire of playing Eye Of The Tiger. That song still kicks butt, man.”

More than 40 years after it first hit the charts, “Eye of the Tiger” remains easy to recognize from its opening riff. Its link to Rocky III helped launch it into popular culture, but its message of pushing forward helped turn it into something bigger than a movie theme.

Related: 1972 Hit by Alice Cooper Ranked Among ‘Greatest Classic Rock Songs’ of All Time

Every autumn, the quest for peak fall foliage sends thousands of road-trippers straight into the legendary choke points of northern New England. Between hours of highway gridlock along the Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountains and booked-solid inns across Vermont, chasing the changing leaves can quickly turn into an exercise in crowd management.

If you want the vibrant color and historic charm of an East Coast autumn without the congestion, luxury travel designer Duncan Greenfield-Turk of Global Travel Moments recommends pivoting southwest to New York’s Hudson Valley.

“The Hudson Valley is exactly where I would send someone who wants the colour of a New England autumn without the crush,” Greenfield-Turk explains. “Ninety minutes from Manhattan and yet a different world of river light, historic villages like Rhinebeck and Hudson, and orchards at their most generous.”

Related: The New England Fall Road Trip Travel Experts Swear By

What to See and Do: River Views, Monumental Art, and Harvest Country 1990s OLANA HUDSON NY MOORISH STYLE HOME OF PAINTER FREDERIC CHURCH (Photo by R. Krubner/ClassicStock/Getty Images)

DreamMedia / Contributor via Getty

According to Greenfield-Turk, timing your trip for mid- to late October—specifically around the peak week of October 20—delivers stunning scenery, with much of the region’s magic costing nothing at all.

“The best of it costs nothing: walking the Walkway Over the Hudson at golden hour, more than a mile above the river with the valley turning gold beneath you, a slow back-road foliage drive, and an unhurried dinner built around the valley’s extraordinary produce,” says Greenfield-Turk.

Beyond leisurely foliage drives through historic towns like Cold Spring and Rhinebeck, the valley offers a blend of outdoor culture and quintessential harvest traditions:

• World-Class Art & Historic Estates: “For something memorable, Storm King Art Center sets monumental sculpture across acres of turning trees, and Olana, the painter Frederic Church’s hilltop house, has one of the great river views in America,” notes Greenfield-Turk.
• Orchards & Antiquing: “This is orchard and harvest country, so farm stands, cider and apple picking are half the joy, alongside antiquing along Warren Street in Hudson and tasting at the valley’s small wineries and distilleries.”

Related: The Fall Getaway That’s Perfect for Your Personality Type

Where to Stay: Cozy Country Houses and Design-Led Escapes

Troutbeck

Whether you are looking for an indulgent resort stay or an accessible bed-and-breakfast getaway, the Hudson Valley offers accommodations tailored to crisp autumn weekends.

“For quiet luxury, I love Troutbeck in Amenia and Wildflower Farms, an Auberge resort near New Paltz, both made for autumn,” Greenfield-Turk shares. “For something more design-led, The Maker in Hudson is a jewel. And for a simpler, characterful base, a classic country inn keeps the whole trip easy on the budget.”

Ultimately, avoiding the fall travel rush comes down to one simple scheduling strategy: skip the crowded Saturday-Sunday rush.

“The real trick in autumn is not the budget, it is the timing,” says Greenfield-Turk. “Go midweek for pricing, ideally be there just as the leaves turn, and let the river and the light do the work.”

Related: We Asked 3 Travel Advisors for the Best Fall Leaf-Peeping Train Trip—They All Said the Same Thing

“Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me” was released by Mel Carter in 1965. The song rose all the way to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and made it to No. 1 on the Easy Listening chart. Years later, in 1995, the song was famously covered by U2 for Batman Forever.

“Phil [Schaff] brought the ‘Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me’ song to me,” Carter told Vintage Vinyl. “When we first did it, I hated the song because I had to be directed to sing on the beat, but little did I know.”

In an interview with Gary James, Carter discussed how this popular song was played at least once a day on the radio at the time. When asked how he knew that for sure, he said, “Because I got the charts from the B.M.I. listings. They list from all the countries around the world. Not only that, I get e-mails from I know places that are possibly playing, like Iraq or Iran, Egypt. From all over the world. It amazes me. That’s how I know that.”

He added, “It’s a quarterly thing that they send you, B.M.I., for a listing of that. And then SoundScan does an accounting for downloading. There are various different agencies that keep account on that. And also looking at the royalty statements.”

Although “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me” was written by Harry Noble, Carter wrote plenty of his own songs throughout the years. He explained his process in his interview. “I just sing the melody,” he said. “I can sing the parts that I want to it, and put it all vocally and then go to a pianist and give them this, and they put the chords, and I can tell them whether they’re right or wrong or exactly what I mean. You can write a song. You don’t have to be a musician to write. I’ve written a Broadway show. I’ve been working on that for a while. Everybody likes the idea, but the process of getting the money to mount it, that’s another story.”

Related: 1966 Hit Soft Rock Song, From the Association, Had Producers Lying To Get It Played on the Radio

Another one of Carter’s popular songs was “When a Boy Falls in Love,” which spent 10 weeks on the pop charts. He also recorded “Band of Gold” and “Take Good Care of Her.” Carter is currently 87.

Yesterday, 90s Country icon Jo Dee Messina turned 56. However, the birthday article didn’t run because Country music was hit by tragedy. Dolly Parton — one of the trailblazing female artists, the country legend herself, who first inspired a teenage Messina to pick up a microphone — died. Today feels like the right time to tell Messina’s story anyway. It’s the kind of story Dolly would have loved. A girl from Massachusetts who moved to Nashville at 19 ended up $500,000 in debt and was told to quit. She said no. Eight months later, she had two No. 1 hits, and she’s currently on tour.

In late 1997, Jo Dee Messina was $500,000 in the red. Touring and expenses had wiped her out. She was preparing to release her sophomore album I’m Alright when her management team sat her down and told her to file for bankruptcy. She refused. “That’s like giving up,” she told Nashville Scene. “Let’s wait until after the holidays because Music Row shuts down for the holidays. Let’s wait and see what happens.” She waited. Eight months. That’s how long it took. By August 1998, she’d landed two No. 1 hits: “Bye Bye” and “I’m Alright.” A third No. 1, “Stand Beside Me,” followed. She paid off every cent of debt by summer 2000. The album she almost didn’t release made her.

Jo Dee Marie Messina was born in Framingham, Massachusetts, on August 25, 1970, and raised in Holliston. Growing up in the 1980s, she watched Dolly Parton prove that a woman with a big voice and a bigger personality could cross every boundary country music had. That was the blueprint. She was also inspired by Reba McEntire, Patsy Cline, and the Judds. By 16, she was singing in local clubs backed up by her brother on drums and her sister on guitar. At 19, she packed up and moved to Nashville. She worked various jobs while entering talent contests around Music City. One win led to a regular gig on the radio show Live at Libby’s. That’s where everything changed.

Related: 1971 Dolly Parton ‘Story Song,’ Written in Just Minutes on a Tour Bus, Is Her Favorite of All 3,000 She’s Ever Written: Here’s Why

Producer Byron Gallimore noticed her at Live at Libby’s and helped her put together a demo tape. Gallimore also worked with a young Tim McGraw. He introduced them, and they became friends. Backstage at one of McGraw’s concerts, Messina met an executive from his label, Curb Records. She joked they needed a redhead. Producer James Stroud had just heard her demo. He vouched for her on the spot. She signed with Curb Records, and McGraw and Gallimore co-produced all her albums. Her debut dropped in March 1996 with two top 10 hits in “Heads Carolina Tails California” and “You’re Not in Kansas Anymore.” She played 215 shows that year. Then came the debt that almost ended everything.

56 and Still Building Bridges

Jo Dee Messina made country music history with I’m Alright. She became the first female country artist to score three multi-week No. 1 songs from the same record. Between 1998 and 2005, she notched six No. 1 hits and nine consecutive top 10 hits. Nine. In a row. From the Burn album, she scored No. 1s with “That’s the Way” and the Tim McGraw duet Bring on the Rain (my personal favorite). She battled alcohol addiction and came back with A Delicious Surprise in 2005 and her sixth and final No. 1, “My Give a Damn’s Busted.” Then, she went quiet for a while.

Not anymore. In June 2026, Messina released Bridges — her seventh studio album and her first since 2014. The Bridges Tour, celebrating 30 years of Jo Dee Messina, is currently underway with 23 upcoming dates through March 2027. She’s got shows at the Oregon State Fair on September 4 and the Kansas State Fair on September 13.

Yesterday, country music lost Dolly Parton. One of the women who inspired a teenage girl from Massachusetts to move to Nashville and chase something that nearly broke her financially before it made her famous. Jo Dee Messina turned 56 yesterday on an active tour.

In 1997, her management said, “Quit.” She said that’s like giving up. She waited. Eight months.

She refused to quit.

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Spooky season is on the horizon, and Coca-Cola is getting into the spirit of the upcoming Halloween holiday with the release of a brand-new, limited-edition flavor. 

Related: Mountain Dew’s Bold New Limited-Edition Flavor Brings Back Popular Pairing

This Halloween, Fanta is teaming up with one of horror’s most recognizable villains, Ghost Face, for a Halloween collaboration, Ghost Face Punch, a dark berry punch flavor.

The iconic Scream character will grace limited-edition Fanta cans alongside four original characters that are part of Fanta’s Haunted Universe, the brand’s first original Halloween entertainment world. “As the first horror icon partner to enter Fanta’s Haunted Universe, Ghost Face marks a unique crossover that unites two beloved symbols of Halloween, bringing fans an exciting new way to celebrate the season,” Fanta told Parade in a statement. 

Related: Sonic’s New Dirty Dr Pepper Soda Goes All In on Trendy Flavor

Fanta Ghost Face Punch

Fanta

“Fanta’s Haunted Universe marks our move from collaborators to creators, building original characters and stories designed to grow beyond a single season. But every haunted universe needs an icon of horror – and there are few more iconic than Ghost Face. We’re thrilled to welcome him into Fanta’s Haunted Universe for Halloween 2026, as we continue building a Halloween world fans can look forward to returning to year after year,” said Ibrahim Khan, Global Vice President of Marketing at Fanta. 

Related: Coca-Cola Debuts a New One-Of-A-Kind Flavor– But Only for a Limited Time

The limited-edition Ghost Face Punch and collectible can designs will be available nationwide at retailers starting August 28 across North America in 12-packs of 12-ounce cans, individual 20-ounce bottles, and at select Coca-Cola Freestyle machines. 

Though the official debut isn’t until later this week, rumors have swirled online for weeks that this flavor was coming, with some social media users sharing that they’ve already spotted it in stores. “Already found at Family Dollar and Albertsons today,” wrote one commenter on Instagram, as another said they saw it at a Walmart store in Arizona. More chimed in to say they’ve seen it at Kroger or that they “Got it at Vons. It’s pretty good.” 

Next: Coca-Cola’s New One-Of-A-Kind Flavor Is Super Exclusive–Here’s How To Get It

For nearly six decades, Dolly Parton and Carl Dean built a love story that thrived entirely out of the public eye, proving that the most enduring part of the superstar’s life was the quiet world she shared with her husband.

While millions know Parton as a rhinestone-clad country legend, her deepest roots remained tied to the steady, humble partner who stood by her side through every step of her rise to fame. That lasting bond remains, as reflected in the couple’s final resting place.

According to Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver, who spoke with TMZ, the superstar will eventually be interred alongside her husband in Nashville, Tennessee. Dean was laid to rest following his death in March 2025 at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum.

A 2025 video by vlogger Jordan the Lion offered fans a look at the couple’s crypt. The serene site pays homage not only to their timeless love story but also to their deeply cherished family roots.

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As seen in the clip, their crypt’s faceplate features an engraving of Parton’s childhood home nestled in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains. It serves as a tribute to her humble beginnings, where she lived alongside her parents and 11 siblings before heading to Nashville at age 18 to pursue stardom. At the center of the faceplate sit two intertwined wedding rings, engraved with the date Parton and Dean tied the knot: May 30, 1966.

Parton and Dean’s relationship was notoriously private. He stayed out of the public eye throughout her career.

After his death, Parton said to PEOPLE Magazine, “Ours is a great old love story. Most people don’t stay that close that long. That’s a loss. Nobody can ever know that unless you’ve experienced it yourself. He will always be in my heart and in my memories.”

Parton released a tribute song, “If You Hadn’t Been There,” days after Dean’s death. She dedicated the track to her husband, who appeared in the cover art.

Parton’s final wishes were revealed in a video featuring her nephew, Seaver, released on the day of her death. He stated, “Dolly was a farmer just like her daddy. He farmed the soil. She farmed songs and happiness. Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.”

Funeral arrangements will be private, per an official family statement via Instagram. “At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.”

Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80.

Related: Dolly Parton’s 58-Year Marriage: The Secret Life She Shared With Carl Dean

In the wake of a loss as devastating as Dolly Parton’s, fans were treated to a rare musical delight when Jack White took the stage in London as part of his headline tour.

“Queen of Country” Dolly Parton passed on August 25, 2026 after a secret bout with cancer, shocking not only her famous friends, but practically the entire country.

Related: Dolly Parton’s Little-Known Vacation Hideaway Is for Sale—and It Still Has Her ‘Wig Room’

One of her most popular, instantly recognizable songs was “Jolene,” famously covered not only by Miley Cyrus but by his band The White Stripes in 2000, more than a decade before the band called it quits.

Jack White dusted off the archives, belting out a solo rendition of his four-time Grammy-winning band’s “Jolene” as the third song of the set list for the night.

View this post on Instagram

It marked the first time in 19 years since he’s touched the deep cut cover that’s seen new life through multiple artists.

Related: ’90s Metal Band, Led by Pantera’s Vocalist, Announces First New Album in Nearly 20 Years

Even for fans who weren’t in attendance, emotions were pouring through the comments on socials.

One commenter stated, “I was somewhat keeping it together today until I saw this tribute…Thank you Jack!”, while another added, “I was due for a good cry. That had to be hard. Bless you, sir.”

“Jolene” has found success across generations since Parton first released it in 1973. While The White Stripes’ and Miley Cyrus’ renditions became fan favorites, neither charted in the U.S.

Parton’s original topped Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and reached No. 60 on the Hot 100, while Beyoncé’s 2024 reimagining soared to No. 7 — the highest Hot 100 placement for any version of the song.

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Space-saving furniture can significantly transform a room, especially when it offers concealed storage and serves as a multifunctional piece. Few pieces actually live up to these expectations as well as the Zunmos Storage Ottoman. This sweetly designed piece not only helps you minimize clutter, but also doubles as a stool and footrest.

Normally the ottoman retails for $50 at Walmart, but right now you can snag the beige version for only $21. It’s also available in black and pink varieties for $33. The piece is ideal if you’re looking for something discreet to give your space a little makeover without spending a fortune. At as much as 58% off, you could snap up a couple for less than the full price of one! 

Zunmos Storage Ottoman, From $21 (was $50) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

You’d typically spend far more than this on an ottoman — especially one that’s as attractive and meticulously designed as this. The stool stands nearly 13 inches tall and features a roomy interior compartment that’s just the right size for miscellaneous odds and ends that might clutter a room. While it’s compact, it’s capable of supporting up to 350 pounds!

Because it’s so versatile, you could easily set it up virtually anywhere in the home. It makes a practical addition to the living room, working well as both a storage space and a footrest when all you want to do is sit back and catch up on your favorite show. It’s just as suitable for a nursery or child’s bedroom to keep small toys contained, or in a home office or bedroom to keep charging cables, books, and other items out of sight.

It’s rare for ottomans to be as plush as this one, especially at this price. The soft, bouclé-style fabric feels velvety smooth to the touch, so it can even serve as a handy little seat to use while tying shoelaces. It makes an attractive stepstool, too, and can be convenient in rooms where you might need to reach the top shelf of a closet or cabinet.

Shoppers said it’s “so adorable,” with one person noting that it has a “sturdy” quality and “looks much more expensive” than it actually is. Another reviewer praised the “very cozy and comfortable” feel, adding that it’s lightweight enough to move around the house. 

Shop More Deals

• Ktaxon Papasan Rocking Chair, $63 (was $118) at Walmart
• Sixhome Door Mat, $10 (was $18) at Walmart
• Casacomoda 5-Tier Bookshelf, $48 (was $74) at Walmart

Related: Walmart’s Granny-Chic $30 Botanical Comforter Set Makes Your Bed Look Like a Blooming Garden

Whether you’re concerned about clutter or just want to add a warm and homey touch to the room, the Zunmos Storage Ottoman can fill the gap while making it easier to tidy up. Pick it up while it’s on sale at Walmart for a limited time! 

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Taylor Swift honored Dolly Parton after the beloved country legend died Tuesday, August 25, at age 80.

In a statement shared with Parade, the 14-time Grammy winner reflected on Parton’s generosity, humor and fierce commitment to protecting her worth as an artist.

Taylor Swift Reflects on Dolly Parton’s Grace and Grit

“A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right,” Swift said. “But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one.”

Swift described Parton as an example who encouraged others to embrace their individuality rather than imitate her. “She was truly the gift that kept on giving. Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals,” she said.

Swift also celebrated the balance behind Parton’s public persona, praising both her compassion and the resolve that helped her navigate decades in the music business. “Somehow she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person,” Swift said. “She possessed the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist.”

In her emotional statement, Swift thanked Parton for opening doors that younger women could walk through. “For the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too. Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way,” she said.

Dolly Parton’s Final Message to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce View this post on Instagram

The tribute followed one of Parton’s final public messages, a playful thank-you to Swift and her husband, Travis Kelce, for donating $2 million to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Parton shared the Instagram video on July 3, the couple’s wedding day. “Taylor and Travis, it’s Dolly, and I was just told that you two were making a donation of $2 million to my Imagination Library,” Parton said. “I’m blown away and overjoyed with that gratitude.”

She ended the message with a nod to one of her most beloved songs: “So, thank you, and know that I will always love you.”

Dolly Parton’s Death and Lasting Legacy

Parton died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center after a “brief battle with cancer,” her representatives confirmed to People.

Her legacy includes 11 Grammy Awards, songs such as “Jolene” and “Coat of Many Colors,” and the Imagination Library, which has provided hundreds of millions of books to children worldwide.

Dolly Parton recorded “My Place in History” with the intention of it being her final song. But even with the news of her death, it will be another two decades before fans get to hear it.

The original song is recorded on a CD, which is inside a locked wooden box, which is behind glass and on display at the Dollywood DreamMore Resort in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The box will not be opened until January 19, 2046 — Parton’s 100th birthday.

“I have regretted that, because it was a really good song!” she remarked during an appearance on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon in 2022, joking, “I keep wanting them to let me dig it up and put something else in that’s not as good.”

A plaque displayed alongside the box explains that the chestnut “Dream Box” contains “Dolly’s memories and wishes for the future.” Inside, there is a CD with “My Place in History” on it, as well as a CD player, should they be hard to find when the time comes.

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“Only Dolly knows its melody and content until 2046,” the plaque notes, despite some sources listing the opening date as 2045, to also mark the 30th anniversary of the DreamMore Resort.

“If any of you are around when they open that box,” she added, speaking to Kimmel’s live audience and television viewers at home, “I hope you enjoy my song.”

The Washington Post / Getty Images

Parton said a few times — in interviews and in her 2020 Songteller: My Life in Lyrics book — that she’d hoped to attend the unveiling of the song. Unfortunately, the country music legend died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80.

Her husband of nearly six decades, Carl Dean, passed in March of 2025, and just last week, she admitted to People that she’d neglected her own health while caring for him. “I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” she said.

Those health issues included recurring problems with her kidneys and an autoimmune disorder. She was hospitalized for four days before her death, and her family reveals that she’d been in a brief battle with cancer.

While the funeral will be private, Parton’s family is encouraging fans to make donations to her charitable organization, Imagination Library, which gives free books to children to inspire a love of reading.

Alysa Liu was the youngest US women’s national champion, winning the title when she was only 13. Over her career, she has won two Olympic gold medals and two Championship medals. However, she’s going to be taking a temporary break from competing. She posted about the decision to skip the upcoming figure skating season on her Instagram on August 25.

Her post stated, “To my supporters, while people are announcing programs, Imma take this time to announce that I will not be competing this season. I always want to challenge myself in new ways, so my artistry & skating can evolve. It’s important to me that my sport reflects my personal growth. I’m gonna take the time to recalibrate, fine-tune things & whatnot. So fear not, I’ll be back, & in the meantime I’ll be rooting for my teammates near & far. See yall soon!!”

Related: Lori Petty Revealed Actors Would Faint All the Time When Filming This Legendary 1992 Movie

Liu also spoke about her decision with NBC Sports. “I really want to improve my skating, and I wanted to take the time to do that for myself and just to evolve, and then I’ll be back after that is done,” she explained. “Logically and emotionally and physically, this just makes the most sense. I just felt this was right. So I’m trusting my instincts.”

She also revealed that her coaches, Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo Scali, took the news well. “I came to them, and they totally understood where I was coming from,” she said. “I did have to explain a little bit, but they didn’t think I needed to justify my reason for it or anything. So it was really chill.”

Related: Whoopi Goldberg, 70, Revealed This Iconic Movie Role Was Supposed To Go to Bette Midler

Liu famously stepped away from competing when she was 16 after the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. When she recently won the ESPY award for Best Breakthrough Athlete, she said, “I had some really rough times in it. I took two years off. So, for me, this really feels like I broke through in my own way, for myself, and for my sport.”

Musician Richard Marx was looking back at a treasured photo of Dolly Parton from 1984 when a heartbreaking realization hit him: nearly every music legend standing beside him in the picture is now gone.

Parton died at 80 on Aug. 25 after a brief battle with cancer. As tributes poured out across social media, Marx connected with his friend and fellow musician David Foster, who had been there that day nearly four decades ago.

Marx shared the rare photo Wednesday, showing himself alongside Foster, Kenny Rogers, Olivia Newton-John, James Ingram and Parton during a recording session at Rogers’ Los Angeles studio, Lion Share.

After showing the photo to Foster over dinner, Marx said they both remembered the day—but then the reality of the moment hit him: As of Parton’s death, only Marx, 62, and Foster, 76, remain. The realization prompted Marx, who is nearing his 63rd birthday, to reflect on the legendary friends and collaborators he’s lost and share a poignant reminder from Warren Zevon: “Enjoy every sandwich.”

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Fans reacted, agreeing with Marx (and Zevon) to embrace every day, while also honoring Parton in the comments section. “What a special pic full of joy and oh Warren Zevon! Dolly was such a gem! I remember Kenny’s studio Lions Share. And Kenny lit up whenever Dolly was present too! Thanks for sharing an incredible moment,” one person shared with another commenter writing, “Beautiful words on such a sad day. Glad you have those memories. Thanks for sharing with us.”

Marx and Parton shared a special bond. Early in his career, Marx worked as a background singer for some of music’s biggest stars, including Parton. The experience left a lasting impression on Marx, who has continued to speak warmly about Parton over the years, once calling the country icon his “inspiration” and “everything.” Their professional paths also crossed during the 1984 studio session captured in the photo Marx recently shared.

Dolly Parton’s reputation precedes her, and with the unfortunate news of her sudden passing, it’s safe to say we’re all in a state of collective mourning. She was the Iron Butterfly, country music’s undisputed queen with a whip-smart personality that made you fall in love. Her voice, fortified by Southern sweet tea and cornbread, made her a star, but her life and legacy made her an icon. Instead of just existing in the veritable iron tower of celebrity, she used her platform to advocate on behalf of those who couldn’t do so for themselves and met people where they were with the kind of warmth and grace that comes from living a life as rich as hers.

In every sense of the word, she was undeniably human—perhaps the very best parts. Beyond her larger-than-life persona and undeniable musical talents, though, she also knew her way around the kitchen, and, thankfully, shared a little taste of Tennessee with us by way of countless cookbooks and recipes that have become staples in many of our homes.

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From her famous featherlight biscuits to banana pudding that’ll knock your socks off, Parton understood that truly nourishing someone meant feeding their soul too. 

Below, we celebrate the Smoky Mountain Songbird and all of her incredible contributions to country music, the world and our kitchens. Here are some of the best Dolly Parton recipes straight from the “I Will Always Love You” songstress. We hope they bring you as much joy and happiness as Dolly intended. 

Related: Your Dolly Parton Song, Based on Birth Month

The 23 Best Dolly Parton Recipes

Parton’s extensive culinary archive can’t be ignored. Beyond the recipes below, she also launched a frozen food line, various baking mixes, cast iron pans, serveware and everything in between. Much like her music, no matter which recipe you choose, you can’t go wrong. Here are 23 of Dolly Parton’s best recipes.

1. Dollywood’s World-Famous Cinnamon Bread

Choya Johnson

Dollywood revelers know all about the world-famous cinnamon bread, and if you’ve ever wanted to make it at home, Dolly dropped the recipe. It’s one of those things that once you make it, you won’t be able to stop.

2. Dolly Parton’s Chicken Salad

chas53 / Getty Images

Chicken salad is one of those recipes that everyone has an opinion about, but the best ones always keep you coming back for more. Case in point: Dolly’s famous chicken salad that gets a nutty Southern twist with the addition of buttery pecans.

3. Dolly Parton’s Famous Stampede Soup

Dante Parker

With cooler weather on the way, Dolly’s famous Stampede Soup is the perfect recipe to have in your back pocket when you want something warm and cozy. You can even make a double batch and freeze the leftovers.

4. Dolly Parton’s Corn Pone

Courtesy Kenn C. Bivins

Whether you’re looking for a vehicle to sop up the remaining broth from Dolly’s famous Stampede Soup or you just need a hearty side to serve with dinner, you can’t go wrong with her classic Corn Pone recipe. It’s perfect on its own with jam or tucked into a piping-hot bowl of soup.

5. Dolly Parton’s Potato Salad

iStock

Despite how undeniably Southern Dolly Parton is, her mind-blowing potato salad features a surprising Spanish ingredient that makes it uniquely hers. Once you try it, you’ll never make potato salad the same way again.

6. Dolly Parton’s Famous Mashed Potatoes

Courtesy Angel Albring

We’ve all had gluey, gloppy mashed potatoes before, and Dolly’s famous mashed potato recipe is anything but. If you’re looking for fluffy, cloud-like mash, then this recipe should be your go-to.

7. Dolly Parton’s Walnut Pie

Jessica Wrubel

Walnut pie sounds like something that would be scrawled on a recipe card in writing you can’t quite make out, and if we know anything, that means it’s bound to be good. Parton typically serves hers up for the holidays, and we’re sure it’ll become a favorite at your family’s table too.

8. Dolly Parton’s Cranberry Jell-O Mold

Courtesy Nicole Rufus

Are you really from the South if you’ve never had Jell-O mold? Well, if you haven’t, you should definitely start with Dolly Parton’s Cranberry Jell-O Mold. It’s visually striking and easy to whip up, and it’s great for pairing with turkey at Thanksgiving.

9. Dolly Parton’s Corn Fritters

Photo by Cathy Scola / Getty Images

Although they’re very much in the same vein, corn fritters are slightly different than corn pone. Dolly Parton’s corn fritters are loaded with sweet corn and fried until crisp, with a pillowy-soft interior that makes them almost too easy to eat. These are bound to become a staple on your dinner table.

10. Dolly Parton’s Macaroni Salad

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Macaroni salad might be a cookout staple, but no matter what time of year it is, Dolly Parton’s macaroni salad is always a good idea. It’s ultra-creamy, incredibly addicting and comes together in no time.

11. Dolly Parton’s Microwave Baked Beans

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Baked beans are one of those dishes that benefit from time, but if you don’t have the luxury of letting them simmer away for at least an hour, Dolly Parton shared her quick and easy way to make delicious baked beans with the help of the microwave. We love a strategic queen!

12. Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw

bhofack2 / Getty Images

Everyone makes their coleslaw differently, but once you try it Dolly’s way, you’ll definitely get the hype. In addition to the standard coleslaw ingredients, the Iron Butterfly adds pickles and pickle juice into the mix for a vibrant, punchy tang that cuts through the richness of the mayo.

13. Dolly Parton’s Peanut Butter Pie

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There’s nothing more Southern than peanut butter pie, and the “9 to 5” singer’s version might just become a staple in your rotation. You’ll definitely want to save this for your next dinner party.

Related: Dolly Parton’s Little-Known Vacation Hideaway Is for Sale—and It Still Has Her ‘Wig Room’

14. Dolly Parton’s Mac and Cheese

Cavan Images / Dorene Hookey / Getty Images

You might be gathering your Thanksgiving recipes early, and if so, then you’ll definitely want to consider Dolly Parton’s mac and cheese for a spot on your table. It’s the perfect middle-of-the-road mac recipe that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You might want to make an extra pan just in case for this reason.

15. Dolly Parton’s Sugar Cookies

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We’re fast approaching baking season, and if you don’t already have a go-to sugar cookie recipe, then Dolly’s zesty sugar cookies deserve a spot in your rotation. They’re buttery and sweet with a vibrant pop of flavor that’ll keep you reaching for more.

16. Dolly Parton’s 5-Layer Casserole

Dante Parker

It takes a lot of understanding of nuance to make something simple taste good, and Dolly’s 5-Layer Casserole is one of those dishes that puts its simplicity front and center. It’s perfectly unfussy, and although you might need to make a few tweaks to fit your personal taste, it’s a great recipe to have on hand when you need a filling dinner with minimal prep time.

17. Dolly Parton’s Famous Chicken and Dumplings

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If there’s one recipe Dolly Parton is best known for, it’s her famous chicken and dumplings. It’s rich and ultra-comforting, like a hug in a bowl, and with fall on the way, it’s a great recipe to have on hand.

18. Dolly Parton’s Baked Potato

Dante Parker

We never have to be convinced to try a baked potato recipe, especially one from Dolly Parton. Although her baked potato recipe isn’t all that different than our go-to, her genius hack of skipping the hole poking and placing the spuds directly on the grates delivers super crispy skin every time. We’ll be making ours this way from now on.

19. Dolly Parton’s Tennessee Meatloaf

Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma

If you grew up eating meatloaf and hated the dry, shriveled-up hunk of beef sitting next to the peas on your plate, then you’ll love Dolly Parton’s take on the dinnertime classic. Her recipe takes a more Tennessee barbecue approach, resulting in a super-moist, tender finished product that you’ll come back for again and again.

20. Dolly Parton’s Fluffy Scrambled Eggs

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The telltale sign of any cook worth their salt is whether or not they can scramble a few eggs, and Dolly’s egg hack for making them perfect every time is one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. Best of all, it costs zero dollars.

21. Dolly Parton’s Skillet Cornbread

Dante Parker

True to her southern roots, Dolly knows how to cook cornbread a million and one ways, and her skillet cornbread recipe might just be her best iteration. It’s crunchy and perfectly golden with a subtle smoky flavor from the addition of bacon fat. Not to mention it’s great with whatever you end up putting on the dinner table.

22. Dolly Parton’s ‘Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa’ Cake

Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel

If you’ve ever watched Steel Magnolias, then you know all about Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa cake. Like most of Dolly’s recipes, it’s incredibly simple to make, but the payoff is exponential. This one is so good, you’ll want to make it again and again.

23. Dolly Parton’s Famous Biscuits

Choya Johnson

Biscuits are a staple on any Southern table, whether you’re having them for breakfast or as a side with dinner. Dolly’s take on the classic biscuit ends up being light and airy with buttery layers that are perfect for slathering with jam or honey, or just eating on their own.

As details continue to emerge about the icon’s untimely passing, her family has requested that in lieu of flowers fans who would like to pay tribute to the singer may choose to donate to her Imagination Library.

Related: Dolly Parton’s Most Unforgettable Quotes on Life, Love and Her Unstoppable Legacy

If you’re a baker or just a fan of fall flavors, you know that having a jar of pumpkin or apple butter in the cupboard is practically an autumn essential.

Now Costco has two new varieties arriving just in time for fall baking season, and choosing between them may be the hardest part. Thankfully, you don’t have to. Priced at $11.49 for two 18.5-ounce jars (item #2084036), the seasonal two-pack includes one of each flavor, making it a autumn find worth grabbing now.

Check them out in this August 23 Instagram post from @costcoaisles:

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The new Fischer & Wieser seasonal flavors include Maple Pumpkin Butter and Pecan Apple Butter, giving you two delicious ways to bring the flavors of autumn into the kitchen.

The Maple Pumpkin Butter combines pumpkin with maple syrup and warm seasonal spices, while the Pecan Apple Butter pairs apples with pecans for a rich twist on traditional apple butter.

Both also have refreshingly straightforward ingredient lists. Pumpkin is the first ingredient in the Maple Pumpkin Butter, while apples lead the Pecan Apple Butter, followed by sugar, spices, and a relatively short list of recognizable ingredients.

Related: Costco’s New Bakery Loaf Looks Like a True Summer Dream

How To Use Costco’s Maple Pumpkin Butter and Pecan Apple Butter Pumpkin butter served with apple slices.

Photo by sheri silver on Unsplash

There are plenty of ways to put both jars to work. Spread them over fruit, toast, waffles or pancakes, spoon them into oatmeal or yogurt, or bake them into cookies, muffins and quick breads for an extra layer of fall flavor.

The Maple Pumpkin Butter could be swirled into cheesecake, used between cake layers or spooned over warm biscuits. The Pecan Apple Butter would make a delicious filling for turnovers or thumbprint cookies, or an easy topping for baked Brie.

These versatile spreads aren’t limited to sweet recipes, either. Pumpkin and apple butter can add depth to soups and sauces, bring a touch of sweetness to glazes for pork or chicken, or give a turkey-and-cheese sandwich an unexpected autumn upgrade.

With two jars offering two completely different tastes of the season, Costco may have just given fall bakers a very good reason to make a little extra room in the pantry.

There are so many benefits to working from home: Your commute time goes down to about 30 seconds, you don’t have to make small talk around the watercooler and you can wear whatever you want.

That said, there’s one facet of remote work that can be difficult: keeping organized. And according to professional organizers, this can be especially challenging for remote workers who don’t set up organization systems before starting a new job.

So, to find out the best ways to prepare for a new remote job, we spoke with two expert home organizers: Jenny Dietsch, Founder and CEO of Getting it Done Organizing, and Ann Dooley, a Master Level Certified KonMari Consultant and the founder of Simple Joy with Ann.

And interestingly, both organizers agree on the most important thing when it comes to setting up a work-from-home space: setting up simple systems to keep you neat and organized.

“A clear space and a clear plan go hand in hand,” Dietsch tells Parade. “If your workspace is cluttered, your mind will feel cluttered too, and you’ll waste work time tidying up instead of actually working. And if you don’t have a plan for your day, you’ll spend your morning deciding what to do instead of doing it!”

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“When working remotely, visual clutter can easily distract you from getting any work done,” Dooley adds. “Whether it’s the hamper overflowing or the dishes piling up in the sink, identifying spaces within view of your workspace will help you stay focused and productive.”

Keep reading to find out the six tips Dietsch and Dooley say you should follow before starting a new remote job, as well as four tips to follow every day.

6 Things Professional Organizers Say You Should Do Before Starting a New Remote Job 1. Create a mobile home office

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Both Dietsch and Dooley suggest using a three-tiered rolling cart to store your remote work essentials, allowing you to turn any part of the house into your office.

“I suggest creating a mobile office so supplies are easily within reach wherever you do your work,” recommends Dooley. She recommends using the top tier for a filing system, the middle tier for office supplies and the bottom tier for reference books or snacks.

“One of our favorite work from home tips is to create a rolling office cart,” adds Dietsch. “The cart can hold your files and office supplies, and you can even attach a power strip to charge multiple devices while you work. Then when the workday is done, “unplug your cart and roll it into the hall closet,” which allows you to “mentally close out your workday.”

Related: I Asked 3 Professional Organizers About the Biggest Back-to-School Mistake Parents Make—They All Said the Same Thing

2. Set up a dry erase board system

Mod Quaint / Getty Images

If you have a dedicated office in your home, Dooley suggests buying two small dry erase boards, and sticking one on the inside of the door and one on the outside, in order “to reinforce the physical boundary and minimize interruptions.”

The dry erase board on the inside of the door is for you to write down reminders for yourself for the next time you leave the room, such as moving laundry to the dryer. The one on the outside of the door is for others to leave you a message, such as your child reminding you to contact their teacher or your partner letting you know when dinner is.

Related: These 155 Instagram Expert-Approved Organizing Tips Will Help You Tidy Your Entire Home

3. Choose your systems before your first day

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“Decide ahead of time how you’ll manage your calendar, your task list and your files, whether that’s a digital project management tool like Basecamp, a paper planner, or a mix of both,” says Dietsch. “If you wait until you’re already overwhelmed to figure out your systems, you will never actually build them.”

4. Set boundaries

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“Setting boundaries and communicating expectations with others living under the same roof is another important thing to do before starting to work remotely,” says Dooley—especially if you have children in the house.

“It’s inevitable that little kids will want to be near you when they find your attention is elsewhere,” she explains. To help keep kids occupied when they are nearby, she suggests setting up a small “office” play kit with old office supplies like calculators and keyboards, as this will allow your child to “work quietly near you if they are having a hard time separating.”

“Another idea for kids is to let them design an open or closed sign for the door of your home office,” Dooley suggests. “It’s easier to get children to respect your availability when they are involved in creating that boundary.”

5. Create a morning routine in lieu of a commute

Olga Pankova / Getty Images

“When you work remotely, you lose the natural transition time a commute provides, time that used to separate ‘home mode’ from ‘work mode,'” says Dietsch. “Before starting a new job, think through how you’ll create that transition yourself, whether it’s a short walk, making coffee or reviewing your calendar before you log on.”

She explains that “building that buffer in from the beginning helps you show up focused.”

6. Create a shutdown routine

Milky Way / Getty Images

Similarly to creating a morning routine to transition into the workday, Dietsch is a big advocate for creating a shutdown routine at closing time.

“One of the hardest parts of remote work is knowing when to stop,” explains Dietsch. “If you decide in advance that you’ll do a daily reset like clearing your desk, writing tomorrow’s to-do list, closing your laptop at a set time, you are much less likely to let work bleed into your evenings.”

It’s important to come up with this routine before settling into your new job, as “this is something that’s far easier to build as a habit from the start than to retrofit later.”

Related: The 3 College Majors That Lead to the Most Regret, According to Career Coaches

4 Things Remote Workers Should Do Every Day to Stay Organized 1. Keep two to-do lists

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Dietsch recommends keeping both a master to-do list and a daily to-do list, and peeking at them every evening.

“The master list should hold everything you want to get done eventually, big and small,” she says, while your daily list will include tasks you intend to get done the following day.

Every night, you can “use your master list to fill in the holes on your daily list,” explains Dietsch. “This will keep you focused on what actually matters instead of staring at an overwhelming master list, and it means starting your morning already knowing what to do instead of figuring it out on the fly.”

2. Get dressed every morning

Olga Pankova / Getty Images

“While working from home means you can stay in your comfy clothes, mentally shift to work mode by changing out of your pajamas daily,” says Dooley. This doesn’t mean you need to put on a suit or do your makeup—but at least change out of your PJs and into a fresh pair of sweats.

Related: Here Are the Top Second-Act Career Change Ideas for Women at 40, According to Career Experts

3. Handle your inbox daily

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“Open new emails right away if you have the time, or flag them and move them into a short-term follow-up folder to be handled within a day or two,” suggests Dietsch. “Letting things pile up, even for a few days, makes everything feel more overwhelming than it actually is, and small tasks are much easier to knock out one at a time than all at once.”

4. Make a breakfast station

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Dooley recommends setting up a simple breakfast station in the kitchen “to avoid the morning madness,” especially if you live with kids.

“For example, keep spoons and a stack of bowls next to easy-to-pour cereal containers. Or bread, jam, peanut butter, with some pre-washed fruits,” she says. “Be sure to set expectations or teach everyone to put their dishes away before heading out.”

Up Next:

Related: 9 Back-to-School Organization Tips Professional Organizers Swear By

Sources:

• Jenny Dietsch, Founder and CEO of Getting it Done Organizing
• Ann Dooley, Master Level Certified KonMari Consultant and founder of Simple Joy with Ann

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It’s never too early for Halloween decorations. As soon as the first hint of autumn is in the air, many people start planning how to transform their homes and yards into festive, spooky retreats. Whether you are a dedicated Halloween enthusiast or just love adding a touch of seasonal charm, getting an early start means you can enjoy your decorations all season long. 

The DayLightir Solar Halloween Pumpkin Pathway Lights have quickly become a seasonal favorite for anyone who wants to add a cheerful glow to their outdoor spaces. They’re now just $17 for a set of two on Amazon, which breaks down to under $9 per stake!

DayLightir Solar Halloween Pumpkin Pathway Lights, From $17 (were $25) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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These pumpkin lights charm at first glance. Each set comes with two large, twelve-inch pumpkin heads that stand out along pathways, porches, or tucked into garden beds. The pumpkins are made from sturdy, weather-resistant fabric and mounted on metal stakes, so they hold up well through autumn’s unpredictable weather. 

Because they run on solar power, you don’t need to worry about wires or outlet locations. A few hours of sunlight is all it takes for the pumpkins to shine for up to eight hours after dark, adding a warm and inviting touch to any yard.

One detail that shoppers love is the choice between two lighting modes. With the press of a button, you can set the pumpkins to twinkle or opt for a steady warm glow. This flexibility makes it easy to create just the right mood, whether you are hosting a Halloween party or simply want to welcome trick-or-treaters with a friendly, illuminated path. 

DayLightir Solar Halloween Pumpkin Pathway Lights, From $17 (were $25) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Assembly is simple, and the lightweight design means moving the pumpkins is a breeze. When Halloween is over, the compact construction makes storage hassle-free.

Shoppers have described the lights as “cute as a button” and praised their convenience and bright display. One shopper shared how much they appreciated not having to plug them in, saying, “I have a lot of Halloween decorations, and I really appreciate that I can put these anywhere. They light up bright, just like the pictures and last for hours.” 

“After assembly, I was amazed how sturdy they are,” another wrote, noting they “go up like an umbrella.”

Besides being adorable, these pumpkin lights create a welcoming atmosphere for guests and trick-or-treaters alike. The soft, golden light they cast brings whimsy to your garden, patio, or walkways.

Shop More Deals

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Related: Amazon’s $20 Linen Button-Down Tank Is the Perfect ‘Lightweight’ Summer Travel Companion

These $17 solar Halloween pumpkin lights offer an affordable and easy way to celebrate the season. They bring together charm, convenience, and durability. Grab yours in orange or purple, and get the spooky season started. 

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The early 1970s were a wild time for music, as psychedelic rock, progressive rock, and other experimental sounds were finding their way onto the music charts. But few hits were as unique as Dutch rock band Focus’s 1973 song “Hocus Pocus.”

Written in record time by Thijs van Leer and Jan Akkerman, the nearly seven-minute epic from the album Moving Waves features a symphony of instruments not often found in rock songs, including an organ, flute, and accordion. And there’s another element that’s even more unheard of: a yodel interlude.

Almost completely instrumental, “Hocus Pocus” features extended guitar and drum solos, and the only lyric comes via van Leer’s yodeling. Released in 1971 in the UK, the song reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1973 and became the only U.S. hit for the Dutch rock band, officially making them a one-hit wonder in the United States.

Van Leer once reflected on the song in an interview with Prog, explaining that the unusual song was born “during a jam when [Akkerman] began playing the riff.”

“He played it four times and then stopped,” van Leer recalled. “The drummer did two bars of a basic solo, and I just started to yodel spontaneously – for the first time in my life! That’s how it was done: it was written in three minutes and became our big hit. It’s amazing.”

Van Leer also told Classic Rock that his spontaneous yodeling “came from nowhere; a piece of pure improvisation, inspired by the fun of playing together.”

“I still think it came from heaven,” he added.

“The guitar riff is one of the greatest ever created by human beings,” the musician noted to Prog. “I had a feeling we could conquer the world with just that one riff.”

Ultimate Classic Rock once ranked “Hocus Pocus” among the top progressive rock songs of all time, describing it as “that one ’70s rock song where the guy yodels.”

“In a performance so virtuosic it borders on hilarious, singer Thijs van Leer also eefs, scats, whistles, uses the overblowing technique on his flute, bounces merrily on his Hammond organ and skyrockets into operatic high notes,” the outlet noted. “But the song is more than novelty acrobatics, grounded by Jan Akkerman’s scorching hard-rock riffs and Pierre van der Linden’s jazz-rock drum solos.”

Last year, Akkerman, 79, told Guitar World he didn’t think an instrumental track like “Hocus Pocus” would be a success today. But more than 50 years after its release, the Focus classic remains a standout from the experimental ’70s era.

Related: 1981 Timeless Rock Classic Became a Career-Defining Anthem — A Nightmare to Record

Amanda Batula and boyfriend West Wilson aren’t exactly keeping their summer romance under wraps—and fans have plenty to say about their increasingly playful Instagram posts.

The Summer House alums have been sharing plenty of moments together this summer, from nights out to a particularly memorable photo of Batula doing a handstand while Wilson lines up a pool shot between her legs.

With Summer House currently filming without them, their very public presence has sparked everything from “good for her” support to accusations that they’re trying too hard to prove how happy they are.

The reaction has been especially focused on the contrast between Batula’s past relationship with estranged husband Kyle Cooke and her life with Wilson. One commenter summed up the irony by writing that Batula and Wilson were “clearly having themselves a NIGHT” after years of watching Batula give Kyle grief over his partying ways.

Others, however, defended Batula’s right to enjoy herself, arguing that there’s a difference between partying with a partner and the behavior that allegedly contributed to the problems in her marriage.

Still, not everyone is buying what Batula and Wilson are selling. Fans accused the couple of being “thirsty” and trying too hard to show off their happiness, while one commenter bluntly asked, “Why are they so thirsty?” Another suggested Batula was “trying so hard to be fun so he doesn’t leave her,” a comment that racked up more than 1,600 likes on one Instagram post.

The reaction wasn’t limited to their partying, either. Fans also took aim at the sheer amount of couple content, with some questioning why Batula and Wilson seem so determined to show off their relationship online. One commenter even warned, “Posting them is just going to get you an unfollow,” while another simply wrote, “Too bad insta doesn’t have a dislike button.”

Wilson and Batula blew up Summer House when Batula, who was separated from Cooke, began dating Wilson, who had previously dated and recently reconciled with Batula’s close friend Ciara Miller. The romance shocked the cast and Bravo fandom, and the fallout was swift, with fans largely siding with Miller and Cooke. Batula and Wilson were subsequently left off the upcoming season.