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Halloween candy is getting a little more interesting this year, and Target is making sure shoppers have plenty of options beyond the usual chocolate bars and candy corn.

The retailer’s Halloween food and beverage lineup is packed with festive sweets, snacks and drinks for everything from trick-or-treating to Halloween parties. But one of the most unexpected additions is a treat inspired by one of the biggest food trends of the moment.

Among the seasonal offerings is Nutty Fruity Dubai Chocolate, bringing the viral Dubai chocolate trend to Target’s Halloween selection. The indulgent treat has become a major food trend, known for its combination of chocolate, pistachio and crispy pastry-inspired textures, and now it’s getting a spooky-season spot on the snack table.

Target is also bringing back plenty of Halloween-friendly favorites, including a Target-exclusive Nerds Gummy Clusters Halloween Variety Mix, which gives candy lovers a festive way to stock up on the popular chewy, crunchy candy.

There are plenty of other sweet and salty options to fill a Halloween spread, too. Target highlights Drizzilicious Pumpkin Spice and Apple Pie flavors, Bloom Sparkling Energy Pear Scare, and better-for-you treats from brands including JoyRide.

For shoppers who prefer classic Halloween flavors, Target’s Favorite Day collection includes seasonal picks such as Swedish Style Candy Mix, Sour Gummy Wands, Ghost Shaped Cake Pops and Gummy Worm Whipped Cream.

There are also Fright Bites Tortilla Chips and Salted Cinnamon Maple Mini Rice Cakes for anyone looking to balance out all that candy.

And the treats aren't limited to the candy aisle.

Target's Good & Gather lineup includes cozy soups and comfort foods for easy fall meals, while ghost- and pumpkin-shaped pizzas and seasonal bakery treats can make a Halloween gathering feel festive without requiring much extra effort.

Still, the Dubai chocolate-inspired treat may be the one that catches shoppers' attention.

Dolly Parton has shared huge news about her next chapter,

The country music superstar took to Instagram to share a special video message directly with her millions of fans, delivering a personal update on her next project. Stepping in front of the camera with her signature warmth and radiant smile, the country music legend revealed official details for her long-awaited DOLLY: A True Original Musical.

The musical's official Instagram page posted the video clip. Additionally, the caption read, "Broadway, the Dolly way. See you soon, New York City!"

Parton wore a lovely, sheer black top with coordinating pants as she spoke to her followers. She responded to a series of fan questions about the production, including whether or not she would attend any of the shows after opening night.

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That special evening is scheduled for Tuesday, January 19, 2027, Parton's 81st birthday. Preview performances for the musical begin on Monday, December 7, 2026, at the St. James Theatre in New York City.

Parton shared, "Well, I plan to be in New York as much as I can be while we're working on the show. I don't know that I'll be there as much as when we were in Nashville, 'cause we were working up the show completely from here."

"So I was there almost every single day," she added. "But I will be there as much as I can be."

"And of course, Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise, I will definitely be there on the opening night," Parton continued. That phrase means a person plans to do something, provided that no unexpected trouble gets in the way. She concluded, "And I'll be there as much as I can during the previews as well."

Fans were quick to respond to Parton's newest message. They shared their remarks in the post's comments section.

Images/Getty Images

Images/Getty Images

"We love you Dolly!" exclaimed one Instagram user. A second penned, "Can't wait to see the show."

"So excited for this," declared a third fan. A fourth admirer noted, "Take care of you first, Dolly Parton; we need you," referencing the health struggles the beloved entertainer has experienced over the past year.

In a statement regarding the project, Parton told Deadline, “My whole life has been a musical. A grand ole opera really, and I can’t wait to present it to you on Broadway. I hope you enjoy watching as much as I’ve enjoyed livin’ it.”

Parton will not appear in the show, per The New York Times. However, her life story and catalog of work will be featured, including the songs “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “9 to 5,” as well as new tunes Parton wrote specifically for the musical.

Related: In 1983, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton Hit No. 1 With an Iconic Country Song Written by Disco Legends

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A traditional round wreath isn’t the only way to brighten up your front door. Walmart’s bestselling Myecovie Sunflower Basket Wreath looks more like a freshly gathered bouquet tucked into a rustic hanging basket, giving it an extra dose of farmhouse and cottage-inspired charm. It’s also currently just $17, down from $27, so you’re saving $10 on an easy seasonal upgrade.

This adorable wreath features a handwoven rattan basket overflowing with faux sunflowers, white daisy-like blooms, goldenrod, and leafy greenery. It has a burlap bow tied around the front that completes the rustic look, and it measures 17 by 8 by 2 inches. 

Myecovie Sunflower Basket Wreath, $17 (was $27) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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The wreath’s unique basket-style design gives you the look of flowers freshly gathered from the garden, while the mix of yellow, white, and green adds a cheerful pop of color. It can even be displayed in an entryway or on a tabletop indoors when you want to bring that same bright, cottage-inspired look into another part of the house.

One reviewer said, “It’s wonderful for summer,” while another called it “beautiful and cheerful” and wrote, “The sunflowers will be perfect on my door into fall.” Other shoppers praised its “vibrant colors,” and one called it the “perfect size,” noting that the sunflowers look fresh.

Related: Kohl’s ‘Vibrant’ $8 Lemon and Blueberry Wreath ‘Adds a Beautiful Pop of Color’ to Any Home

Another perk is that there’s basically no setup involved. The flowers come already arranged inside the basket, so you don’t have to fluff individual stems or put anything together before hanging it up. The materials are also designed to resist fading, which is especially helpful for a piece you may want to keep displayed through the end of summer and into fall. 

Shop More Deals

• Yinghao 4-Pack of Solar Sunflower Lights, $27 (was $37) at Walmart
• Myecovie Artificial Sunflowers Basket, $19 (was $30) at Walmart
• PinePeak Artificial Tulip Wreath, $21 (was $26) at Walmart

If you’ve been looking for a unique piece of summer-to-fall decor, the Myecovie Sunflower Basket Wreath is a very pretty way to brighten up your space. The rattan basket, sunflowers, and burlap bow give it plenty of farmhouse charm, and at under $20, it’s an easy seasonal update that doesn’t require a big decorating budget. Be sure to snag it while it’s still marked down at Walmart.

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Although it can be hard to say goodbye to summer, Nothing Bundt Cakes is making the transition a little sweeter with its fall lineup. The bakery chain announced in a press release on Aug. 10 that it's welcoming the season with the return of its fan-favorite Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake, along with two brand-new Pop-Up Bundtlet flavors: Galactic BrownieCake and Apple Pie Cake.

The seasonal rollout begins Aug. 17, but the three flavors won't arrive at the same time, so fans will want to keep an eye on the calendar. While Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake will stick around into October, the two new Pop-Up flavors will each be available for just two weeks.

Nothing Bundt Cakes' Fall 2026 Flavors

First up is Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake, returning nationwide from Aug. 17 through Oct. 11. The comforting spice cake features Biscoff Cookie Butter baked into the cake and drizzled on top. Real Biscoff cookies are also baked along the bottom and added on top for even more of the signature caramelized cookie flavor. Unlike the two limited Pop-Up offerings, it will be available in all of Nothing Bundt Cakes' cake sizes.

Image via Nothing Bundt Cakes

Next comes the brand-new Galactic Brownie Cake, available Aug. 24 through Sept. 6. Designed for serious chocolate fans, the fudgy chocolate cake is topped with a brownie batter glaze and colorful candy-coated rainbow sprinkles. This Pop-Up flavor will be offered exclusively as an individual Bundtlet.

Image via Nothing Bundt Cakes

Then, just as apple season gets underway, Apple Pie Cake arrives Sept. 14 through Sept. 27. The second new Pop-Up Bundtlet combines warmly spiced cake with layers of sweet cinnamonapples and a buttery brown sugar streusel topping. Like Galactic Brownie, it will only be available in Bundtlet size.

Image via Nothing Bundt Cakes

Members of the bakery chain's free Bundtastic Rewards program will get early access to purchase the new Pop-Up flavors before they're released to everyone else.

Nothing Bundt Cakes CEO Dolf Berle said the seasonal collection was designed with everything from back-to-school milestones to fall get-togethers in mind, combining a returning favorite with something new for customers to discover.

Related: Nothing Bundt Cakes Just Announced a New Treat and the Return of a Fan Favorite for Back-To-School

And fans already appear ready to get a head start on fall.

In an Aug. 10 TikTok, @snachwithzach shared the upcoming flavors with his followers, and each of the three cakes quickly found enthusiastic supporters.

@snachwithzach

Nothing Bundt Cakes’s fall flavor lineup is here, including two brand-new cakes and the return of a fan favorite. The fan favorite Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake returns August 17th through October 11th, featuring spice cake with Biscoff Cookie Butter baked inside and drizzled on top, plus Biscoff cookies on the bottom and top. It'll be available in all Bundt Cake sizes. The new Galactic Brownie Cake arrives August 24th through September 6th as a Pop-Up Bundtlet, featuring fudgy chocolate cake with brownie batter glaze and rainbow candy sprinkles. Another new Pop-Up arrives September 14th through 27th with the Apple Pie Cake, featuring spiced cake layered with cinnamon apples and topped with brown sugar streusel. And for everyone wondering about Pumpkin Spice, it hasn't been officially announced yet. Our best guess is that it'll return as a Featured Flavor beginning around October 12th, immediately following Biscoff, but that timing is NOT confirmed. Are you excited for Nothing Bundt Cakes’s new fall menu? #foodtok #nothingbundtcakes #fastfood #dessert #foodnews

♬ original sound - snachwithzach

For @mluvsbooks, the return of Biscoff was the big news. "That Biscoff cake is more elusive for me than a unicorn," they joked.

@Khadi was already preparing for the arrival of Apple Pie Cake, writing, "I got my insulin pump locked and loaded for that Apple."

And @Tali had eyes on the chocolate newcomer, adding, "The galactic brownie looks so so good."

With Biscoff returning for nearly two months and the two new Pop-Up flavors getting much shorter runs, there will be several opportunities to try something different as summer gives way to fall.

The seasonal cakes will be available at participating Nothing Bundt Cakes bakeries nationwide, and you can order in-store, online, or through the app. Availability may vary by location, and all three flavors are offered while supplies last.

If you hold elite status with American Airlines—whether you earned it through regular business travel or by stacking up miles on everyday credit card purchases and family vacations—scoring a surprise seat upgrade on a long flight across the country or out to the islands is one of travel's most delightful sweet treats. But if you have a big trip planned for late summer or fall, there is an important policy update to keep on your radar before you book your seat.

Beginning August 25, 2026, American Airlines is adjusting how complimentary upgrades work for AAdvantage status members flying on its longest domestic and Hawaii routes. Under the new guidelines, elite members booked in the standard Main Cabin will automatically be placed on the upgrade list for Premium Economy rather than moving directly into lie-flat Business Class.

Related: How to Properly Pack a Carry-On, According to a Flight Attendant

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The adjustment applies specifically to high-demand, three-cabin transcontinental flights—such as New York (JFK) to Los Angeles or San Francisco, and Boston to Los Angeles—as well as nonstops connecting major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago O'Hare, and Phoenix out to Hawaii destinations including Honolulu, Maui, and Kona.

While missing out on that sudden leap straight from a standard coach ticket into a lie-flat pod might take a little adjusting to, there is a lot to love about the shift into Premium Economy. On these five- to nine-hour ocean and coast-to-coast crossings, Premium Economy is a massive step up in comfort over standard coach. Travelers get wider seats, deeper recline, generous footrests, upgraded dining, and complimentary drinks—making it a very comfortable way to fly without having to pay full price for the front cabin.

Related: ‘Bidding’ for a First Class Seat May Be the Cheapest Way to Ditch Economy

For business travelers or leisure flyers who still have their hearts set on lie-flat Business Class for a special trip, the path remains wide open through a few smart booking strategies. Elite members who purchase a Premium Economy ticket outright—or buy an instant upgrade to Premium Economy after booking—remain eligible for a complimentary bump up into Business Class when seats are open. Additionally, AAdvantage members can still use Systemwide Upgrades or redeem miles to secure those top-tier seats directly.

Across the entire airline industry, more travelers than ever are choosing to pay outright for extra room and elevated service, leading major carriers to fine-tune how they manage premium cabin inventory. Whether you fly weekly for work or save up your status for that annual family getaway to Hawaii, knowing these new rules will help you choose the best seat strategy so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight.

Related: American Airlines is Launching a Major New Daily Flight to Asia

Raise your hand if you grew up in the ‘90s and planned your week around ABC’s iconic TGIF lineup? Now wave that hand to the sky if Rider Strong as Shawn Hunter, the leather-jacket-wearing, center-parted heartthrob on Boy Meets World, forever holds a special place in your heart.

As someone who is always partial to the bad boys of peak ‘90s and early aughts TV (hello, Dylan McKay), it was surreal to chat with Strong for Parade (and my Substack, The Teen Mag Time Machine). Much like Strong, I’ve been looking back at that golden era of pop culture with fresh eyes as a parent. These days, Strong has been reexamining his teen idol era through the lens of a 44-year-old dad helping his own 11-year-old son, Indy (whom he shares with wife Alexandra Barreto), meet, well, the world.

If you’re doing the math, Strong’s son is the exact same age as Shawn’s best friend Cory (played by Ben Savage) when Boy Meets World premiered in 1993. That reality was just one of many things that proved surreal for Strong while rewatching the series for his hit podcast Pod Meets World, alongside co-stars Danielle Fishel and Will Friedle.

“Rewatching, it was so funny to identify with the parents. But in that last episode [of Boy Meets World] there's a flashback and you see how much we physically changed from season one to the final season,” Strong shares. “It was a good reminder that my son is still going to change a lot. He hasn’t discovered romance at all. I was one of those kids who was always in love by the age of 5. My son's not. But then I think, ‘Oh right, he hasn't met his Topanga. He hasn't had the Corey and Topanga feelings yet, but it'll happen. It always does.”

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Red Vines, OtterPops, and 12 Cokes a Day

With back-to-school season here and Indy about to start middle school, Strong is partnering with Simple Mills to reimagine the throwback snack packs millennials grew up with and updating childhood favorites like Cheddar Pop Mmms and Mini Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies with wholesome ingredients.

“I didn't think that the '90s had a taste, but these snacks totally remind me of the ‘90s. There is a nostalgic taste," Strong says. Strong readily admits that crafting healthy habits wasn't exactly top of mind as a kid with unlimited access to craft services on a television set.

"I used to eat horribly unhealthy," Strong shares. "On the set of Boy Meets World, I just ate Red Vines and drank coffee all the time. At one point, we went through a phase where we were eating OtterPops by bulk boxes. Blue Raspberry OtterPops all day."

While the parents of the younger actors on set tried to regulate their requests, Strong recalls how older castmates had free rein.

"Will Friedle was 16, and he tells me now, I didn't even realize it at the time, was drinking a case of 12 Cokes a day and he was smoking cigarettes," Strong reveals. "It's horrifying to think about! But they would give him his own case of Coke every day."

The contrast between '90s kid culture and today’s hyper-aware parenting couldn't be starker.

"Kids today go to school with their water bottles, so healthy and hydrated," Strong laughs. "I don't think I ever even thought about drinking a sip of water back then."

Related: ‘Boy Meets World’ Stars Reveal What Their Characters Would Be Doing Now (Exclusive)

Getting Roasted by Middle Schoolers

Something else Strong didn't expect to experience in 2026? Navigating the full-circle reality of raising a tween in a culture currently obsessed with '90s nostalgia.

“The parents at my son’s school found out who I am and told their kids. So all the kids know. I also volunteer a lot at my kids' school, so they’ve come to know me and tease me about it! And, I'm glad my son and his friends tease me. I don't want him to feel pressure or that it actually is a cool thing,” Strong laughs. “It's a crazy, weird thing to have famous parents but especially in my case, I don't act anymore. I'm this weird nostalgia part of people's lives . . . it taps into this connection people feel with me that almost goes beyond just being famous. They grew up with me. They grew up with all of us.”

The 1993 Teen Mag Flashback

Seeing how much times have changed, I couldn't resist taking Strong on a time-warp journey. I presented him with an authentic page out of a 1993 BOP Magazine featuring a questionnaire he filled out when he was just 13 years old. Strong’s shock over how his teenage self answered basic get-to-know-you questions was pure gold.

When asked to guess his favorite musician from 1993, Strong was positive his answer had been Counting Crows. Instead, his teenage self wrote down "Pachelbel's Canon in D."

"Pachelbel's Canon?!" Strong laughed. "What? Oh My God. A classical music reference? What a douche.”

Moving on to favorite actors and actresses, Strong assumed he would’ve said Jack Nicholson (which he did), but he was less certain about his actress pick. “Who would I have said as an actress? I mean, I was in love with Winona Ryder. Would it have been her? Who was it?”

When I revealed it was actually Rebecca De Mornay, he burst out laughing at the "weird pull."

Related: ‘Boy Meets World’ Stars Give Rare Insight into Major Fall Out with Former Co-Star: ‘I Haven’t Given Up On My Friend’

His favorite movie answers weren't any less pretentious. Strong assumed he had listed '90s coming-of-age classics like Stand by Me or Reality Bites. But his 13-year-old self claimed his favorite movie was Schindler's List.

"See, I was trying to sound smart and grown up!" Strong jokes. "That’s why I said Pachelbel's Canon and Schindler's List."

Finally, I asked if he remembered his answer to "What do you like least about yourself?" Rider assumed he had written about his skin "because I had such horrible acne back then." Instead, he had targeted one of his most iconic heartthrob features: "My hair, it's out of control."

“I can't believe I said that because in retrospect, I actually really think it was totally great hair! But I probably just hated it because I had to deal with it. It was long and I didn't know how to take care of it. I washed it every day, which just made it super frizzy. I don't even think I put product in back in the day. It’s my own fault.”

The ultimate irony? Today, Strong sees his son’s peers walking down the street sporting that exact same center-parted haircut alongside baggy, sagging jeans. "It's all happening again," he says. "We're right back in the '90s."

It’s an era that Strong spent years running from, but now happily runs toward.

”I spent my 20s and 30s trying to avoid it. And since doing the podcast, I'm really embracing it because it's actually a very positive thing. People are so kind. People have such positive associations with me that it's actually a very good feeling. It brings us all back to the '90s and our adolescence when life was pretty great.”

Next, ‘Boy Meets World’ Stars Reveal What Their Characters Would Be Doing Now (Exclusive)

A.J. Croce took fans on a trip back in time during a recent visit to Pennsylvania. The musician and son of legendary singer-songwriter Jim Croce made a return to his childhood home in Lyndell, PA, while on a pit stop during his Croce Plays Croce Tour.

In a video shared to Instagram, Croce, 54, stood outside of the red-shuttered farmhouse, which is now an Airbnb.

“I’m in Lyndell, Pennsylvania, right now,” Croce said in the clip. “This is the farmhouse I lived in as a little kid and where my father wrote the first two albums, Don’t Mess Around With Jim and Life and Times.”

Croce then went inside the house and sat at a kitchen table as he noted that the décor of the house has changed since his family moved out of it in 1973. He revealed that his father wrote “Time in a Bottle,” “Operator,” “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim,” “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” and more songs in the kitchen of the Pennsylvania home.

Croce also shared a look at his childhood bedroom before walking outside to reveal the most famous part of the house: the round-windowed shed that was featured on the cover of the You Don’t Mess Around With Jim album in 1972.

“This was previously a pig pen, an outhouse, and now it’s cleaned up,” Croce said of the structure.

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Jim Croce died in a plane crash in September 1973, one week before his son’s second birthday. The single “Time in a Bottle” became a posthumous hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 that fall, less than six months after "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" also topped the charts.

"Time in a Bottle" was written at that farmhouse table after the singer’s wife, Ingrid, told her she was pregnant.

Speaking with Gary James’ Classic Bands, Ingrid recalled that her husband was working multiple jobs to make ends meet when they found out they were expecting their first child.

“When I told Jim… that we were gonna have a baby, all of a sudden his whole attitude changed about things,” she shared. “He came from a very traditional Italian, Catholic background. His family was really heavy into getting good 9-to-5 jobs, pension, and the whole thing. When he found out we were gonna have a child, he realized he was gonna have to do something about it. He sat down that night and wrote ‘Time In A Bottle.’”

“I really believe it's more about the immortality of life,” she shared of the song’s meaning. “A.J. might have been the trigger for that song as well as our relationship.”

A.J. Croce also spoke about how the emotional song continues to move people more than 50 years later.

“Music is really a time capsule,” he told Songfacts in an interview. “When a song moves us, or when we're in a situation that is really memorable or formative, and that song just happens to be on the radio somewhere - on your first date, driving yourself for the first time, in a foreign country and you walk into a restaurant and it's playing, and it doesn't make sense that it would be there but is the perfect thing to listen to - music is magical like that.”

“’Time in a Bottle’ has that kind of power,” he added. “It's been covered many times, but I think my father's voice is still the most powerful version of that song. There's something about the sincerity of it that is undoubtable.”

A.J. Croce’s Croce Plays Croce Tour continues across the U.S. this fall.

Related: 1973 Classic Rock Hit Was Released One Day After Legendary Singer's Death

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One of the easiest ways to elevate your bedroom is a matching bedding set. As a main focal point, your bed has the power to transform the aesthetic and vibe of your room. When your comforter and pillowcases complement each other, your space will instantly look put-together and intentional. If that sounds like something your bedroom needs, Amazon carries a plethora of comforter sets that are totally worth checking out, like this Bloomhaven 3-Piece Shabby-Chic Gingham Comforter Set. 

For a limited time, you can score this gingham comforter set on sale in twin XL, full, queen, and king sizes. Normally retailing for $60, the queen comforter set is now marked down to just $50 in four colors including cream yellow, ash tan, bay sage, and cloud blue. The queen set is also available in a ember blush hue at full price. All five of these hues are also on sale for $40 in the twin XL version and $50 in the full version. Most styles are on sale for $60 in the king size. 

Bloomhaven 3-Piece Shabby-Chic Gingham Queen Comforter Set, From $50 (was $60) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Seamlessly blending form and function, this comforter set nails the farmhouse aesthetic. It oozes with rustic charm, featuring a cozy gingham pattern that’ll instantly make your bedroom feel warm and inviting. If you prefer something with more of a cottagecore vibe, this comforter is also available and on sale in a few ditsy floral styles, which are equally as gorgeous.

Boasting ruched fabric all throughout the comforter and pillowcase, this set captures the essence of shabby-chic, which adds to the vintage-inspired element of the farmhouse trend. The ruching creates a puffed look and adds texture, giving the fabric some depth and dimension. Shoppers loved the style of this comforter set, describing it as “super cute,” and “absolutely beautiful.” 

Made of 100% polyester microfiber, this comforter set feels smooth against the skin and shoppers said that it’s “buttery soft.” The fabric is Oeko-Ttex certified, ensuring that it’s safe and skin-friendly. It has been tested for and is free of over 1,000 harmful and toxic substances, giving you peace of mind.

The comforter is packed with microfiber filling, which is a fabulous alternative to down feather filling, as it mimics the fluffiness and softness. One reviewer confirmed this, commenting that it “feels like a soft cloud.” Additionally, microfiber is more affordable compared to down feathers and is also hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with allergies and sensitive skin. 

Bloomhaven 3-Piece Shabby-Chic Gingham Queen Comforter Set, From $50 (was $60) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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While heavier than a quilt, this comforter is still breathable and lightweight, which is ideal for all-season use. Shoppers attested to this, noting that the weight is perfect. It’ll keep your body temperature regulated and prevent you from overheating in the summer, and deliver warmth during the cooler months for cozy nights of sleep. 

Thanks to the polyester material, this comforter set is easy to care for. Whenever it needs a refresh, toss it into the washing machine and tumble dry it on low heat afterwards. Reviewers noted that it washes and dries well, and fluffs up nicely. 

The full, queen, and king comforter sets all come with two pillow shams while the twin XL set only comes with one. For size reference, each comforter is 90 inches long. The twin XL is 66 inches wide, the full is 80 inches wide, the queen is 90 inches wide, and the king 102 inches inches wide. The twin XL, full, and queen pillow shams are all 20 inches by 26 inches, while the king pillow shams measure 20 inches by 36 inches. 

Shop More Deals 

• Bedsure 3-Piece Botanical Queen Comforter Set, From $28 (was $42) at Amazon
• Hymokege 7-Piece Seersucker Queen Comforter Set, From $32 (was $46) at Amazon
• Bloomhaven 7-Piece Ruffled Queen Comforter Set, From $57 (was $70) at Amazon

Related: Macy’s Has a 'Soft and Cool' $35 8-Piece Coastal Comforter Set That Delivers Instant 'Beach Vibes'

If you want to spruce up your bedroom and get peaceful nights of sleep, don’t hesitate to snag the Bloomhaven 3-Piece Shabby-Chic Gingham Comforter Set on sale at Amazon starting at just $50 for the queen size! 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster Titanic has been ranked the second-greatest romantic movie of all time by Variety, placing the beloved film among the strongest love stories ever made. 

The movie, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater, remains known for its romance, historical setting, massive scale and tragic ending.

Variety described Titanic as “the swooniest romantic movie of its time” and praised the film for turning a short romance into something timeless. The story follows Jack and Rose, two young people from very different social classes who meet during the Titanic’s doomed maiden voyage in 1912.

Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio dancing in a scene from the film 'Titanic', 1997.

Photo by 20th Century-Fox/Getty Images

The romance is set against one of the most famous disasters in history. Rose is a 17-year-old first-class passenger who is unhappy with her engagement to wealthy Cal Hockley. Jack is a poor third-class passenger who meets Rose when she is struggling with her situation aboard the ship.

Their relationship develops as the Titanic travels across the Atlantic. But their time together is cut short when the ship strikes an iceberg and begins to sink.

One detail about Titanic that continues to surprise viewers is Kate Winslet’s age when she played Rose. Rose is 17 years old in the movie. Winslet, however, was 20 when she was cast in the role in 1996. By the time filming ended in early 1997, she had turned 21, according to Looper.

That meant Winslet was four years older than Rose by the end of production.

Leonardo DiCaprio was also close to Winslet’s age while making the movie. DiCaprio was 21 during filming, while Jack Dawson is written as a 20-year-old character.

The age difference between the actors and their characters did not prevent audiences from accepting their performances. Winslet’s portrayal of Rose showed a young woman who wanted to make her own choices instead of living the life planned for her by her family.

Her character begins the film trapped by her engagement to Cal and the expectations of her wealthy family. Meeting Jack gives Rose a different view of life. Their relationship becomes the emotional center of the movie as the disaster approaches.

A review by Roger Ebert praised the film’s construction, calling Cameron’s 194-minute, $200 million production “flawlessly crafted, intelligently constructed, strongly acted and spellbinding.”

The film also moves between the romance and the growing danger aboard the ship. As the passengers enjoy the voyage, officers receive warnings about icebergs. Eventually, the Titanic hits an iceberg, leading to the disaster that ends Jack and Rose’s time together.

Rotten Tomatoes currently lists Titanic with an 88% Tomatometer score from 256 reviews and a 69% Popcornmeter score from more than 250,000 ratings in the provided source.

The film was also a major awards success. It received 14 Academy Award nominations and won 11, including Best Picture and Best Director.

More than two decades after its original release, Titanic continues to be remembered for the combination of Jack and Rose’s romance, the historical tragedy, and Cameron’s large-scale filmmaking.

Related: 1988 Film, Starring Bruce Willis, Ranked 2nd-Best Action Movie of All Time

In 1971, a squeaky-clean family group took the pop culture world by storm, dominating radio airwaves and winning over millions of adoring fans across the country. Their success was absolutely unstoppable.

By the time the year wrapped up, The Osmonds pulled off a staggering chart milestone that outpaced Elvis Presley and The Beatles, who couldn't match their one-year success. More than 50 years later, that jaw-dropping 1971 record still stands as a testament to just how powerful this iconic musical family truly was.

According to CBS News, in 1971, The Osmonds (including solo work by Donny Osmond) surpassed both Presley and the Beatles' best single-year success by being honored with nine gold records. These albums and singles include the songs "One Bad Apple," "Double Loving," "Sweet and Innocent," "Go Away Little Girl," "I'm Still Gonna Need You," and the albums Osmonds,Homemade, Phase III, and The Donny Osmond Album.

The website Lost 45s shared a quote from the group's eldest member, Alan Osmond, in which he reflected on the moment the band first learned they'd reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart in February 1971.

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“I can remember sitting in our home, not sitting, standing, listening to KHJ, which was a Top 40 station at the time in L.A. They were doing the countdown," Alan recalled.

"Number three, number two, and finally Number one! Our eyes were as big as saucers. We looked at each other and just screamed because you have to realize where we came from," the band's leader continued.

RELATED: ’70s Superstar Donny Osmond Shares Nostalgic Look at His Teen Idol Past

"We came from a Utah, up-in-the-mountains background of just good ‘ol boys. We were told that we would never be a hit act because we just weren’t ‘with it.’ We felt that we could do it our way, which was a little different. When we finally did it there was a lot of emotion there,” Alan concluded.

The Osmonds received their first gold record in March 1971 during their opening performance at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas/Bettmann/Getty Images

The Osmonds received their first gold record from Mike Curb, president of MGM Records, during a performance at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, in March 1971. That monumental award wasn't just a career milestone for the brothers; it ignited an unprecedented 1971 winning streak.

As highlighted in the 2001 TV biopic Inside the Osmonds, the famous family lived by the motto, "It doesn’t matter who’s out front, as long as it’s an Osmond." This was an attempt to keep family rivalry at bay so everyone could enjoy the band's success.

Following their 1971 gold record milestone, the family continued to reinvent themselves for new generations of fans. They conquered prime-time television in 1976 with the hit variety series Donny & Marie, and Donny and Marie Osmond became the youngest hosts in network history.

RELATED: Donny Osmond Recalled Powerful Life Lesson Learned From Brother Alan Osmond in Vintage ’70s Interview

By the 1980s, Alan, Wayne, Merrill, and Jay Osmond pivoted to country music as The Osmond Brothers and landed a string of top-20 hits, while Donny launched a major pop comeback in 1989 with "Soldier of Love." Donny and Marie Osmond would become Las Vegas entertainment icons with an extraordinary 11-year residency at the Flamingo Hotel.

Today, Donny Osmond continues to perform at Harrah's Las Vegas. Marie Osmond has largely retired from live performing. According to PEOPLE Magazine, Merrill and Jay have largely stepped back from touring. Jimmy Osmond stays behind-the-scenes as a businessman after suffering a stroke in 2019, and brothers Wayne and Alan passed away in 2025 and 2026.

Related: On This Day: A '70s Teen Idol Became a Top 10 Solo Star

Finding the ultimate luxury cruise can feel like navigating a sea of endless choices. With premier cruise lines launching high-end boutique vessels and new luxury brands entering the market, discerning travelers—particularly women and couples ages 50 and up—are looking for the sweet spot between absolute five-star luxury, uncrowded itineraries, and genuine high-value, all-inclusive pricing.

When we asked top Fora Travel advisors which luxury cruise line is currently delivering the single best experience on the water, their answer was overwhelmingly unanimous: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Related: 6 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Luxury Cruise

A Floating Five-Star Resort Experience

Rather than competing with traditional mega-ships, advisors agree that The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection bridges the gap between high-end land resorts and seamless ocean travel.

"Right now, my top recommendation is The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, particularly its two newest superyachts, Ilma and Luminara," shares Fora Advisor Kelli Nordin. "What I love most is that it doesn't feel like a traditional cruise at all. It feels like checking into an intimate five-star luxury resort that just happens to sail from destination to destination. Every suite features a private terrace, the service is incredibly personalized, and the atmosphere is relaxed and sophisticated."

Nordin emphasizes that the true value comes from what's included: "Guests enjoy luxurious suite accommodations, most onboard dining, a curated selection of premium wines and spirits, gratuities and Wi-Fi, so there are very few surprise costs along the way."

Fora Advisor Laura Allen agrees: "I think the Ritz Yacht Collection is the best value of all the newcomers on the market. Guests will enjoy modern yachting with an elegant terrace stateroom starting around $4,000 per person. Considering that this includes top-notch food, premium alcohol, and all gratuities, there’s no better deal out there."

Fora Advisor Nhu Lam points out that the yacht scale strikes an ideal balance: "It has that intimate, high-end feel you'd expect, but the ships are a little larger than some of the ultra-small yachts... so there's a few more passengers, which helps create more density and energy onboard."

Related: Why Repositioning Cruises Are the Low-Cost, Slow-Travel Trend to Watch Right Now

Direct Ocean Access and Michelin-Starred Dining

Beyond the destinations, the physical amenities and culinary experiences elevate the voyage into a true five-star retreat.

"All the yachts in the Ritz-Carlton Collection feature a marina platform that gives guests direct water access at designated times," says Allen. "Guests can swim right off the ship and use complimentary water toys such as paddle boards, sailboats, and snorkeling gear!"

Nordin adds that onboard dining rivals top restaurants on land: "On Ilma, the signature culinary experience is Seta su Ilma, created in partnership with Michelin-starred chef Fabio Trabocchi... On Luminara, The Beach House by Chef Michael Mina offers a completely different perspective, showcasing vibrant Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors inspired by Mina's Egyptian heritage."

Allen also highlights Evrima: "Guests can experience a five-course culinary journey designed by chef Sven Elverfeld. His famous restaurant in Berlin has received three Michelin stars 14 years in a row. Since only 28 guests dine at a time, it's a very personal dinner."

Related: I Cruise Every Month—Here Are My Secrets to Scoring Luxury Cabins for Cheap

Sources:

• Kara Kassuba, Travel Advisor, Fora Travel
• Maggie Moran, Travel Advisor, Fora Travel
• Danielle Fisher, Travel Advisor, Fora Travel
• Karen Morales, Accessible Travel Lead, Fora Travel

Disney is whipping up something frightfully fun this spooky season. And here’s an early shriek peak.

Cue Danny Elfman. We’re headed to Halloweentown. Disney has reunited with Bath & Body Works for a new Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” collection. The range of products spans body care, home fragrance and decorative accessories, including a new candle innovation and rewards-exclusive collectibles. The collection debuts Aug. 16 for Bath & Body Works rewards members and Aug. 17 for all online and in stores.

This isn’t the first time Disney sent fandom into a frenzy with a highly sought after Bath & Body Works collection. The Disney Princess collection, featuring beloved favorites like Ariel and Tiana, was a massive hit, selling out in many stores.

Related: Disneyland Reveals Its Fall Line-Up

“Life’s no fun without a good scare.” And in this case, without a good scent. The pumpkin king himself, Jack Skellington, and Sally have inspired two all-new fragrances. “Bath & Body Works perfumers masterfully crafted each fragrance to translate the personalities and emotions of Halloween Town’s most recognizable characters into scent,” Disney shared in a press release. Jack Skellington’s scent is described as “a warm, woody fragrance with notes of pumpkin screams, glowing palo santo and spooky spiced vanilla.” Meanwhile, Sally will be represented with a fitting “bright, fruity fragrance with notes of ghastly blooms, berry patchwork and forbidden tonka.”

Both will be available in ultimate hydration body cream, body wash, fine fragrance mist, 3-wick candle, layered wax single wick candle, foaming hand soap and PocketBac hand sanitizer.

Related: Disney Shares New Look At Its Latest Storyliving By Disney Community

The collection also includes Zero-inspired refillable foaming hand soap pump and PocketBac hand sanitizer clips (inspired by Zero, Oogie Boogie, and the Mayor of Halloween Town).

Other must haves include Jack Skellington and Sally-inspired candle pedestals and Jack Skellington and Sally-inspired tote bag and coin purse.

Disney x Bath & Body Works

Related: What Disney Fans Won't Want to Miss from Disneyland's 2026 Halloween Eats

1993’s Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” has evolved into a popular culture phenomenon and the cult classic is given the Disneyland treatment with the seasonal overall of Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Related: Disneyland Reveals Its Fall Lineup, and Spoiler—It's Wicked Fun

Long before Dolly Parton became one of the most recognizable stars in country music, she was a young singer trying to make her way in Nashville. One country legend played an important role in helping introduce her to a wider audience.

Porter Wagoner was born Aug. 12, 1927, in West Plains, Missouri. Known for his flashy Nudie suits, blond pompadour and distinctive country sound, Wagoner became a major figure in country music and earned the nickname "Mr. Grand Ole Opry."

But Wagoner's lasting legacy is closely tied to a young Parton, 80.

In 1967, Parton joined The Porter Wagoner Show, Wagoner's long-running syndicated television program. The move gave the then little-known singer a national platform and helped introduce her to audiences far beyond Nashville.

Parton quickly became an important part of the show, and her partnership with Wagoner also led to a successful musical collaboration. The pair recorded several hit duets, including "The Last Thing on My Mind" and "Please Don't Stop Loving Me."

Their professional relationship eventually became complicated, but Wagoner's role in Parton's early career remained significant. Parton went on to become a superstar, songwriter, actress and entrepreneur, while Wagoner continued his own career as a recording artist and television personality.

Still, Wagoner's career was substantial in its own right.

Wagoner had more than 80 singles chart on the U.S. country charts between 1954 and 1983 and scored numerous hits during his long career. He was also a longtime member of the Grand Ole Opry, and his television show helped bring country music into homes across the country for more than two decades.

Wagoner died in 2007 at age 80, but his name remains closely connected to Parton's rise from aspiring Nashville singer to one of the world's biggest entertainers.

RELATED: The Animals’ 1965 Rock Hit Was Written by a Famous Songwriting Duo

David Hyde Pierce, who is best known for his role on Frasier, just made a rare red carpet appearance.

Pierce, 67, skyrocketed to fame in the role of Niles Crane, Dr. Frasier Crane’s psychiatrist brother on the beloved NBC series, which ran from 1993 to 2004. Starring alongside Kelsey Grammer, Peri Gilpin, John Mahoney, and Jane Leeves, Pierce became a TV staple in the long-running series. Outside of his role on Frasier, Pierce has scored tremendous praise (and a Tony Award!) for his work on Broadway, and recently starred on the HBO Max series Julia. But without Frasier dominating the airwaves these days, he's not spotted on the red carpet all that often.

Despite his decision to fly under the radar these days, Pierce hit the red carpet alongside his husband, Brian Hargrove, to attend the 2026 Shakespeare In The Park opening night of The Winter's Tale at Delacorte Theater in New York City's Central Park.

Theo Wargo / Getty Images

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Kelsey Grammer Shared How Grateful He Is For David Hyde Pierce

CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images

Last year, Kelsey Grammer opened up about how grateful he is for his relationship with Pierce and the late John Mahoney, who played their retired police officer father on Frasier.

“What’s interesting, and I said this to John and David in our time together, is that I didn’t have a brother. I had half-brothers. I had a sister and lost my sister. She was killed,” Grammer told Forbes, recalling the tragic death of his sister Karen in 1975. “I didn’t have a father. I met my father during a one-week visit to the Virgin Islands when I was 12 years old, and then he was gone.

“So, I have expressed at one point to John and to David that I actually had a chance to live out father-son and brother-to-brother relationships that I wouldn't have otherwise had a chance to do,” Grammer noted.

What's Next for David Hyde Pierce?

Last week, Deadline reported that Pierce will appear alongside Ayo Edebiri, Danielle Brooks, and Jin Ha in the cast of Encores! upcoming You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown musical revival, which kicks off in February. Yes, Pierce will play everyone's favorite character, Charlie Brown, which Edebiri will play lovable Snoopy. 

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Related: ‘Frasier’ Star Peri Gilpin, 64, Is Ageless on the Red Carpet Over Two Decades After the Show’s End

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Scrabble has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up playing it on family game nights, brought travel editions along on trips, and have had more than a few fiercely competitive matches with friends over the years. So when I came across a version that doubles as decor, I was immediately intrigued. 

Priced at $45, the Scrabble Vintage Bookshelf Edition is available at Walmart and Amazon. Its linen-wrapped case and retro artwork pay homage to the original 1948 edition, giving the word game a nostalgic makeover that looks display-worthy on any shelf or side table. One shopper said it was “perfect” for their bookshelf, while others praised how easy it is to store when it’s not in use. 

Scrabble Vintage Bookshelf Edition, $45 at Walmart and Amazon

Courtesy of Walmart

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The linen-wrapped case measures 10.6 by 8.4 by 2.6 inches and comes with a protective slipcover to keep the set neatly stored between games. Inside, the classic game gets an elevated touch with wooden letter tiles and wooden tile racks, which gives this set a premium feel.  When you're done playing, the pieces tuck neatly into the case's built-in storage. 

It’s designed for two to four players ages 8 and up, making it an easy pick for family game night, or a casual get-together with friends.  

The book-like design is clearly a hit with Scrabble fans, too. One shopper called the set “elegant,” while another said it’s “great quality and looks so cute on my bookshelf.” A third called it an “absolutely beautiful addition” to their game collection, adding, “This will be used for many years creating memories.” 

The display-worthy design also makes it a thoughtful present for a Scrabble fan or anyone who loves vintage-style decor. One shopper called it “a great gift for family and friends, especially around the holidays.”

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At just $45, the Scrabble Vintage Bookshelf Edition is a stylish way to enjoy a classic game and add some retro charm to your shelves. Head to Walmart to snag one while it's still in stock! 

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The record-breaking temperatures and current heatwaves still moving throughout numerous states indicate that summer is still in full swing. If you have many outdoor activities planned, you need a pair of comfortable shoes that can handle the sweltering weather. Cushioned flip-flops are a fantastic choice, blending the comfort of sneakers with the breathability of sandals. You get the best of both worlds, while adding a summer-ready aesthetic to any outfit. 

Racking up over 8,200 five-star ratings at Amazon, these Kuailu Flip-Flop Sandals are a great option. Right now, you can snag them on sale for less than $25 for a limited time. Normally retailing for $30, all 12 of the available styles, ranging from everyday neutrals to vibrant pink, are now marked down to just $24. Sizes range from 5 to 12, and reviewers with narrow and wide feet said that these fit perfectly. 

Kuailu Flip-Flop Sandals, From $24 (were $30) at Amazon

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Designed to cradle your feet and cushion your every step, these flip-flops have a foam footbed made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), which is the same material that many yoga mats are crafted from. With their cushy and lightweight feel, they make walking a breeze and deliver unparalleled comfort through any summer activity. Reviewers attested to this, noting that they were able to walk over 10 miles in these sandals without experiencing any pain. 

Constructed with deep heel cups and curved arches, these sandals support the contours of your feet, or lack thereof. Several customers raved about the “excellent arch support” these sandals offer. These sandals are also great for those experiencing any podiatry issues. Shoppers with plantar fasciitis, high arches, and flat feet all confirmed this, noting that they don’t cause any discomfort and actually help ease the pain. “These were recommended by my podiatrist,” one shopper said. 

The non-slip soles are treaded and made of rubber, ensuring stability on all kinds of surfaces. Featuring cut-out grooves all around the surface of the soles, these sandals boast great flexibility. They’ll naturally bend along with the movement of your feet, preventing them from feeling stiff and restricted. 

Kuailu Flip-Flop Sandals, From $24 (were $30) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Thanks to the combination of EVA foam and rubber, these sandals absorb the impact of your steps, minimizing the pressure on your feet and joints. They have a fast rebound, creating a bouncy, spring-like feel that’ll make every step effortless. 

While you can slip in and out of these sandals in just seconds, they’ll hold your feet securely in place when needed. They’re fixed with classic Y-straps that sit in between your big toe and second toe, and span out over your feet to keep them from sliding out while you walk around. The straps are made of woven fabric and have a padded faux-leather lining. Several shoppers raved about how comfortable the straps are and noted that they don’t chafe or dig into their feet. 

These sandals are waterproof, making them ideal for beach, pool, and lake days. You can just as easily wear them while traveling, roaming around town, or running casual errands. They’ll complement nearly any casual outfit, including streetwear, athletic wear, or even a flowy sundress. 

“They’re lightweight, stylish, and can keep up with a busy day, whether that’s errands, travel, or even a casual hike,” a second shopper said. They described these sandals as “soft, cushioned, and supportive." 

Related: Walmart’s $10 Flip-Flops With 'Great Arch Support' Feel 'Like Walking on Pillows'

Whether you have foot woes or just want to let your feet breathe, the Kuailu Flip-Flop Sandals are definitely worth adding to your summer footwear collection. Don’t hesitate to snag them at Amazon while they’re still on sale for as low as $24!

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Van Halen’s 1984 hit “Jump” has earned another place among rock music’s most important songs after being ranked No. 23 on a list of the 25 Best Rock Songs of All Time. 

The song remains the band’s only No. 1 single on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, making its place in rock history especially notable.

Collider explained how “Jump” captures the character of Van Halen while showing a different side of the band. The publication also called the song the best highlight of 1984 and says it is the “perfect personification of the band.”

American rock band Van Halen in a studio portrait against a white background, circa 1978.

Photo by Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images

Released in December 1983 as the lead single from Van Halen’s sixth studio album, 1984, “Jump” marked a major change in the band’s sound. Instead of being driven mainly by Eddie Van Halen’s famous guitar work, the song opens with a keyboard riff that became one of the most recognizable sounds of the 1980s.

The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on Feb. 25, 1984. It also reached No. 1 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart. While Van Halen had many successful songs and albums throughout its career, “Jump” stands as the group’s sole Hot 100 chart-topper.

The song was written during a period when Van Halen was already one of the biggest rock bands in the United States. Formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972, the group became known for its powerful live shows and Eddie Van Halen’s guitar skills.

The classic lineup featured Eddie Van Halen on guitar and keyboards, Alex Van Halen on drums, David Lee Roth on lead vocals and Michael Anthony on bass and backing vocals, per Elpee.

By the time 1984 arrived, Van Halen had already released five studio albums. The band’s earlier records had helped build its reputation as a major hard rock act, but “Jump” took the group in a different direction.

Eddie Van Halen had written the song’s synth idea around 1981, but the band initially rejected it. The idea returned in 1983 when producer Ted Templeman asked David Lee Roth to hear it.

Roth later developed the lyrics after remembering a television report about a person threatening to jump, according to Far Out Magazine. Instead of making the song simply about suicide, the lyrics became an invitation to take action, embrace life and love.

That contrast helped give “Jump” a meaning beyond its bright sound. Its keyboard melody sounded upbeat, while the lyrics carried a different layer that listeners could interpret in more than one way.

The song’s success was not limited to the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

“Jump” reached No. 1 on the Canadian Top Singles chart and the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart. It also reached No. 7 in the United Kingdom, No. 2 in Australia and Ireland, and No. 4 in Austria, Switzerland and West Germany.

Its success helped make 1984 one of Van Halen’s biggest albums. The record reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and produced other well-known singles, including “I’ll Wait,” “Panama” and “Hot for Teacher.”

The song also became a major part of Van Halen’s visual identity during the MTV era. Its music video was directed by Pete Angelus and David Lee Roth and focused on the band performing, with Roth showing off his energetic stage personality. The video received three MTV Video Music Award nominations and won for Best Stage Performance.

Its influence continued long after the 1980s. “Jump” was later included among the songs that shaped rock and was ranked No. 177 on Rolling Stone’s updated 2021 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

The track has also appeared in movies and television. It was featured in the 2015 film Eddie the Eagle and the 2018 science-fiction movie Ready Player One. It was also used in a 2023 McDonald’s Christmas television commercial in the United Kingdom.

The song was also nominated for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards, although it lost to Prince and The Revolution’s “Purple Rain.”

Van Halen continued recording and touring for decades, with Roth eventually returning to the band. Its final studio album, A Different Kind of Truth, arrived in 2012.

Eddie Van Halen died in October 2020, and the band was later confirmed to have disbanded. Still, “Jump” remains one of the clearest examples of how Van Halen could move beyond its hard rock roots without losing its identity.

Related: 1977 Hit, Written by Bee Gees, Ranked Among 'Best Movie Soundtrack Songs' of All Time

Before Sebastian Bach became one of rock’s most recognizable frontmen, he was a teen singer looking to get his big break. By the time Skid Row’s “18 and Life” hit big in 1989, Bach was 21 and a star—and the fame came with an assist from Jon Bon Jovi.

In an interview with MTV’s Alan Hunter, Bach looked back on early days in the metal band and recalled how his bandmate Dave Sabo’s famous friend helped him out.

“When I joined the band Skid Row [in 1987], [Jon] Bon Jovi took us under his wing, and he’s, like, ‘Sebastian, sometimes you sing like Vince Neil. Sometimes you sing like [Ronnie James] Dio. Sometimes you sing like [Rob] Halford. You have to find your own sound right now,’” Bach recalled in the interview, per Blabbermouth.net. “And when somebody says that to you, it’s, like, ‘Oh my Lord.’ But that’s the way it was then.”

The Canadian singer also shared that Bon Jovi gave him advice that he still uses to this day.

“Back when I first joined Skid Row in 1987, you know, I was just a little kid,” Bach told Ultimate Classic Rock in 2024. “I had a good-sounding voice, but as far as doing a two-hour show, I was so young that I didn’t really have the muscles for that. When I joined Skid Row, we’d rehearse all day, every day. My voice wasn’t ready [for that]. It was like a learning crash course of singing. Jon Bon Jovi just said, ‘Forget about everything in the world except the lyrics.’ He said, ‘Just tell the story of what the lyrics are saying.’”

Bach noted that he had originally been trying to sing as high as he could.

“Back in the ‘80s, that seemed to be what all of the singers [were doing],” he explained. “But [Jon] goes, ‘Just tell the story of the lyrics.’ That changed my way of looking at being a singer. Because I had to be great right then. … I just totally shifted my focus from trying to shatter glass, which I did once, in Baltimore. I shifted it from that to telling the story of the words, and that’s been the way it’s been ever since. I get into telling the story.”

Bach’s breakthrough with Skid Row was “Youth Gone Wild,” followed by the massively successful single, “18 and Life.”

Written by Sabo and Rachel Bolan, the song about a troubled teen whose life spirals out of control perfectly showcases Bach’s vocal range, with soaring high notes in all the right places.

“18 and Life” reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1989 and remains Skid Row’s highest-charting song 37 years later.

RELATED: Sebastian Bach Reveals the Surprising Career Highlight That Made Him Feel Like Royalty

Jon Bon Jovi wasn’t the only Bon Jovi family member to have a hand in Bach’s career. In an interview with Classic Rock, the legendary Skid Row frontman revealed Bon Jovi’s parents first spotted him singing at rock photographer Mark Weiss’s wedding in the late 1980s and told him about a new New Jersey band that needed a singer.

“Someone came up to me and said: ‘Sebastian, Jon Bon Jovi’s parents want you to join them at their table,’” Bach revealed. “So I sat next to Jon’s dad, and we had a great time together. Skid Row were looking for a singer at that point, and I think they were partly responsible for suggesting me for it.”

Not only did Skid Row sign with Bon Jovi manager Doc McGhee ahead of their self-titled debut album, but they opened for Bon Jovi on tour in 1989 and 1990 just as "their hit single "18 and Life" was taking off.

“We were not happy with the contract we signed for the first record,” Bach admitted. “But looking back, we probably would have never made it without his help. It wouldn’t have been possible.”

Bach parted ways with Skid Row in 1996. Nearly 40 years after finding fame as a frontman, Bach continues to perform and record new music as a solo artist. The rock icon is currently performing dates on his The Party Never Ends Tour.

Related: 1989 Rock Hit Ranked Among ‘Greatest Power Ballads of All Time' Was Nearly Rejected by Band

On Aug. 3, 1991, Metallica put its fifth album on the PA at Madison Square Garden and let a room of people sit and listen to it.

The band gave away a reported 19,000 tickets through the Wiz music store chain. Nobody could buy the record for another nine days. MTV News reporter Tabitha Soren said on air that it had "probably set the record for being the largest listening party ever."

It was James Hetfield's 28th birthday, and he went out on the floor to watch. "I had to run out there and see what they thought," he recalled, "if they were killing themselves or killing each other. Or falling asleep." They were "really attentive," he said.

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Why the Black Album Sounded Different

Metallica hired Bob Rock, who had worked with Bon Jovi and The Cult and had made Mötley Crüe's Dr. Feelgood. Lars Ulrich told Uncut in 2007 that "the ten-minute, 12-tempo-changes side of Metallica had run its course." He added: "We wanted to streamline and simplify things."

That side of the band is on "Master of Puppets" and "Fade to Black."

Manager: 'We Wanted to Get to No. 1'

Cliff Burnstein, the Q Prime co-founder who manages the band, put it plainly. "We wanted to get to No. 1 on the charts right away," he said.

The album came out on Aug. 12, 1991, 35 years ago Wednesday. The sleeve is black, with the band's logo in the upper left and a coiled snake in the lower right, a nod to the Gadsden flag and to "Don't Tread on Me," one of its 12 songs. Lead single "Enter Sandman" had arrived two weeks earlier.

Metallica entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1 and spent four weeks there. It was the band's first No. 1 album. Their previous best was …And Justice for All, which reached No. 6.

The songs that make up the music to Mary Poppins are some of the most beloved Disney movie songs ever, which is why film's soundtrack is among the highest-performing albums in Billboard history.

The legendary music at the heart of the 1964 film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke spent 14 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, earning it a spot at No. 35 on the publication's list of the Greatest of All Time Billboard 200 Albums.

The Mary Poppins soundtrack debuted on the Billboard 200 at No. 140 in October 1964, working its way up to the Top 10 by the end of that year. It soared to the chart's summit in March 1965, where it tallied up a total of 14 non-consecutive weeks.

And Mary Poppins isn't the only film soundtrack featuring Andrews to make it into the Top 35 of the Greatest of All Time Billboard 200 Albums, as The Sound of Music soundtrack is also included on the list.

The iconic Sound of Music soundtrack, which features Andrews on classic songs like "My Favorite Things" and "Do-Re-Mi," is considered one of the best albums to ever top the Billboard 200. It ranks at No. 2 on Billboard's Greatest of All Time list, behind only Adele's 21 album.

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A few other movie soundtracks also made the list, like 1965's Doctor Zhivago (No. 8), Frozen (No. 17), The Bodyguard (No. 23), Saturday Night Fever (No. 43).

As for Mary Poppins, the film was nominated for 13 Oscars and took home five wins, including Best Actress for Andrews, Best Original Score by the Sherman Brothers and Best Song for "Chim Chim Cher-ee." Other enduring hits from the famous soundtrack include "A Spoonful of Sugar" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."

More than 50 years after the original movie, the soundtrack for the long-awaited sequel, Marry PoppinsReturns, starring Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, reached No. 34 on the Billboard 200 in 2018.

Related: 1981 Hit by 'Grease' Actress, Named the 'Top Song of the '80s,' Made Billboard Chart History