Parade

Your daily destination for celebrity news, videos, entertainment, food, recipes, health tips, fitness, and games from America's most popular magazine.

URL: https://parade.com

Updated: 47 min 32 sec ago

26 Most Shocking 'Hulk Hogan: Real American' Revelations

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 5:02am

"The Hulk Hogan character is over the top. It's a fake character. I hope people understand that someday. It's like playing Dracula—I don't come home and bite my wife's neck. My wife calls me Terry."

There are plenty of truth bombs in Hulk Hogan: Real American, premiering on Netflix on April 22, 2026, but ironically, one of the least shocking revelations is that it wasn't just fans who didn't understand that "Hulk Hogan" was, ultimately, a construct: Even the man himself had a hard time discerning where the character Hulk Hogan ended and the personTerry Bollea began, and some of that was merely a result of wishful thinking.

"Terry Bollea was not the greatest person all the time, but the character was impeccable," he said in the docuseries. "The character helps people. I want to be that Hulk Hogan."

Perhaps Bollea had a growing awareness of his own mortality with the simultaneous understanding that the image he created would long outlive him.

"In all my glory, when 'Hulkamania' was running wild, the crowd was magic—the energy would just drag you up out of any hole," Bollea said, beaming. "As soon as I hit that ring, it was just the end-all-be-all where nothing else in the world matters except that present moment. When I was in that ring, I was not Terry. When I went in that ring, brother, I was Hulk Hogan. I believed it."

"It was just magic. It's why I fell in love with wrestling," he explained. "There's nothing else like it ... I always believed that wrestling is the most important thing there is. It's immortality."

The project, which he filmed in May 2025, features Bollea's final interview before his death on July 24, 2025, at age 71. It also includes interviews with his son, ex-wife, fellow professional wrestling legends and more—and yes, they do delve into a lot of scandals. Here are the most shocking secrets revealed in Hulk Hogan: Real American.

Hulk Hogan in the ring in 1991

Photo by WWE on Getty Images

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

As a kid, Hulk Hogan didn't think he was athletic or tough enough to be a wrestler.

Bollea recalled being shy and soft spoken as a child. He first saw Florida Championship Wrestling live at 8 or 9 years old, and his favorite wrestler at the time was "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes. He knew from then that he wanted to be a wrestler, but was "scared to death" of pro wrestlers because he thought they were violent and that the characters and violence were real. As a result, he tried other sports as a kid and teen, but with little success: He said he was too "fat and slow" for baseball, so he tried bowling, but that didn't lead to much, either.

Other pro wrestlers discovered Hulk Hogan when he was trying to make it as a rock star.

When he felt that traditional athletics weren't a career option, Bollea taught himself to play bass. He eventually dropped out of school to tour with a band called Ruckus. The move infuriated his parents, who kicked him out of the house.

During a bar gig with Ruckus, pro wrestlers Jack and Gerald Brisco noticed Bollea, in part because it was hard not to—the man was massive in size and was able to command the stage even more than his frontman. They encouraged him to pursue professional wrestling, and Bollea realized that in real life, he wouldn't "have to be a tough guy" because most wrestlers were actually pretty nice people—so he finally agreed to give it a go.

Hulk Hogan's early days of wrestling training were painful.

While Bollea learned that wrestling storylines and characters weren't real, the physical toll on wrestlers' bodies is very real. In his very first training session with Hiro Matsuda, Matsuda broke Bollea's leg, sidelining him for 10 weeks to recover.

Hulk Hogan's father disapproved of his wrestling career.

Bollea's father, construction foreman Pietro "Peter" Bollea, worked hard throughout his life, but the family never had much money.

"We were broke and I hated it, especially seeing how my dad slaved in the sun as a construction worker," Bollea said, adding that it motivated him to work extra hard in all of his endeavors.

While he was in the beginning stages of his wrestling career, Bollea lived in a hotel because he wasn't welcome at home. He'd visit his mom, Vernice "Ruth" Bollea, when his father was at work—and he'd always leave before his father came home.

Hulk Hogan needed a lot of work to be on the same level as other wrestlers in his early days in the ring.

Bollea's first match ever was for Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF) against his friend and mentor B. Brian Blair. Bollea's character was "as "Super Destroyer," and he wore a mask to hide his beginner's mistakes before becoming a "real character" later on.

His first unmasked character was as "Terry Boulder," and his signature move was the "Super Southern Squeeze," which was essentially a bear hug. He later called himself just "The Hulk."

Jimmy Hart, Bollea's manager, went to high school with Jerry Lawler. He introduced Bollea to Lawler, who said that Bollea wasn't nearly on the same level as other wrestlers at the time in terms of skill. Bret "The Hitman" Hart said early in their careers, Hart's matches against Hogan were "always about 30s econds long ... a bear hug is all he knew how to do. It's all he needed to do, it was believable enough."

Hulk Hogan became "Hulk Hogan" after meeting Vince McMahon.

The Hulk persona was just "big and nasty and mean," but he was successful enough that regional promoters encouraged Bollea to go to New York, where he met Vince McMahon Sr. and Vince McMahon Jr. McMahon Sr. encouraged him to change the character name to Hulk Hogan, because McMahon himself was Irish American, even though Bollea was Italian American.

In 1979, Bollea's very first Madison Square Garden match was against "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. McMahon instructed DiBiase to let Hogan win in order to develop Bollea's reputation with audiences. "I thought I had arrived," Bollea said. Bollea was a heel and got booed out of the building, but he wasn't discouraged at all.

"I knew I would be a bad guy," he said. "And I was really good at it."

Sylvester Stallone made Hulk Hogan famous outside of the wrestling world. Terry "Hulk Hogan" Bollea as Thunderlips wrestling with Sylvester Stallone as Rocky in "Rocky III" (1982)

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Sylvester Stallone gave Bollea a cameo as Thunderlips in Rocky III, giving Bollea exposure to audiences outside of the professional wrestling realm. It led to a 1982 appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and more, and the raised profile made Hulk Hogan a bona fide celebrity—and boosted his notoriety and ticket sales in wrestling as well.

Terry "Hulk Hogan" Bollea on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" in 1982

Photo by NBC on Getty Images

Hulk Hogan met his first wife, Linda Hogan, at a bar—and it was love at first sight. Hulk Hogan and Linda Hogan in 1991

Photo by Acey Harper on Getty Images

Bollea first laid eyes on his first wife, Linda Claridge, at the Red Onion bar and restaurant in Woodland Hills, California, in 1982. They locked eyes and he asked her to dance. Afterward, Linda says, they went to Bollea's "rickety ass old apartment" and he took "forever" in the bathroom, then came out stark naked: "We were together ever since."

The couple married a year later and went right to New York City after their wedding, eschewing a honeymoon for Bollea to compete in a match that would change his life.

Hulk Hogan's first WWE championship match was when he finally made his father—and, he believes, his country—truly proud. Hulk hogan and the Iron Sheik in the ring at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 23, 1984

Photo by WWE on Getty Images

On Jan. 23, 1984, Bollea battled the Iron Sheik for the WWE (then WWF) championship belt at New York City's Madison Square Garden. The match was set against the sociopolitical backdrop of the Iran Contra crisis.

"Because of the political landscape, we knew going in [that] this was going to be a big deal," Bollea said. "I wasn't into politics in '84, but on the world stage, that was in the news. It was the perfect setup fof me to go against the Iron Sheik."

Bollea's father came to the event because he loved then-President Ronald Reagan, and it was one of the only times he came to see Hogan because he "equated wrestling with being a circus performer."

Bollea jumped the Iron Sheik before the bell rang to start the match, and he said in Real American that "Sheik didn't know it was coming ... I improvised entire thing."

Terry "Hulk Hogan" Bollea holding his new heavyweight championship belt on Jan. 23, 2024

Photo by WWE on Getty Images

Hulk Hogan was named WWE heavyweight champion. He recalled that when he won, his father told him that he was "very proud" because he was "very dedicated, a real professional."

"He never kind of got over that I passed on a college degree to be a world heavyweight champion, but that night I think he understood," Bollea said, fighting back tears. "I took them out to dinner. They were very happy, my dad especially. He said he was proud of me and that he loved me."

Hulk Hogan had no remorse for knocking Richard Belzer out.

While promoting WrestleMania I in March 1985, Bollea appeared on Hot Properties, where he put Richard Belzer in a front chin lock (also called a modified guillotine choke) on live TV. Belzer passed out, which Bollea long maintained was an accident, and Belzer sued Bollea for $5 million after the incident. They settled for an undisclosed amount.

In Real American, he griped, "Belzer was a real pain in the ass." Linda Hogan said that for the rest of his life, Bollea "didn't feel bad at all" about what happened.

Hulk Hogan knew after WrestleMania I that he was a worldwide star. Terry "Hulk Hogan" Bollea and Mr. T at WrestleMania I on March 31, 1985

Photo by WWE on Getty Images

The very first WrestleMania in 1985 was a showcase for Bollea, and he was part of the main event, for which he was partnered with Mr. T in a tag-team match against "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff. It was then, he says in Real American, that he "knew [he] would go beyond wrestling" and that wrestling was merely "a stepping stone [for] the rest of his career."

He made $1 million for WrestleMania I and said that from that point on, other wrestlers all wanted to go against him in main events for the hefty paydays it would bring.

Hulk Hogan partied hard until a tragedy changed his life forever.

Following the success of WrestleMania, "Hulkamania" was in full effect, and Bollea and Linda began partying and using drugs, including cocaine and, according to Linda, "uppers, downers, sideways, diet pills from my mom's doctor," regularly.

That ended abruptly, Bollea said, after an event that Bollea regretted until the day he died.

In 1986, Bollea's older brother Allan got into "some trouble" and asked Bollea for money, fearing for his life. Bollea gave Allan the cash he requested instead of bringing Allan on the road with him. Allan overdosed and died the same week.

Bollea refused to speak further on his brother's death beyond saying he tried to go to the funeral but had to be on the road—and that he quit using drugs and committed to being a role model to children from that point forward.

Hulk Hogan wanted to step back from wrestling to be a more present father. Brooke Hogan, Hulk Hogan and Nick Hogan in 2005

Photo by Steve Granitz on Getty Images

Bollea was a loving and affectionate father, and he said his daughter Brooke Hogan's birth in May 1988 was one of the most impactful days of his entire life.

"My whole reason for living changed instantly," he said. "I had no idea my whole focus would change to protect this little human being."

Two years later, Bollea got a surprise: Linda quit taking her birth control pills without telling him, and her grandmother told Bollea that he was going to be a father again. They welcomed son Nick Hogan in 1990.

Bollea said that his kids didn't understand his fame and that he struggled with "trading real life for a wrestling name" and traveling all the time for work. "It was killing me," he confessed.

Hulk Hogan's fatherhood helped launch the Ultimate Warrior's career. Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania 6 on April 1, 1990

Photo by WWE on Getty Images

When Bollea told McMahon that he wanted to step back from wrestling to be with his children, McMahon told him that the franchise needed another star first.

WWE ended up pushing the Ultimate Warrior, who they now claim wasn't well liked in the industry and also just wasn't a good wrestler. Bollea agreed to let the Ultimate Warrior win the WrestleMania VI main event in 1990, but when the big night came, the Ultimate Warrior wanted to end the match after just three minutes. Bollea, however, wanted to go for 20.

Ultimately, the Ultimate Warrior didn't click with audiences, and Bollea ended up becoming the heavyweight world champion again, with his run in WWE going until 1993.

His beef with Bret "The Hitman" Hart was very, very real. Hulk Hogan and Bret "The Hitman" Hart in August 1999

Photo by San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers on Getty Images

Bret "The Hitman" Hart compared his and Bollea's actual wrestling skills to the acting skills of two icons.

"Hogan was Elvis," he said. "I was Robert de Niro."

Bollea took a brief leave of absence from WWE in 1992 after a steroid scandal plagued the company. He returned in 1993, when Hart says Bollea refused to even shake his hand. (For his part, Bollea said he denied ever snubbing Hart intentionally and surmised that "maybe [he] was drunk or high.")

That April, Hart was slated to win the main event at WrestleMania 9, but Bollea and McMahon conspired near the last minute to change the storyline: Yokozuna would beat Hart, then Hogan would beat Yokozuna in an "impromptu" match. It never sat well with Hart, who said in Hulk Hogan: Real American that Bollea was a "backstabbing piece of s*it."

The last-minute move didn't sit well with audiences either: Ratings declined and McMahon recognized that Bollea's run was about over, but Bollea was in denial. A real-life personal beef between brewing between Bollea and McMahon, culminating with Bollea cursing McMahon out over the phone and getting fired.

Hulk Hogan's WCW career ended in disrespect from the company's own creative team. Hulk Hogan at a WCW event in January 1998

Photo by WWE on Getty Images

Bollea continued wrestling, moving to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1994. He enjoyed a decent reign there, but was injured often. He refused to step back from wrestling, even when his own fans begged him to do so.

It wasn't until WCW upped writer Vince Russo to head their creative team that Bollea began to think about retiring: Russo announced publicly that he wanted to fire every wrestler over 40 years old, even holding "Viagra on a Pole" matches to humiliate the old guard.

"It was disrespectful," Bollea said. "It was really bad. He did everything basically to see if he could undermine what I had going. Russo was the poison, the final nail in the coffin."

He finally decided to retire in 2000, saying simply, "I wanna go back to the beach."

Hulk Hogan truly believed he could be president of the United States. Hulk Hogan on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno in November 1998

Photo by NBC on Getty Images

Bollea announced he wanted to run for president in late 1998, even pushing his campaign during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno that November. While initially believed to just be publicity stunts tied to Jesse Ventura being elected governor of Minnesota, in Hulk Hogan: Real American, he said that the three-month campaign was genuine.

"I backed out. I got scared," he admitted. "I thought I might win."

Hulk Hogan wished he'd retired after fighting Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson at WrestleMania X8. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Hulk Hogan at "WrestleMania X8" on March 17, 2002

Photo by WWE on Getty Images

Though he left WWE on bad terms and wasn't happy with how he left WCW, McMahon asked Bollea to "come home" and wrestle Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson at WrestleMania X8 in March 2002.

At the time, Johnson wasn't yet a full-fledged movie star (his first star vehicle, The Scorpion King, would hit theaters the following month), but was at what many considered his pro wrestling peak, and McMahon expected them to root for The Rock.

"It was one of the most incredible nights I've ever had in my career," Bollea said. "Two iconic wrestlers in their generational run ... the place was erupting, and I realized they were cheering for me instead of him."

"The Rock got the 1-2-3 and beat me, but I actually won the match because it put me back on the map in a really major way," Bollea said. He got a standing ovation from the crowd that brought him to tears—and in retrospect, said he wished he'd ended his career with that crowning moment. Instead, he'd return to WWE and other promoters off and on for another two decades.

Hulk Hogan launched Hogan Knows Best as a means of spending more time with his family—and they say the reality show was, well, real. Nick Hogan, Linda Hogan, Hulk Hogan and Brooke Hogan in "Hogan Knows Best"

VH1

After retiring from wrestling, Bollea felt rudderless, which his family recognized: Linda said he wouldn't talk much and just watched movies on the couch all day, and the family was used to him being away more than he was home.

"I woke up one day and I was an old man," Bollea said of his mindset at the time. "I don't know what happened."

When VH1 approached the Hogans with an offer for a reality show, Nick and Brooke were gung ho about it, especially the latter, as she hoped it would help her budding music career take off. Bollea said his motivation was different.

"My prayer was that it would bring Linda and I together," he said.

Hogan Knows Best premiered in July 2005 and was a ratings hit for the network (even later landing a spinoff, Brooke Knows Best), and in the beginning, the Hogans loved the experience.

"Terry loved it, we all loved that show," Linda said. "It showed the softer side of Hulk ... That was the real Terry."

Hogan Knows Best had 28 people in the crew crammed into the family's home. When filming, their windows were blacked out and Nick and Brooke got pulled out of school.

Unfortunately, Brooke's singing career didn't launch successfully, though Linda insisted, "She was so close to really making it."

The show also made Nick out to be immature and a "Dennis the Menace" type, when in reality, he was trying to position himself as a potential star as well.

Then, of course, came the inevitable relationship rift between Bollea and Linda. While there is a history of couples having a "reality show curse," they both said their issues started earlier—and that the couples therapy on the show was real.

"Having your personal problems with your family for public consumption led to all kinds of problems," Bollea said, griping that Linda always wanted more money. "I would come home with a seven-figure check and give it to her, and she'd throw it in my face."

Hulk Hogan cheated on his wife Linda.

Bollea was shocked when Linda filed for divorce, admitting, "I always thought it could be fixed for better or worse."

Others wouldn't be shocked when they learn why she did it: The family's housekeeper found a gold hoop earring in Linda and Bollea's bed and asked Linda if it was hers.

It was not.

"I know that he loved me. He did. He was crazy about me," Linda said. "[But] he was hiding something, he wasn't himself ... I didn't know why he cheated on me, and I just felt like a complete failure."

Linda Hogan didn't know her rebound boyfriend's real age. Charlie Hill and Linda Hogan in October 2010

Photo by Mark Sullivan on Getty Images

After Linda and Bollea split, she began dating Charlie Hill. It infuriated Bollea and baffled Linda.

"She was bouncing around flying all over with her boyfriend," Bollea said of Hill. "He actually went to school with Nick and Brooke."

Linda, who was 48 years old at the time, said Hill told her he was 25 when they first started dating ... but he was really 19.

Hulk Hogan grew suicidal during his divorce from Linda.

Bollea got an apartment from which he could see his beach house, where Linda admittedly and deliberately flaunted her new romance to upset him.

"It was to the point where we literally didn't speak to each other at all," Linda admitted. "Everything was all through lawyers. It made it incredibly difficult for the kids."

In the midst of their contentious split, Rolling Stone published an interview in which Bollea said he could "totally understand" O.J. Simpson, who infamously probably murdered his estranged wife and the waiter he thought she was dating. He said the remark was taken out of context and not meant to be literal.

"I would never do that, it would never go there," Bollea fumed. "I went home, I started drinking, started eating pills, went down this rabbit hole for a few days. Next thing you know, I'm in my bathroom with a gun in my mouth. I hit rock bottom. I gave her 70% of everything. I was broke."

Hulk Hogan has regrets about his sex tape and never wanted to go to court over it. Hulk Hogan on the stand in his Gawker Media trial in March 2016

Photo by Pool on Getty Images

In 2012, Gawker infamously published a sex tape of Bollea with Heather Clem, the estranged wife of his friend Bubba the Love Sponge. The video was filmed without Bollea's knowledge or consent. Horrified, Bollea and his legal team initially simply requested that Gawker take it down ASAP.

"He was horrified at the idea of a little kid Googling him and seeing that," Bollea's attorney, Ken Turkel, explained.

Gawker refused to remove the video, and Bollea sued the outlet for $100 million for invasion of privacy (with help and funding from Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel). Before the lawsuit went to trial, more clips and transcripts from the video leaked showing Bollea using racial slurs, leading him to get fired from the WWE.

Bollea won his suit and was awarded a whopping $115 million, later settling for $30 million.

"I'm a person who got very mad at a personal situation," Bollea said. In terms of using racial slurs impacting his career, he added, "I regret not manning up that I said it."

Donald Trump paused negotiations with Russia to discuss his friendship with Hulk Hogan. Donald Trump and Hulk Hogan in Atlantic City in March 1987

Photo by Jeffrey Asher/ Getty Images

Bollea said he learned business acumen from Donald Trump during "Hulkamania," leading him to become the first wrestler to start merchandising and generating the highest revenue in the professional wrestling business at that time.

"Hulk Hogan turned into a licensing, merchandising monster," he recalled.

Bollea said that for most of his career, he wanted to stay about of politics because "Hulkamaniacs are Democrats and Republicans," but that he'd been friends with Trump since the 1980s.

"I'm not saying I agree with everything he does, but at least he's honest about who he is," Bollea said.

He admitted that he was afraid to admit publicly that he voted for Trump in 2016 and 2020, and that he was going to keep a low profile in 2024 as well until Trump got shot. At that point, Bollea agreed to wholeheartedly endorse his longtime buddy—and to speak at the Republican National Convention.

Trump left Bollea a voicemail afterward thanking him and gushing, "You're a champ, you're a winner."

Hulk Hogan ripping off his shirt in support of Donald Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention

Photo by Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Trump returned the favor when he appeared in Hulk Hogan: Real American.

"The Hulk was always controversial, I've been very controversial," Trump said in the docuseries. "I don't think the Hulk cares about that, and I don't care about that either. He did the shirt ripping, he did the whole thing, and the crowd just went crazy."

Bollea got booed to high heaven at the January 2025 Netflix premiere of WWE Monday Night Raw, which Levesque predicted, explaining he "probably" knew Bollea would get booed, "especially in LA." Levesque noted that he didn't think the booing was entirely political, but that some of Bollea's apologies for prior publicized transgressions may have rung "hollow" to audiences.

Bollea, however, thinks he was as beloved as ever, despite endorsing a candidate who said himself that being a "dictator" wouldn't be so bad.

"The people booed me like crazy? No brother, I saw how intense they were," Bollea said. "I could come back as a bad guy in LA and sell out with anybody. I used to go to LA and they would cheer me out of the building, but then I go to New York and people just cheer me everywhere I go."

Hulk Hogan: Real American director Bryan Storkel told the New York Post that filming with the president was surreal.

"It was clear [Hogan] had a relationship with Trump ... at one point I was like 'Yeah, we should get Trump.' And he was like 'well, let me call him right now.' And he just dialed him," Storkel said. "There were a couple times where we're just on speakerphone with Trump, and I'm going, 'What's going on here? I'm sitting in a car with Hulk Hogan. He's talking to the sitting president of the United States. What crazy world did I get myself into?'"

He added, "Just seeing his reaction to Trump's voicemail as he's listening to it, you can tell he's proud of it. It also just shows how close their relationship was, whether you love that or hate that, it was there."

Storkel filmed Trump at the White House in May 2025 and said the sitdown was cut somewhat short thanks to Russian president Vladimir Putin.

"The same day, he's in the other room dealing with Putin," Storkel said. "[Trump's] like, 'Yeah, I gotta get back to Russia.'"

Hulk Hogan developed a fentanyl dependency when he went back to wrestling—and his injuries contributed to his death.

Decades of leg drops and professional beatings took a serious toll on Bollea's body.

After his divorce from Linda, Bollea signed with Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling and was supposed to be active on their roster, but physically couldn't do it. He had several hip and knee replacements and six back surgeries that made it hard to even walk, let alone wrestle, and often showed up to matches and events on crutches. He required a spinal stimulator implant for his pain, needed help just getting out of bed and took what would likely be a deadly dose of fentanyl for anyone else almost every single day to try to manage his pain.

Bollea had severe complications from neck surgery and spent nearly three months in and out of hospitals before he passed away on July 24, 2025, weeks from his 72nd birthday.

Despite their bitter split, both Hulk Hogan and Linda Hogan never stopped loving one another. Linda Hogan and Hulk Hogan in November 1992

Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd. on Getty Images

When asked what his happiest memories from his life are, Bollea was candid.

"I get really weird flashbacks, you know, during the day—I'll be in the car by myself and I'll think something and start smiling like the village idiot by myself," he said. "When I had both my kids, they were very young, young kids that were really healthy—when Linda was being the best mom I've ever seen her and a great wife, steady she she goes. A perfect mom, perfect friend, perfect soulmate across the board, that was probably the happiest I've ever been."

Linda said her own feelings about Bollea were complicated as well, making his death even more heartbreaking for her.

"I still cared for him the same—it doesn't go away," she said. "I wish things would have turned out differently for us, but then when he got sick, I realized my love never faded for him. I still have love for him. I really do. I still do."

Sobbing, Linda added, "It was sad to see him suffering ... he didn't deserve to go out that way."

1978 Rock Classic Ranked Among the ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’ Became the Ultimate ‘70s Teen Anthem

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 4:59am

In the summer of 1978, Cheap Trick found success with the song “Surrender.” The opening track from the Illinois-based band’s Heaven Tonight album was their first song to break the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 62 on Sept. 2, 1978. It was followed by a popular live version that appeared on the iconic Cheap Trick at Budokan album the following month.

“Surrender” has been ranked as one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone. The outlet noted, “Trick provided the ultimate Seventies teen anthem in ‘Surrender,’ with a verse about a kid who catches his mom and dad getting stoned and making out to his Kiss records. Guitarist-songwriter Rick Nielsen’s secret? ‘I [had] to go back and put myself in the head of a 14-year-old.’”

The song was an embellishment of Nielsen’s real family life

Written by Nielsen, “Surrender” detailed a teen’s relationship with his “rock 'n' rolling" parents who got “weird” when the kids weren’t around. The song was inspired in part by Nielsen’s opera-singing mom and dad.

“I took stuff from my life and embellished it,” Nielsen told Uproxx in 2021. “Growing up, every kid I knew, their parents were weird. Whether they were hippies or straight or religious nuts or whatever, every parent is weird. 'Hey, you want to come over to my house?' 'No, your parents are weird. Do you want to come to my place?' No, no, your parents are weird!' You've got to know how to stretch the truth with your parents. You've got to listen to them, but you don't always have to heed it. That's 'Surrender': Don't give yourself away. Don't turn into one of them."

In an interview with Blender magazine, Nielsen said the lyrics came to him easily. “The first thing I got was the opening of the chorus: 'Mommy's all right, daddy's all right.' It just rolled off at one sitting,” he said in the interview, per Songfacts. “Those opening lines, 'Mother told me, yes, she told me I 'd meet girls like you,' that’s advice to the lovelorn, and obviously inspired by the old Shirelles hit 'Mama said that there'd be days like this.' It's a good way to start a song, if you can make it go with a chord progression."

He also noted that it was the “ultimate slap in the face” for parents to be rolling around listening to their kids’ Kiss records at that time. “Kiss was like the ultimate…’Oh my God, you can’t be listening to this,’” Nielsen said on Chris Makes a Podcast. “Ozzy Osbourne...Alice Cooper, It could have been any of those guys…but Kiss really fit the bill.”

The live version of the song changed the game for the band

As the opening track on Heaven Tonight, "Surrender” got attention when it was first released in 1978, but it didn’t become a teen “anthem” until the live version followed. In a 2020 interview with Guitar Player, Nielsen recalled, “It was a turntable hit, but radio wasn’t really playing it. But when we performed it live, everybody thought it was this big chart hit. So when it finally came out on Budokan, it was like, 'There you go! That’s how we sound!'"

“The live version of 'Surrender' changed things for us,” the Cheap Trick legend added. “Now we weren't just an opening band. We were played on the radio all the time. It was tremendously exciting. …I still love to play the song live. People laugh, they cheer, they sing along. I never get tired of that.”

🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

Wayfair’s ‘Easy-to-Build’ Storage Shed on Sale for Just $120, and It Comes in 4 Colors

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 4:58am

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Spring is here, and if your garage is still overflowing with bikes, garden tools, and seasonal gear from last year, you’re not alone. Whether you’re already tackling your spring cleanout or just getting started, it doesn’t take long to realize: Once clutter starts taking over your outdoor space, a storage shed is a practical way to get things back under control.

Right now, Wayfair is running a massive markdown on one of its most popular outdoor storage solutions. The waterproof Aecojoy Metal Lean-To Storage Shed has dropped 74% to $120, down from $457 making it a steal for anyone who needs to clear out their garage or other spaces. It comes in four siding colors: dark gray, gray, green and white.

Aecojoy Metal Lean-To Storage Shed, $120 (was $457) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at Wayfair

Measuring 5 by 3 feet, this galvanized steel shed gives you close to 14 square feet of covered storage. The shed features double doors, making it easy to move items in and out whether you're storing tools, lawn equipment, or bikes. It also includes a metal latch system that comes with a door lock, so you can keep everything inside safely secured. Vents at the top help keep air circulating inside, which is especially useful for preventing stuffiness and moisture buildup over time.

While it’s primarily designed as a tool shed, you can use it for other purposes too. For example, it would make a great place for store garbage bins, or could easily take on household clutter that needs its own place.

Assembly is fairly straightforward, but you’ll probably want a second person on hand to make the process easier. A few reviewers noted that parts of the instructions could be clearer, though most said the effort pays off once it’s fully set up. As one shopper put it, it’s a “great looking and solid shed.”

Shop More Deals

At just $120, the discount on the Aecojoy Metal Lean-To Storage Shed likely won’t stay available for long. If you’ve been thinking about adding a shed to your outdoor setup, this is a great time to go for it.

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.

1970 Iconic Folk Rock Classic Ranked Among the Decade’s Best Songs

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 4:56am

A catchy tune from 1970 proved that even the most lighthearted songs can carry a lasting and meaningful message.

Released at the start of a new decade, Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” quickly stood out for pairing an infectious melody with lyrics that called attention to environmental change. The song’s simple refrain and vivid imagery helped it become one of the era’s most memorable hits, resonating with listeners and continuing to connect with new audiences today.

U Discover Music ranked the song as one of the best of the 1970s in its AOR (Adult-Oriented Album Rock) Category. The tune was listed among other contemporaries such as Steely Dan,James Taylor, and Todd Rundgren.

The song was included in Mitchell's third LP, Ladies of the Canyon. Initially released in 1970, "Big Yellow Taxi" had a remarkable, two-stage ascent on the U.S. Billboard charts.

Parade Daily🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

The original song reached No. 67 on the Billboard Top 100. However, a live version, ranked higher, peaking at No. 24 in February 1975.

According to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, "Big Yellow Taxi" was written by Mitchell after a visit to Hawaii. She reportedly looked out her hotel window hoping to glimpse the beauty of nature, only to see an enormous parking lot.

Mitchell said in a 1996 interview, as shared on her official Facebook page, "The hotel was in Oahu, it was a skyscraper. Woke up in the morning and threw open the curtains. In the distance were green mountains and white, flying birds."

"I looked down and as far as the eye could see, was a parking lot. The concept is which will win? Nature or the concrete jungle?"

"Are we going to leave parks or are we going to fall one way or another? And will the jungle take it back?" Mitchell concluded.

"Big Yellow Taxi" would also chart for artists such as The Neighborhood in 1970, Amy Grant in 1994 and The Counting Crows with Vanessa Carlton in 2002. Janet Jackson famously sampled the song for "Got 'til It's Gone" in 1997.

Joni Mitchell's classic is a reminder that even the most upbeat songs can carry a message that makes you stop and think. And sometimes, all it takes is a simple lyric to change the way you see the world around you.

MORE: 1970 Emotional Hit Topped the Charts, Now It's Named One of the Decade's Best

The 9 Biggest Jewelry Trends for 2026 That Celebrity Stylists Are Fawning Over

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 4:46am

If your jewelry drawer has been feeling a little repetitive lately, 2026 is here to shake things up. After years of ultra-minimal, barely-there pieces dominating the conversation, celebrity stylists are seeing a clear shift toward jewelry that actually makes an impact—whether that’s through bold silhouettes, mixed metals or unexpected textures. The jewelry trends for 2026are really packing a punch.

That doesn’t mean we’re going back to anything overly flashy or costume-like. If anything, the shift is more nuanced. Statement pieces are coming back, but they’re being styled alongside more personal, everyday jewelry. Metals are being mixed instead of matched. Texture is taking precedence over polish. And perhaps most notably, people are dressing for themselves again.

"2026 is all about intention and individuality," says Wilfree Vasquez, a celebrity stylist who has styled celebs like Cher and Selena Gomez. "Jewelry is becoming more personal, less about excess, and more about storytelling."

Jewelry is also getting bolder, adds Monil Kothari, founder of Haus of Brilliance.

“Quiet luxury had its moment, but people want pieces that actually show up," he shares. "There’s been a real shift—people want to be seen again, and in jewelry that’s translating into louder, more expressive styles.”

At the same time, there’s still a sense of balance.

“This year we’re seeing bold, sculptural pieces sit alongside much more refined, personal jewelry,” says Roberta Flanagan, a London-based fashion stylist and the founder of The Style Strategist. “There’s a real mix of statement and subtle, often worn together.”

The overall result is a more intuitive way of getting dressed—one that feels less curated and more personal. Ahead are the ninebiggest jewelry trends defining 2026, according to celebrity stylists and industry experts.

Jewelry Trends for 2026—What’s in and What’s Out?

The biggest shift isn’t just what people are wearing—it’s how they’re wearing it.

“In: sculptural gold and silver pieces, mixed metals, layered necklaces and chunky cuffs,” says Flanagan. Texture plays a huge role here too, with “molten metals, organic shapes and slightly imperfect finishes” feeling more current than anything overly polished.

Color is also starting to come back in a more grounded way. “We’re seeing subtle pops of color through beaded pieces and earthy tones like green and burgundy,” she adds.

On the flip side, what’s fading feels just as telling.

“Overly matchy jewelry sets and ultra-minimal pieces worn alone are taking a step back,” Flanagan says. Kothari echoes that sentiment: “Super dainty pieces aren’t where the energy is right now—people want jewelry that actually reads.”

There’s also a move away from overly themed or nostalgic styling.

“Y2K-inspired pieces like charm-heavy looks are being replaced with more subtle, elegant updates,” Flanagan notes.

Are Hoop Earrings in Style in 2026?

Short answer: yes—but they’ve evolved.

“I believe hoops will always be in style,” says Flanagan. “But instead of very thin, classic hoops, we’re seeing chunkier silhouettes, oval shapes and more sculptural finishes.”

Kendra Sharpe, celebrity and brand stylist to names like Peter Millar and Wrangler, agrees.

“Chunky hoops are super in and trendy right now,” she says. “Hoops are a classic, but with every new season comes a new twist.”

Kothari adds that the shift is more about reinterpretation than replacement. “Thin hoops feel flat right now,” he explains. “What’s working are hoop-inspired designs that push the shape—pieces that function like a hoop but visually feel completely different.”

Are Pearls Trending in 2026?

They are—but not in the way you might expect.

"Pearls are being reinvented via baroque shapes, asymmetry, mixed with metals, and even styled in more masculine or gender-fluid ways," says Vasquez.

That slightly undone quality is what makes them feel current. Instead of being styled in a formal or overly classic way, pearls are now being mixed with metals or worn more casually.

“They’re being paired with tailoring, denim or layered with other pieces to take away that overly classic feel,” Flanagan adds.

The 9 Biggest Jewelry Trends for 2026, According to Celebrity Stylists1. Sculptural, organic metals

Supachai Panyaviwat/Getty Images

If there’s one defining look for 2026, it’s this. “Texture is key,” Flanagan tells Parade. “Molten metals, organic shapes and slightly imperfect finishes feel much more modern than anything too polished.”

These pieces—like the ones above or like these rings by Camila D. Daneri—tend to feel more like wearable art than traditional jewelry, which is exactly the point. They stand out, but in a way that still feels refined.

2. Mixed metals (gold and silver together)

Anastasiia Krivenok/Getty Images

The days of choosing one metal and sticking to it are officially over.

“Mixing metals is very in,” says Sharpe. “It makes your look feel more interesting and less rigid.”

Kothari adds that layering is becoming more instinctive overall. “It’s less curated and more throw-it-on,” he says. “Mixed metals, mixed sizes—just putting things together that feel right.”

3. Bold statement earrings

Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

Earrings are where people are most visibly leaning into statement jewelry.

“Multi-shape gold or silver statement earrings are in for spring,” says Sharpe. “They’re a super easy way to dress up a simple look.”

That ease is what makes them so appealing—you don’t have to rethink your entire outfit to make an impact.

4. Chunky cuffs and bangles

Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images

Bracelets are getting bigger—and more intentional. “Chunky cuffs and bangles are definitely having a moment,” says Flanagan.

They add structure to an outfit in a way that feels clean and strong, especially when worn alone or stacked less uniformly.

5. Subtle pops of color

Joanne Rathe/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Color is back, but in a way that feels wearable.

“We’re seeing beaded pieces and pebble necklaces in greens, burgundy and earthy tones,” says Flanagan. Sharpe adds that this trend is as much about mood as it is about styling.

“Beaded necklaces bring a sense of playfulness,” she says. “They add a pop of color without feeling overwhelming.”

6. Stackable, modular jewelry

Moritz Scholz/Getty Images

Instead of one standout piece, people are building looks over time.

“Stackable, modular jewelry is a major trend,” says Michael Christensen of LabGrown.com. “People want multiple rings and bands they can mix and match depending on the occasion.”

Seen in the image above or on jewelry designer Liz Gozlan's Instagram, this shift makes jewelry feel more personal—and more adaptable to everyday life.

7. Modern pearls and irregular stones

Natalia Gdovskaia/Getty Images

Classic, but with a twist.

“Organic pearls and irregular stones feel much more modern,” says Flanagan.

They’re less about perfection and more about individuality, which aligns with the broader shift away from overly polished styling.

8. Cord strings and unexpected materials

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Not everything has to feel precious.

“Paracord jewelry is having its moment,” says Sharpe. “It’s a fun and unexpected way to add something different to your look.”

It adds contrast, especially when paired with more traditional pieces, such as what jewelry brand Alison Lou is doing with paracord and diamond necklaces.

9. Vintage-inspired Art Deco designs

Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage

Old references are coming back—but in updated ways.

“Vintage-inspired Art Deco is having a moment,” says Christensen. “Anything with geometric patterns or step-cut stones gets snapped up immediately.”

The appeal is that balance of timelessness and modern proportion—it feels familiar, but not dated.

Up Next:

Sources:

Wilfree Vasquez is a celebrity stylist who has styled celebs like Cher and Selena Gomez.
Monil Kothari is the founder of Haus of Brilliance.
Roberta Flanagan is a London-based fashion stylist and founder of The Style Strategist.
Kendra Sharpe is a celebrity and brand stylist to names like Peter Millar and Wrangler.
Michael Christensen is the co-founder of LabGrown.com.

Walmart Has a 'Super Cute' $135 Rocking Chair and Footstool Set That's 'Perfect' for Relaxing

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 4:45am

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

If you’ve been wanting to make your patio, porch, or deck feel more inviting this season, Walmart has a flash deal worth jumping on. The Blorly Outdoor Rocking Chair with Footstool Set is currently on sale for just $135, down from $200. It comes in a gray colorway and includes both a chair and a footstool, though it’s also available in an only-chair option for $93, down from $176.

The set features a sturdy steel frame for durability, plus a mesh sling fabric that’s fade- and UV-resistant and dries quickly. It also has a thick padded cushion, non-slip feet to help reduce scratches and noise, and a cushion stay pocket to help keep the seat from sliding around. Plus, the chair has a gentle 30-degree rocking design with an anti-fall feature to help prevent tipping.

Blorly Outdoor Rocking Chair with Footstool, $135 (was $200) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Its oversized shape is cozy enough to sink into for hours, and its durable material is built to withstand everyday outdoor use. The footstool provides an elevated spot to kick your feet up, offering a more loungey setup that’s perfect for scrolling, sipping coffee, or sunbathing.

One shopper called it “the perfect chair to relax in” and said it was “easy to assemble and very comfortable,” while someone else described it as “super cute and comfy.” One reviewer even wrote, “My summer morning coffee on my deck has changed forever” because of this chair.

This rocking chair set would look great on a front porch with a small side table, on a deck with string lights and planters, or even in a sunroom if you want something more casual. The gray color is also super versatile and can work with black, white, wood, and other outdoor decor. Even on its own, it can make an empty corner feel more welcoming.

Shop More Deals

If you’ve been thinking about adding a more comfortable seat to your outdoor setup, now is a great time to grab the Blorly Outdoor Rocking Chair Set. This deal drops the full set to $135 from $200, and that extra footstool makes it feel cozier than just a patio chair. Add yours to your cart now before the flash deal ends at Walmart.

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.

This Theme Park Giant Just Launched a Free Unlimited Pass for Kids

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 4:10am

If you have a child between the ages of 3 and 5, your summer plans just got a lot cheaper—and a lot more exciting. Six Flags has officially launched its free Pre-K Pass, a limited-time offer that grants eligible children unlimited park visits for the entire 2026 season.

At a time when family budgets are tighter than ever, this isn't just a minor discount; it’s a complete removal of the admission barrier for the preschool set. Whether you're heading to Cedar Point for the legendary atmosphere or Six Flags New England for a quick afternoon escape, the Pre-K Pass turns these regional landmarks into your personal summer playground.

How the Math Works

The "deal" is simple but requires a little bit of legwork to lock in. To qualify, you need to have a valid 2026 Silver, Gold, or Prestige Season Pass (or Membership) for yourself. Once you have your pass, you can register up to two children for the free Pre-K Pass.

The real-world savings here are significant. Typically, a single-day ticket for a child can run anywhere from $40 to $70 depending on the park. By securing this pass, you’re saving hundreds of dollars over the course of the summer—money that can be better spent on those inevitable "I need a churro" moments or upgraded parking.

The Activation Deadline

There is one major catch: you have to move fast. The registration window opens April 22 and slams shut on May 31, 2026. You also have to activate the pass in person at the park entrance by that same May 31 deadline. You’ll need to bring a valid birth certificate or passport to prove your child’s age, so don't leave the paperwork at home.

Where Can You Play?

This offer is valid at 22 participating locations across the U.S. and Canada, effectively covering almost every major metro area. Standout parks include Carowinds in North Carolina, Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, and Canada's Wonderland.

While the pass doesn't include parking or extra benefits like "Flash Passes," it does give your kids access to the world-class family zones, Looney Tunes-themed areas, and Snoopy-inspired rides that define the Six Flags and Cedar Fair experience. For a parent, it’s the easiest way to guarantee a summer full of memories without the "luxury" price tag.

1961 Classic Ballad, Named One of the 'Best Country Songs of All Time,' Almost Didn't Happen

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 3:48am

The world was almost deprived of Patsy Cline's signature song, "Crazy."

The 1961 track, which is now regarded as one of the top-rated country songs of all time, almost didn't even make it to the recording studio, according to Willie Nelson, who was actually the songwriting mastermind behind "Crazy."

🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

Nelson pitched the song to Cline's husband, Charlie Dick, who instantly wanted the country songstress to record it. As Nelson recalled in his 2023 memoir Energy Follows Thought: The Stories Behind My Songs, "I played ['Crazy'] for Charlie, who liked it so well he drove me over to his house at one a.m., woke up poor Patsy, and made her listen to it." (via AARP.)

But Cline was hesitant about "Crazy" at first.

"It almost didn’t happen because Patsy, who recorded it in a Nashville studio, tried singing like me. Big mistake," Nelson wrote, adding that he "sure as hell didn't sound like an angel" on the demo. "No one should ever try to follow my style of phrasing. Not that I don’t like my style. I do. I believe it's natural, at least for me. But it's offbeat. I tend to kick way back behind the beat or hurry up ahead of the beat."

Ultimately, Cline was encouraged by producer Owen Bradley to record the song in her own style — so she did. She released "Crazy" as a single in October 1961, and it later peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart in January 1962.

View this post on Instagram

It has since become one of the most beloved country ballads ever, earning a top spot on Rolling Stone's list of the Greatest Country Songs of All Time, where it's listed at No. 3. (It's ranked behind two other country classics: Johnny Cash's "I Walk the Line" and Dolly Parton's "Jolene.")

Though it ended up being one of her signature songs, it wasn't just Cline's career that was forever changed by "Crazy." Nelson credits Cline's version of the song as having "convinced me, at a time when I wasn’t a hundred percent sure of my writing talent, that I’d be crazy to stop writing."

Beloved ’90s Rocker Speaks Out on Band Departure

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 3:45am

A beloved ’90s rocker is finally opening up about why he stepped away from one of heavy music’s biggest bands and whether fans can expect him back.

Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu, longtime bassist of Korn, has spoken candidly in a new interview, shedding light on his absence, his mindset today, and the door he has left open for the future.

Fieldy, who stepped away from Korn in 2021, revealed that both personal struggles and the global pandemic shaped his decision. While fans long speculated about the real reason behind his departure, the bassist made it clear that COVID-19 played a major role.

Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu of American nu metal band Korn (stylized as KoЯn) performs on stage on March 12, 2017 in Milan, Italy.

Photo by Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty Images

“COVID happened. That’s it. I’m like, ‘I’m not going out there.’ That’s what happened, ’cause it was new,” Fieldy said. “Now… when you reflect on it, that’s what happened. They’re like, ‘We’re going to Florida and all this.’ And I’m like, ‘I’m not going to get vaccinated.’ I’m not going. I go, ‘People, this is weird right now.’”

He added that stepping back gave him time to think deeply about his life and career. “But it gave me time to sit, and once you sit, you can reflect and you’re like, you’re kind of just waiting… I don’t know what the rest of this day is going to bring. I’m just on fire for whatever, whatever is ready.”

Before his hiatus, Fieldy had already shared that he was dealing with personal issues that created tension within the band. According to The PRP, in 2021, he told bandmates Jonathan Davis, Munky, Head and Ray Luzier: “I love you and I don’t want to bring any tension or bad vibes to the circle.”

At the time, he said, “It’s been suggested to me to take some time off to heal.” That decision led to Korn continuing without him, with Roberto “Ra” Díaz stepping in for live performances.

Now, years later, Fieldy is looking back at his decades-long run with pride instead of regret. “Man, I look back at my life and like, you know, almost 30 years with Korn, that was a blast, man,” he said. “I don’t look back going, ‘That sucked.’”

He continued, “I mean, I could look at it and complain, but how are you going to complain? That was everything everybody dreams of.”

Despite being away from the band, Fieldy admitted he has had little to no contact with his bandmates in recent years, even revealing in an earlier interview that he hadn’t spoken to them since 2019.

Still, he has no bitterness about the group continuing without him. “They’re truckin’. They’re a machine. They’re going. It’s insane. It’s dope that they can keep on going like that,” he said.

The biggest question for fans remains: Is Fieldy coming back?

His answer is far from final, but it’s not a no.

“I’m retired from Korn today, but we’ll see what the day brings tomorrow,” he said.

For now, Fieldy seems focused on living in the moment rather than making big promises. He described his outlook as open-ended, choosing to see what opportunities come next.

While his Korn future remains uncertain, Fieldy is not stepping away from music. He confirmed he is working on a new project with other well-known musicians.

“I’m doing another project. We got two rough songs done with Greyson [Nekrutman] from Sepultura on drums,” he shared. “He’s a sick drummer… He’s like a jazz drummer. He can play the old school jazz way, but fast.”

Fieldy also praised the many drummers he has worked with over the years, naming David Silveria, Ray Luzier, Mikey Bordin and Brooks Wackerman among others.

The project is still in early stages, but it shows that Fieldy remains creatively active even while away from Korn.

Amazon’s 'Lightweight' Cooling Blanket Offers 'Huge Relief' to Hot Sleepers, and It’s on Sale for $27

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 3:15am

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

With warm weather in full swing, it often means more time outside, more sunshine, and for some, more restless nights. If you tend to run hot, you probably know how frustrating it can be to wake up overheated and uncomfortable. Constantly adjusting the AC or tossing off blankets in the middle of the night can quickly disrupt your sleep.

If you are looking for a solution that doesn’t involve cranking up the air conditioning, the Topcee Cooling Blanket is worth considering. Right now, it is on sale for 34% off at Amazon, bringing the 90 inch by 90 inch size down to just $27 right now.

Topcee Cooling Blanket, From $27 (was $40) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

This blanket comes in four sizes, ranging from 50 by 70 inches to 90 by 108 inches, so you can choose what works best for your bed or personal use. It is available in 10 colors, including neutral tones like gray and beige as well as brighter options like purple, orange, and pink.

The cooling performance is one of its biggest highlights. It features proprietary cooling fibers with a Q-max value above 0.5, which helps absorb body heat quickly and maintain a cooler surface. The 400 thread count fabric also uses a high-strength weaving method, which helps extend the cooling effect through the night.

The construction includes a blend of 70% mica nylon and 30% cooling protein microfiber on the top layer. This combination is designed to deliver both instant and long-lasting cooling. The underside is made from 100% cooling protein microfiber, which feels soft, breathable, and gentle against the skin.

It’s also easy to care for. The blanket is machine washable, though using a laundry mesh bag is recommended to prevent tangling. Air drying is preferred to maintain its quality. Because it is lightweight, it is also easy to pack, making it a convenient option for travel or even just moving from the bed to the couch.

This type of blanket is especially helpful for people who tend to sleep hot, including pregnant people and those experiencing menopause. The breathable design helps create a more comfortable sleeping environment without adding extra bulk, so you can rest easier and stay cool throughout the night.

This top-rated product has over 900 five-star ratings. One shopper called it “amazing,” adding, “It is soft and lightweight. It keeps me cool during the night and has been a huge relief for my hot flashes.”

Another said it’s “perfect for hot nights,” writing, “The cooling effect is real — it does not just feel breathable, it actually pulls heat away from your skin. I used to wake up sweaty in the middle of the night but since switching to this blanket, I sleep through the night feeling dry and comfortable.”

Shop More Deals

If you are tired of waking up overheated, the Topcee Cooling Blanket is a smart option to try. With Amazon’s current 34% discount, it is a good time to pick one up and get ahead of the hottest nights of the season.

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.

Quote of the Day: Kenny Rogers' 11 Words on Taking Risks Will Stay With You

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 2:45am

On August 21, 1938, Kenneth Ray Rogers was born in Houston, Texas. He was the fourth of eight children and his parents struggled to make ends meet. "We were on welfare most of my childhood," he once shared. "If not welfare, some type of federally supported system. And we lived in a federal housing project 'til I was about 12 or 13." His dad worked in the shipyards and his mom was a nurse's assistant. By the age of three, a pint-sized Kenny was tagging along with his mom to work, where he'd sing to hospital patients and earn quarters for performing songs like "You Are My Sunshine."

Over the years, his passion for music grew stronger and by high school, singing had gone from a cute hobby to a serious career. He formed a doo-wop group called the Scholars and his older brother—Lelan Rogers—helped the group sign with a local record label in Houston. Their song "Poor Little Doggie" became a local hit during his senior year, and after graduation, Kenny signed his first solo record deal.

It would be a long road ahead for the "Lady" singer, but he never gave up. He spent nearly 20 years bouncing between groups and genres—playing jazz in the Bobby Doyle Trio, singing folk with the New Christy Minstrels and eventually co-founding the rock band First Edition. "My mom told me when I was very young, 'Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life,' and that just sounded too good to be true," he told NPR in 2012. "So I set out on this musical journey."

But everything changed in 1977, when he released "Lucille" as a solo artist. The song hit No. 1 in twelve countries, sold over five million copies and even earned him a Grammy. One year later, he topped that with "The Gambler," which won another Grammy and went on to become his signature song. Kenny's music became the soundtrack to our lives as singles like "Lady" and "Islands in the Stream" (his iconic duet with Dolly Parton) topped both the country and pop charts.

Over the course of his career, he sold over 120 million albums and released an astonishing 24 No. 1 hits. On March 20, 2020, he passed away at the age of 81, but his music and his wisdom will live on forever. And that's why Kenny Rogers is today's quote of the day.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

Quote of the Day by Kenny Rogers

Parade/CanvaPro

"Don't be afraid to give up the good for the great."

What makes these words so powerful is the fact that it's so easy to stick to the status quo. Whether it's a job or the city we live in, we often limit ourselves and don't take chances because it's easier to do the same thing because it feels safe and comfortable. And Kenny Rogers didn't just speak these words; he lived them.

Deeper Meaning of Kenny Rogers' Quote—Taking the Leap

When you look deeper into his life, you quickly realize that Rogers was fearless when it came to taking chances. Despite things going well in groups like the Scholars, the Bobby Doyle Trio and the New Christy Minstrels, he was okay with giving them up—because he believed in himself enough to know that he didn't have to settle for good when he could be great.

And the great didn't happen immediately. In fact, it took almost two decades. But he never gave up and never stopped taking chances—and it was all worth it. The Houston native didn't just approach music this way; he pursued his interest in both acting and photography and that turned out great, too. Rogers starred in multiple movies and even released two photography books.

So whether you've been wanting to try a new hobby, apply for a new job, or even relocate to a new city, you should seriously consider taking the leap. As Kenny Rogers said, "Don't be afraid to give up the good for the great." Look how it worked out for him!

More Inspiring Quotes From Kenny Rogers

"There is a trade off—as you grow older you gain wisdom but you lose spontaneity."
"Growing older is not upsetting; being perceived as old is."
"It won't mean you're weak if you turn the other cheek."
"I've always said music should make you laugh, make you cry or make you think."
"Youth is a frame of mind. If you get out there and enjoy it, you can have it at any time of your life."

Related: Up next:

Walmart's 'Very Pretty' and 'Vibrant’ $10 Solar Star Wind Chime Adds a 'Beautiful Glow' to Backyards

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 2:30am

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

A solar wind chime can give your outdoor space a magical glow. Not only do they help illuminate yards, decks, and patios, but they also add a gorgeous decorative touch — all at an ultra-affordable price. Right now, Walmart is offering 50% off one of its top-rated options, the Rirool Solar Star Wind Chime, which shoppers call "absolutely beautiful."

Originally $20, the lovely LED wind chime is now on sale for just $10. It features a stunning cascading star design with colorful lights that create a soothing and romantic atmosphere, no matter where you hang it.

Rirool Solar Star Wind Chime, $10 (was $20) at Walmart Shop at Walmart

Powered by solar energy, these pretty wind chimes charge up during the day and automatically turn on once it gets dark. At night, they provide a "beautiful glow" that shoppers love, shining a variety of rainbow hues for up to 10 hours at a time.

You can hang one anywhere you want to add some ambient lighting, from gardens and porches to windows and doors. Plus, they're waterproof, ensuring they'll hold up throughout all types of weather conditions.

Installation is also a breeze. Each wind chime comes with a silver hook that allows for easy hanging, so you can effortlessly move it between rooms or from indoors to outdoors as necessary.

Reviewers raved about how "vibrant" the solar wind chime looks when lit up. "I love it. The colors are nice and bright. It looks great in the backyard, especially at night," one shopper wrote, while others called it "very pretty at night" and "fun to watch."

Several shoppers were also blown away by how long the wind chime stays charged. "These are wonderful," one reviewer commented. "At dusk, they lit up and twinkled all night. At 5 a.m., they still had a beautiful glow. I am super impressed."

Light up your outdoor space this spring and summer, and grab one (or two) of these colorful solar wind chimes while they're still just $10 during Walmart's flash sale. They may move fast at such a low price!

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.

Numbrix 9 - April 22

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 2:00am

Best-Selling Author’s Novel Ranked No. 1 Most Sold Book Right Now

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 1:36am

A romantic fantasy novel by Devney Perry has claimed the top spot on the latest USA TODAY Best-selling Booklist, making it the most sold book in the country this week.

Shield of Sparrows now sits at No. 1, based on combined print and digital sales tracked across major retailers.

The ranking, released April 15, 2026, reflects book sales collected from Monday through Sunday of the previous week. USA TODAYgathers this data from bookstore chains, independent sellers, online platforms and mass merchandisers to determine its weekly Top 150 titles.

This achievement marks another major milestone for Perry, whose first venture into the romantasy genre continues to gain strong momentum nearly a year after its release.

Shield of Sparrows, published in May 2025, quickly became a standout title in the growing romantasy category, a blend of romance and fantasy that has surged in popularity among readers.

The novel follows Odessa, a princess forced into a political marriage, who becomes entangled in a dangerous mission involving monsters, alliances and forbidden feelings.

The book’s rise to No. 1 on the USA TODAY list adds to its already impressive track record. It previously debuted at the top of The New York Times Hardcover Fiction Best Seller list and earned nominations for major awards, including Audiobook of the Year and a Goodreads Choice Award for Romantasy.

The book’s success reflects a broader trend. Romantasy titles have dominated conversations in publishing, especially following the popularity of other genre hits. Shield of Sparrows stood out in 2025 as one of the most memorable releases, praised for balancing romance with high-stakes fantasy elements.

The continued buzz around Shield of Sparrows is driven in part by its expanding universe. Its sequel, Rites of the Starling, was released on April 7, 2026, bringing readers back into Odessa’s story as she faces new dangers while protecting a young girl and trying to reunite with the Guardian.

Beyond bookshelves, the story is also heading to the big screen. A film adaptation is currently in development under Amazon MGM Studios, with screenwriter Derek Kolstad attached to the project. The adaptation signals growing demand for fantasy stories with strong romantic arcs, especially those with built-in fanbases.

With Shield of Sparrows now leading the list, it highlights not just the success of one author, but the continued rise of romantasy as a dominant force in publishing.

Walmart's $100 Wicker Ottoman Set Is the 'Perfect Addition to Your Patio,' and It Comes in 15 Colors

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 1:05am

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

When you’re settling into your favorite outdoor chair, an ottoman can bump up the comfort level and make you feel more relaxed. Not only does it give you a place to put your feet up, it can also serve as extra seating when guests stop by.

Right now, Walmart is selling the Best Choice Products Wicker Ottoman Set for $100 (down from $172). Shoppers called it a “perfect patio addition.” It is a set of two that comes in 15 color options, ranging from neutral beige and gray to deeper tones like green, burgundy, and blue. They also double as storage, as each seat has a “hidden” compartment underneath the cushion for stashing outdoor essentials out of sight.

Best Choice Products Wicker Ottomans Set of 2, $100 (was $172) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Made from all-weather wicker with a steel frame, this ottoman set is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Each piece measures 15.5 by 15.5 by 16 inches and supports up to 200 pounds, making it a solid option for everyday patio use.

As noted above, the set also includes built-in storage, which helps keep outdoor spaces clutter-free. The cushions on top include straps to help keep them in place while you’re using them. You can also remove the cushions and use the individual pieces as small side tables. The tops are hinged and lift open easily, giving you a handy spot to store items like cushions, pool toys, gardening supplies, and other patio essentials right inside the ottoman.

Reviewers often mentioned that the ottomans feel sturdier than expected for the price. One shopper called them “the perfect addition” to their patio, while another said they would “definitely buy again.”

Shop More Deals

With free shipping and a 60-day return window, Walmart’s Best Choice Products Wicker Ottoman Set is worth buying if you’re looking to add extra seating or storagee. At this price, it’s a smart pick while it’s still in stock.

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.

1970 Hit Film Ranked Among 'Best Movies' of All Time

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 1:03am

In 1970, Bernardo Bertolucci released a film that would go on to become one of the most respected works in the history of cinema.

The Conformist has now been ranked among the "300 Best Movies of All Time" on Rotten Tomatoes, serving as a strong reminder of the influence it continues to hold more than five decades later. The website notes the film is acclaimed for its striking visuals and artful cinematography, two qualities that continue to define its reputation.

Set in fascist Italy, the film follows Marcello Clerici, a man so desperate to fit into society that he becomes complicit in political violence. This story gave Bertolucci room to explore conformity, politics and morality in a way that feels both intimate and unsettling. The result is not just a political drama, but a character study that keeps growing richer with time.

A major reason the movie has lasted is its visual style. Bertolucci and cinematographer Vittorio Storaro built a world that feels elegant and cold at the same time, using composition, movement and light to reflect the character’s inner conflict. Even now, the film is often discussed as one of the clearest examples of how cinematography can shape a movie's emotional and political meaning.

Its acclaim was evident long before this latest ranking. The Conformist earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, with Bertolucci recognized for his script. This helped solidify the film's standing early on, but its real legacy lies in its continued influence on filmmakers and critics alike who admire its style and psychological depth.

The picture never treats conformity as something simple. Instead, it shows how the desire to seem ordinary can become dangerous, giving the story lasting power and keeping it relevant today.

Fifty-six years after its release, The Conformist's bold style and intellectual depth have continued its success, keeping it firmly in the conversation about the greatest films ever made.

Hulk Hogan Shares 'Rock Bottom' Moment After His Divorce in Final Interview Before His Death

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 12:54am

In Hulk Hogan's final interview before his death, he revealed he once contemplated suicide after his divorce from Linda Hogan.

In the Netflix documentary, Hulk Hogan: Real American, the late professional wrestler reflects on his life and career. Toward the end of the four-part documentary series, Hogan told producers he once put a gun in his mouth during the time when his marriage began to fall apart. A major contributor being when he pitched his family to star in the VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best.

“I went home and I started drinking and you know started eating pills, and I just went down this rabbit hole for a couple days and the next thing I know, I'm sitting in front of my bathroom with a gun in my mouth and not knowing what I was doing,” he said.

Hogan continued, "I hit rock bottom. I gave Linda 70% of everything because I just didn’t want to ever talk to her again, be with her, I never wanted to see her again. So, I gave her everything to get rid of her and after the divorce I had no money. I was broke, and so TNA [Total Nonstop Action Wrestling] saved me.”

Hogan passed away from a heart attack in July 2025 at the age of 71. Hogan and his wife got married in 1983 and the two share two children together, Brooke Hogan, 37, and Nick Hogan, 35.

Linda was also featured in the documentary where she shared her own thoughts on their marriage and expressed that she still held love for Hogan.

I still care about him the same, it doesn’t go away,” Linda said of Hogan. “I wish things would’ve turned out differently for us. But then when he got sick, I realized that my love never faded for him. I still had love for him. I really do. I still love him.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.

Hulk Hogan: Real American is now streaming on Netflix.

1995 Classic Named a No. 1 Hit Became a Timeless Romantic Ballad

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 12:27am

31 years ago today, on April 22, 1995, John Michael Montgomery celebrated a No. 1 hit with his beloved country ballad, “I Can Love You Like That.” The timeless tune reached the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, which is now known as the Hot Country Songs chart.

Released via Atlantic Records on Feb. 27, 1995, and written by Steve Diamond, Jennifer Kimball, and Maribeth Derry, “I Can Love You Like That” finds Montgomery, 61, telling the story of a hopeless romantic who wishes to live out her dream of finding her prince charming. Playing the role of her suitor in the chorus, Montgomery delivers a promise of love and devotion, telling her that he will live his life to make sure all of her wishes come true.

Throughout the heartfelt track, the Danville, Kentucky native’s signature twang baritone vocals carry listeners through the romantic theme over neo-traditional country sounds and soft piano chords.

Bringing the Song to Life

The official music video for Montgomery’s version of “I Can Love You Like That” brings the lyrics to life, showing him performing on a floral-adorned staircase while wedding scenes are interwoven throughout. That epic visual for the timeless song was directed by Marc Ball.

“I Can Love You Like That” was a long-running country radio success, spending twenty weeks climbing to the No. 1 spot, where it stayed for one week before it was edged out by Brooks & Dunn’s “Little Miss Honky Tonk.”

The song appears on Montgomery’s self-titled third studio album, John Michael Montgomery, which included additional singles, “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident),” “No Man’s Land,” “Cowboy Love,” and “Long as I Live,” all of which were either No. 1 or Top 10 hits.

R&B Version

While Montgomery’s “I Can Love You Like That” remains a beloved staple at weddings and other special occasions decades after its release, the artist isn’t the only one whom people associate the romantic song with. R&B group All-4-One also released a rendition of the song, as well as a cover of the country crooner’s “I Swear,” which earned them a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

Montgomery’s “I Can Love You Like That” served as one of three mega-ballads according to Billboard, with the others being “I Love the Way You Love Me” and the previously-mentioned “I Swear.”

1974 No. 1 Hit Ranked Among 'Best Soft Rock Songs' of All Time Became a Timeless Classic

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 12:23am

In 1974, John Denver released a love song that still holds a special place in listeners' hearts today.

"Annie's Song" has now been ranked among the 40 best soft rock songs of all time by Ultimate Classic Rock. This place marks the song's outstanding and lasting quality, as well as its ability to stand out among thousands of songs in the genre.

While Denver was primarily a country and folk artist, this song demonstrates a step out of his comfort zone by extending into soft rock, and he achieved major recognition for it.

The song's success today has been present since its release. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974 and remained there for two weeks, becoming Denver's second and longest-lasting chart-topper in the U.S. It also became a No. 1 hit in the U.K., establishing an international impact.

A key element that helped the song last was its simplicity. Built around vivid images from nature and delivered with a soft, sincere performance, "Annie's Song" never feels oversized or overworked. Instead, it stands out because of how direct it is, turning romantic devotion into something warm, graceful and instantly memorable.

Denver reflected on the hit's backstory, explaining that he spent only 10 minutes writing it while sitting on a ski lift. He shared the song's inspiration in his biography, Take Me Home: An Autobiography, saying:

"Suddenly, I'm hypersensitive to how beautiful everything is. All of these things filled up my senses, and when I said this to myself, unbidden images came one after the other. All of the pictures merged, and I was left with Annie. That song was the embodiment of the love I felt at that time."

Such sincere emotion in music can be difficult to find, and this song, created with pure love and spontaneity, has been a breath of fresh air for listeners ever since its release.

More than 50 years later, "Annie's Song" still holds its place as one of Denver's most widely renowned recordings. Its renewed recognition highlights why it remains such an easy song to return to: it is gentle, heartfelt and timeless in a way that never seems to fade.

NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Wed, 04/22/2026 - 12:20am

Get excited—there's another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you're looking for some hints and answers for today's Connections Sports Edition on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, you've come to the right place.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox

Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Wednesday, April 22, 2026 / New York Times

New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

Connections Sports Edition is just like the regular Connections word puzzle, in that it's a game that resets at 12 a.m. EST each day and has 16 different words listed. It's up to you to figure out each group of four words that belong to a certain category, with four categories in total.

This new version is sports-specific, however, as a partnership between The New York Times and The Athletic.

As the NYT site instructs, for Connections Sports Edition, you "group sports terms that share a common thread."

Hints for Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories on April 22, 2026

Here are some hints about the four categories to help you figure out the word groupings.

Yellow: Baseball parks.
Green: NFL division towns.
Blue: Symbol of America.
Purple: GOAL!

Here Are Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories

OK, time for a second hint…we'll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!

Yellow: WORDS USED IN MLB STADIUM NAMES
Green: SFC NORTH CITIES
Blue: EAGLES
Purple: PLAYERS TO SCORE IN A WOMEN'S WORLD CUP FINAL

If you're looking for the answers, no worries—we've got them below. So, don't scroll any further if you don't want to see the solutions!

The answers to today's Connections Sports Edition #576 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

WORDS USED IN MLB STADIUM NAMES: CENTRE, FIELD, PARK, STADIUM
SFC NORTH CITIES: BALTIMORE, CINCINNATI, CLEVELAND, PITTSBURGH
EAGLES: BOSTON COLLEGE, CRYSTAL PALACE, MARQUETTE, PHILADELPHIA
PLAYERS TO SCORE IN A WOMEN'S WORLD CUP FINAL: HEATH, HOLIDAY, LAVELLE, RAPINOE

Don't worry if you didn't get them this time—we've all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Parade

26 Most Shocking 'Hulk Hogan: Real American' Revelations

1978 Rock Classic Ranked Among the ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’ Became the Ultimate ‘70s Teen Anthem

Wayfair’s ‘Easy-to-Build’ Storage Shed on Sale for Just $120, and It Comes in 4 Colors

1970 Iconic Folk Rock Classic Ranked Among the Decade’s Best Songs

The 9 Biggest Jewelry Trends for 2026 That Celebrity Stylists Are Fawning Over

Walmart Has a 'Super Cute' $135 Rocking Chair and Footstool Set That's 'Perfect' for Relaxing

This Theme Park Giant Just Launched a Free Unlimited Pass for Kids

1961 Classic Ballad, Named One of the 'Best Country Songs of All Time,' Almost Didn't Happen

Beloved ’90s Rocker Speaks Out on Band Departure

Amazon’s 'Lightweight' Cooling Blanket Offers 'Huge Relief' to Hot Sleepers, and It’s on Sale for $27

Quote of the Day: Kenny Rogers' 11 Words on Taking Risks Will Stay With You

Walmart's 'Very Pretty' and 'Vibrant’ $10 Solar Star Wind Chime Adds a 'Beautiful Glow' to Backyards

Numbrix 9 - April 22

Best-Selling Author’s Novel Ranked No. 1 Most Sold Book Right Now

Walmart's $100 Wicker Ottoman Set Is the 'Perfect Addition to Your Patio,' and It Comes in 15 Colors

1970 Hit Film Ranked Among 'Best Movies' of All Time

Hulk Hogan Shares 'Rock Bottom' Moment After His Divorce in Final Interview Before His Death

1995 Classic Named a No. 1 Hit Became a Timeless Romantic Ballad

1974 No. 1 Hit Ranked Among 'Best Soft Rock Songs' of All Time Became a Timeless Classic

NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Pages

How to Access E-Edition Current Print Subscribers

Sullivan Independent News

Site Links