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Some friendships grow stronger when they face trying times. For Jeff Garlin, one of those times began with an invitation from Richard Lewis to a Monday night AA meeting, and a first reaction that took him 13 years to undo.

Garlin shared the story on the second part of his conversation with Ted Danson on Where Everybody Knows Your Name. He described Lewis, the Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star who died Feb. 28, 2024, at 76, as far more than a castmate. “He was a very close friend. He was a mentor, too. We used to go on the road together,” Garlin said, recalling the early 2000s, when the two toured as co-headliners.

“I’m sober now. I have abused alcohol. I have abused marijuana, but I have bottomed out on food,” Garlin explained. Lewis brought him to his first meeting, a room he said was full of “giant rock and roll superstars.” At the time, Garlin did not believe he had a drinking problem. He only knew he had a problem with food, and he was surprised by how many people in the room said they did too.

Related: Ex-Van Halen Singer Turns 79 Onstage as Longtime Bandmate Skips His Birthday Bash for a Sweet Reason

He did not stay long. “I turn around behind me … And I say to whoever’s sitting behind me, I go, ‘This ain’t for me.’ I didn’t come back for 13 years,” he said. Years later, he said, the sponsor he eventually found told him he was the man sitting in that row behind him.

“But Richard helped me in that area,” Garlin said. “I can’t tell you the number of people whose lives he saved. He saved lives.” Lewis, who wrote about his own battles with drugs and alcohol in his 2000 memoir The Other Great Depression, remains “beloved in the program,” he added.

Garlin also described the darkest stretch of his life, after his 2021 exit from The Goldbergs. He told Danson he had a nervous breakdown and became suicidal before seeking treatment in Cincinnati, a period he has discussed before. “I learned this thing called DBT, dialectic behavior therapy. I was no longer suicidal,” he said. Afterward, “I started doing AA, dialectic behavior therapy, continued my regular therapy, started boxing.” He wanted listeners to understand that comedians are not immune. “We get just as dark as you do. We have bad days just like you do.”

Garlin said Lewis is on the cover of his new photography book, Best Seat in the House, published in September. He considered other friends for the spot, but Lewis won out. “He represents an adventure,” Garlin said. “I miss him terribly. And that’s me talking about my King Richard.”

Today, Garlin said, he is “just now feeling really good,” and he told Danson the conversation was “the most comfortable I’ve ever felt sharing that.”

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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Pop singer Slayyyter has canceled two upcoming tour dates after completely losing her voice. 

The “Brand New Chanel$” songstress shared the news on Instagram Stories on Wednesday, October 21, explaining that doctors had advised her to cancel her Copenhagen and Hamburg shows to avoid further damage to her voice.

Slayyyter was scheduled to perform in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Thursday, October 22, followed by a show in Hamburg, Germany, on Friday, October 23. Although she was disappointed to miss both dates on her Worst Girl in the World Tour, she said she wasn’t well enough to give fans the performance they deserved. 

“Hey guys – I fully lost my voice, and doctors are recommending that I cancel Copenhagen and Hamburg shows to protect further damage,” she wrote. “I’m devastated and wanted to play for you, but I just can’t deliver a proper show.”

The singer also shared an update on when fans can expect her to return to the stage. 

“The tour will resume in Warsaw on the 24th after I have a chance to regain my voice. I’m so sorry and hope to make it up to you soon. I love you guys so much. Refunds will be available at the point of purchase.”

Slayyyter isn’t the only pop star who has had to cancel a performance because of vocal problems. Charli XCX recently called off a stop on her Music, Fashion, Film Tour in Glendale, Arizona, after falling ill and losing her voice.

“I am so, so sorry to say we have to cancel tomorrow’s music, fashion, film show,” Charli wrote on Instagram Stories. “I have been fighting sickness throughout this run of shows and have now completely lost my voice.”

The singer also explained how difficult the decision was, given the effort she puts into every performance. “I put absolutely everything I have into my performances, both physically and emotionally, and it breaks me that I can’t be with you tomorrow.”

Lily Allen likewise had to cancel her October 20 show in New Zealand after experiencing health issues. 

Related: Carrie Underwood Delivers Powerful Performance of Dolly Parton Classic: ‘Absolutely Breathtaking’

Almond flour and almond meal are both made from ground almonds, so it’s easy to assume they’re interchangeable. In many recipes, they are. But the way the almonds are processed affects the final product’s color, texture and flavor, which can make a difference when you’re baking a delicate cake or looking for a crisp, textured coating.

The main difference is that almond flour is typically made from blanched almonds with their skins removed, while almond meal is usually made from whole almonds with the skins intact. Both are naturally gluten-free and work in a range of sweet and savory dishes. The right choice depends on the texture you want and how much precision your recipe requires.

Related: We Baked Cookies With 10 Different All-Purpose Flours and the Winner Won By a Landslide

What’s the difference between almond flour and almond meal? Almond meal

Popspixel/Canva

Almond flour is usually finer and lighter in color because the almond skins are removed before grinding. Almond meal tends to be coarser, with visible brown flecks from the skins. Some brands use the terms differently, however, so check the product label rather than relying on the name alone.

Feature

Almond flour

Almond meal

Almonds used

Usually blanched and skinless

Usually whole, with skins

Texture

Fine and powdery

Coarser and grainier

Color

Pale cream or ivory

Tan or light brown

Flavor

Mild and delicate

More pronounced, sometimes slightly bitter

Best uses

Cakes, macarons, cookies and smooth batters

Breading, crumbles, rustic baked goods and textured crusts

The Almond Board of California explains that the processing difference affects the ingredients’ grain size, color and flavor. Both products are ground almonds, but they don’t always produce the same results in a recipe.

Does almond flour taste different from almond meal?

Both have the rich, nutty flavor of almonds. Almond flour generally has a milder taste because the skins have been removed, while almond meal can have a deeper, slightly more bitter flavor from the skins.

The difference is usually subtle rather than dramatic. In a recipe with chocolate, spices or other strong flavors, you might barely notice it. In a simple almond cake or delicate cookie, the flavor and appearance of the almonds may be more noticeable.

Related: The Difference Between Bread Flour and All-Purpose Flour (And Why It Really Matters), According to Pastry Chefs

Is almond flour or almond meal better for baking? Almond flour

bhofack2/Canva

Almond flour is usually the better choice when a recipe calls for a fine, even crumb or a smooth finish. Its fine texture works well in macarons, cakes, muffins and cookies, where larger particles could affect the finished texture.

Almond meal is useful when a little extra texture is welcome. It works well in fruit crumbles, rustic quick breads and some cookies, where a coarser crumb can complement the other ingredients. It also makes a good alternative to breadcrumbs for coating chicken, fish or vegetables.

Neither product behaves exactly like wheat flour. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, almonds contain no gluten, the protein network that gives conventional bread dough much of its structure. Recipes made with almond flour or meal, therefore, rely on other ingredients to hold together and may turn out denser or more delicate than their wheat-flour counterparts.

Can you substitute almond meal for almond flour?

Often, yes. In many recipes, you can replace almond flour with almond meal in a 1:1 ratio by volume. The result may be darker, coarser or slightly denser, however, so the swap isn’t guaranteed to work equally well in every baked good.

For a forgiving recipe such as a crumble topping, quick bread or rustic cookie, the difference may be minor. For macarons, delicate cakes or another recipe that depends on a very fine texture, it’s safer to use the ingredient specified.

If you substitute almond flour for almond meal, expect a smoother, lighter result. If you substitute almond meal for almond flour, the finished bake may have more visible flecks and a grainier texture. Neither swap automatically requires changes to the other ingredients, but follow the recipe’s texture and doneness cues rather than assuming the result will be identical.

Related: Black Beans vs. Kidney Beans: Which One Should You Use?

Is almond flour healthier than almond meal?

Neither is automatically healthier. Both are made from almonds and provide unsaturated fat, protein and fiber. Because almond meal usually retains the skins, it may contain somewhat more fiber, minerals and antioxidants (per Healthline), but the difference depends on the products being compared.

Nutrition labels can also vary by brand and serving size. For a meaningful comparison, check the labels for calories, fiber, protein and fat per the same weight rather than comparing different serving sizes.

Are almond flour and almond meal gluten-free?

Both almond flour and almond meal are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact can occur during processing or packaging. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that foods labeled “gluten-free” must meet its standard of less than 20 parts per million of gluten, so people with celiac disease should check product labels when choosing packaged almond flour or meal.

Related: 53 Sugar Cookie Recipes That Will Bring Major Wow-Factor to Your Holiday Cookie Platter

How should you store almond flour and almond meal?

Store both in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, and follow the package directions. The Almond Board of California recommends cool, dry storage (<50°F/<10°C) for almonds in all forms. Because almonds contain a high amount of oil, exposure to oxygen and high temperatures can cause oxidation, leading to rancid flavors and odors, according to the board’s guidance on lipid oxidation and rancidity.

Refrigeration or freezing can help preserve freshness if you won’t use the flour or meal within a few weeks. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health recommends storing almond flour in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to six to nine months. Keeping it tightly sealed helps protect its freshness and limits exposure to moisture and air.

Before using an older package, check for an unusual or unpleasant smell, which can indicate rancidity, as explained by Ask Extension.

Is one cup of flour the same as a cup of almond flour?

No. One cup of all-purpose flour and one cup of almond flour have the same volume but weigh different amounts. According to King Arthur Baking, 1 cup of all-purpose flour weighs 120 grams, while 1 cup of almond flour weighs 96 grams.

Almond flour behaves differently in baking because it doesn’t form the same elastic structure as wheat flour. In her Almond Board of California guide, chef Lauren Haas recommends replacing 25 percent to 30 percent of the wheat flour with almond flour in muffins and quick breads. For recipes with less flour, such as brownies or sponge cakes, she suggests starting with 80 to 90 grams of almond flour for every 100 grams of wheat flour, then adjusting based on the batter or dough’s texture.

For gluten-free baking, Haas recommends replacing the remaining wheat flour with a blend of gluten-free flours and starches plus a binder such as xanthan gum.

Related: 15 Easy, From-Scratch Dessert Recipes for Cakes, Breads, Cookies, Bars and More

Is there a downside to almond flour?

Almond flour is more expensive than all-purpose flour in many stores and can produce denser, more delicate baked goods because it lacks gluten. It also contains more fat than wheat flour, which can affect a recipe’s moisture and shelf life.

Because almonds are tree nuts, almond flour is unsuitable for people with almond allergies. Its fine texture can also make it less effective as a direct replacement in recipes that depend on wheat flour’s structure, such as yeast breads.

Should you refrigerate almond flour after opening?

Yes, refrigerating almond flour after opening is a good way to help preserve its freshness. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health recommends storing almond flour in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to six to nine months. Follow the storage instructions on your package, and keep the flour in an airtight container to limit exposure to moisture and air.

So, which one should you use?

Choose almond flour when a recipe calls for a fine texture and a lighter appearance. Choose almond meal when you want more texture or need a coating or breadcrumb substitute. For many everyday recipes, either will work, but matching the ingredient to the recipe gives you more predictable results.

Related: 84 Favorite Pie Recipes—From Apple to Pumpkin, Banana Cream and More

This article was drafted with the assistance of AI and thoroughly reviewed, edited and fact-checked by Parade editors. See our complete AI Policy.

In 2026, Prince Harry’s efforts to repair his relationship with the royal family have once again put his marriage to Meghan Markle under the microscope, and Fox News star Rachel Campos-Duffy has a brutally candid take on how the Duke of Sussex has changed since getting married and the way he has publicly processed his grief over the death of his mother Princess Diana.

During the latest episode of Fox News’ The Girls podcast, Campos-Duffy joined Harris Faulkner, Cheryl Hines, Melissa DeRosa and Brett Cooper for a wide-ranging discussion that eventually turned to the royal family.

While discussing Harry’s desire to reconcile with his father King Charles III and his brother Prince William, Campos-Duffy reflected on how much she believes Harry has changed over the years.

“Don’t you think he used to be cute, you guys?” she asked of Harry. “When he was single, he was rugged.”

When DeRosa suggested Meghan might be responsible for the change, Campos-Duffy quickly clarified that she wasn’t talking about Harry’s thinning hair.

“He was losing his hair before he met Meghan,” Campos-Duffy said. “Both of those boys were prone to that. That wasn’t it.”

Instead, the Fox News host argued that Harry once projected a completely different persona.

“He was still sexy. He was rugged. He was a bad boy,” Campos-Duffy said. “And then he became beta and not sexy.”

Hines asked whether Campos-Duffy meant Harry was physically handsome or whether his appeal came from the “whole package.” Campos-Duffy acknowledged that she doesn’t consider the prince traditionally good-looking, but said there was something else that made him attractive before his marriage.

“I think he was hot because he was, by the way, a prince,” she joked, before adding that Harry “had a sex appeal about him because he was a royal and he was rugged and he was a little bit of a bad boy.”

Campos-Duffy then returned to what she believes changed after Harry married Meghan in 2018.

Related: Princess Diana’s Twin Nieces Channel Late Aunt’s Iconic Look at Royal Ascot

“Then he married her and it’s like something happened,” she said, acknowledging that Harry has had to work through the grief surrounding the 1997 death of his mother Princess Diana.

Campos-Duffy said it was Harry’s decision to process so much of that pain publicly that she found particularly unappealing.

“It’s just not that attractive for him to do it so publicly,” she said.

Cooper agreed with that portion of Campos-Duffy’s criticism, arguing that Harry’s highly public airing of his grievances with the royal family should never have happened.

“Nothing should have been done publicly,” Cooper said, specifically pointing to Harry’s memoir “Spare,” his and Meghan’s interview with Oprah Winfrey and their documentaries.

Faulkner offered a considerably more sympathetic perspective, arguing that Harry’s history with his mother and the paparazzi could help explain some of his decisions. She also expressed hope that he would be able to reconcile with his family while there is still time.

The conversation ultimately revealed sharply different views of Harry among the women, but Campos-Duffy certainly wasn’t conflicted about one thing: In her eyes, the rebellious prince who once had a “bad boy” image has changed dramatically.

Related: Iconic ’70s Rocker Recalls Meeting Princess Diana: ‘In for a Shock Tonight’

Jonathan the tortoise has lived through nearly two centuries of history. Now, at an estimated 194 years old, the famously long-lived animal is helping scientists investigate a question that has fascinated humans for generations: Why do some living things age so slowly?

Researchers recently analyzed DNA from Jonathan, an Aldabra giant tortoise who lives on the South Atlantic island of St. Helena, and found unusual patterns in genes associated with aging. The findings – 287 unique gene variants – could help scientists better understand the biological processes that allow some animals to live extraordinarily long lives.

The study, published in October in the journal Science Advances, examined Jonathan’s genome and epigenome, which includes chemical markers that help regulate how genes function. Researchers compared his genetic information with samples from other giant tortoises, including a five-year-old animal.

They found that certain regions involved in mitochondrial function appeared remarkably well-preserved in Jonathan. Mitochondria are structures inside cells that produce the energy organisms need to function, and their decline has been linked to aging.

“We found that the gene regulators involved in energy production and DNA repair have remained incredibly stable in Jonathan over almost two centuries,” Dr. Justin Gerlach at Peterhouse at the University of Cambridge, who was involved in the study, said.

The findings suggest that Jonathan’s cells may be maintaining some important functions more effectively than expected for an animal of his age, but scientists have not established that these patterns directly caused his exceptional lifespan, and further research is needed to understand what they mean for humans.

If researchers can establish a clearer link between the biological mechanisms behind Jonathan’s longevity and the aging process in humans, the findings could have implications beyond helping people live longer.

“Since increasing age is one of the greatest risk factors for development of most cancers, understanding how humans or in this case tortoises age should benefit cancer treatment,” the paper’s senior author Stephen Clark, MD, PhD, told Tennessee Oncology.

Jonathan’s estimated birth year is 1832, making him a contemporary of Queen Victoria and Charles Darwin, and a tortoise that has seen the presidencies of Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln. He arrived on St. Helena in 1882, already fully grown, and has lived on the grounds of Plantation House, the governor’s official residence, ever since.

Judi Dench is confronting a difficult new reality after decades in the spotlight, as the legendary actress reveals how a progressive eye condition has changed her life and brought new challenges to her career.

The 91-year-old star discussed the impact of age-related macular degeneration during an interview with Emma Barnett on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Thursday, October 22. 

According to the interview, Dench said she can no longer perform in plays or films or read because of her deteriorating eyesight.

Dench was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012. The condition affects central vision and can make everyday activities, including reading and recognizing faces, increasingly difficult.

“I can’t be on stage. I can’t do a play any more. I can’t do a film any more. I can’t read any more.”

During her conversation with Barnett, Dench also described the difficulties she experiences when trying to recognize people.

Dench also spoke candidly about the challenges of adjusting to her changing circumstances. “So you’ve got to adjust to all that, and make allowances for it and just get on and don’t think about it too much.”

Her vision loss can make social encounters challenging, including situations in which she mistakes someone for another person. The condition has affected both her everyday life and her ability to continue working in an industry that depends heavily on reading scripts and recognizing fellow performers.

Despite these challenges, Dench has spoken openly about her experience and the adjustments she has had to make.

Dench has enjoyed a career spanning more than seven decades, earning widespread recognition across theatre, television and film.

International audiences know her particularly well for playing M, the head of MI6, in several James Bond movies. She also won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for portraying Queen Elizabeth I in the 1998 film Shakespeare in Love.

Her other acclaimed performances include roles in Philomena, Notes on a Scandal and Mrs Brown.

Dench has also frequently expressed her admiration for William Shakespeare and his writing, reflecting her enduring connection to theatre. During her latest conversation with Barnett, she spoke about her love of Shakespeare’s sonnets.

Charlize Theron won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2004 for playing Aileen Wuornos. The film was called Monster. It told the story of a woman who killed seven men along Florida’s interstate highways between 1989 and 1990, and she said every single one of them had attacked her first. The jury didn’t believe her. Nobody did. She was executed by lethal injection on October 9, 2002. A Dateline NBC investigation in November 1992 found something her own lawyers never found during her trial. A Netflix documentary, Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers, released on October 30, 2025, shared that information with the world.

The bodies started turning up in late 1989. All of them naked. All of them shot with a .22 caliber pistol. Most were found off Florida’s interstates near their abandoned vehicles—every single one of them middle-aged men. Police hadn’t seen this pattern before — a woman, a firearm, men picked up on the road. They called her the Damsel of Death.

Her full name was Aileen Carol Wuornos. Her mother had abandoned her at 4. Her grandfather threw her out at 15. She’d been living in the woods near her old home and supporting herself through sex work along those same Florida highways since she was a teenager. She said she’d been raped before she was 18. She later said Richard Mallory — the first man she killed, on November 30, 1989 — had beaten and raped her before she shot him. She said she’d acted in self-defense every time. She confessed to all seven killings in January 1991 and claimed self-defense for every one. Police dismissed it.

What Nobody Told the Jury

Richard Mallory had served 10 years in prison for sexual violence before he ever got in a car with Aileen Wuornos. No one raised that fact at her trial. Her lawyers didn’t find it. Prosecutors didn’t mention it. The jury that sentenced Wuornos to death for killing him never knew that detail. A Dateline NBC journalist named Michele Gillen discovered Mallory’s record in November 1992 — months after Wuornos had already been convicted. The Netflix documentary Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers includes never-before-seen, death-row interviews and captures the moment Wuornos found out on camera. She didn’t know.

Related: Luigi Mangione Was a Valedictorian Who Left a 4-Star Review of the Unabomber’s Manifesto; Yet Nobody Who Knew Him Saw It Coming

She was caught because she kept selling her victims’ belongings at Florida pawn shops. Florida law required fingerprint ID for pawn transactions. Her fingerprints were already on file. By January 5, 1991, investigators had matched the prints and had her name. They arrested her four days later at a biker bar called The Last Resort — on an outstanding 1986 warrant for weapons possession, not for the murders. She had no idea how much they already knew.

Her girlfriend of four years, Tyria Moore, cut a deal. Police offered her immunity if she’d help get a confession. Moore made a series of recorded phone calls begging Wuornos to confess and spare Moore from prosecution. Wuornos confessed on January 16, 1991 — seven murders, self-defense every time. Moore was never charged with anything. She walked away from the woman she’d spent four years with and provided four years’ worth of knowledge about what she’d been doing on those roads.

Aileen Wuornos received six death sentences. She was executed on October 9, 2002.

Her first victim had a record for sexual violence the entire time.

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RJ Mitte‘s death at the age of 34 has left his Breaking Bad co-star Bryan Cranston still questioning what happened. The actor reveals he and Mitte were figuring out how to meet before his death.

Cranston opened up to The Associated Press on Wednesday, Oct. 21, about Mitte’s death, which almost brought tears to the actor’s eyes. He admitted to having been thrown “for a loop” days after his TV son was announced to have died by suicide on Oct. 12.

“It’s a shame,” said Cranston. “It threw me for a loop for several days. I didn’t understand it. He and I were trying to find out where we were — I was in New York, he was in Texas, I was coming to L.A. And we were trying to figure out [where we could meet].”

The Breaking Bad star wondered whether Mitte wanted to meet his former co-star for a specific reason. He added, “I just wonder if he wanted to talk to me about something. It’s like, ‘Oh god.’ Thirty-four years old.”

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Mitte’s mother, Dyna, reported that her son had had a difficult few months emotionally before his death. She had urged him to seek help, but Mitte felt he could handle it on his own. She commented on the regret she felt for not pushing him harder, but hopes speaking publicly will help other families going through the same ordeal.

In response to Mitte’s death, Cranston also wants to create public awareness and urges people to seek professional help and the support of loved ones.

“If you feel depression, it’s a real thing,” he told AP. “You’re not alone. And there’s help to guide you through as best they can, and best you can. So, [my advice] is to seek help.”

Cranston posted a tribute to the late actor on Instagram, praising him for never letting the challenge of Cerebral Palsy be “an excuse for anything.” Having met him at 14 years old, Cranston was in awe of Mitte’s meeting the “demanding shooting schedule head-on with great determination.”

In his post, he also expressed his sadness, knowing Mitte’s “promise and potential” would never be fully realized. He also commented on having texted the actor weeks before and wondering if that lunch “would have changed his future.”

“But I do know that I loved him, and thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series, and after the spotlight on Breaking Bad dimmed…I’ll miss you, son.”

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Related: Taylor Swift Confronts Fan Over Filming Her at Travis Kelce’s Chiefs Game

Zac Brown found a special way to honor Dolly Parton, sharing the stage with the late country star through a recording of her vocals. The two came together on “Butterfly,” Brown’s heartfelt ballad about helping his children find their way in life.

Brown performed the song at CMA Presents: I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, held at Belmont University. Released on his 2025 album Love & Fear, “Butterfly” carries an uplifting message about finding inner strength and believing in yourself. 

“Butterfly, you will see/You’re so much stronger than you think you are/You just have to believe,” Brown sings in the chorus. Butterflies also appeared throughout the stage decor, adding another touch to the performance. 

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The tribute carried added meaning after Brown and the Zac Brown Band debuted “Butterfly” live at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens in August, just days after Parton died. 

At that show, Brown dedicated the song to the country icon, telling the crowd, “I want to dedicate this song to Miss Dolly Parton. There will never be another human, there will never be another Dolly Parton.”

He continued, “Getting to be friends with her and getting to make music with her and just be around her, the example she set as a human being: loving everyone. One of the most talented, funny, beautiful human beings I’ve ever met in my life.” 

The tribute special aired on ABC and is available to stream on Hulu beginning October 22. The program also features performances by Ella Langley, who sings “Jolene,” along with Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Vince Gill. 

Proceeds from the special go toward Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. 

Related: Carrie Underwood Delivers Powerful Performance of Dolly Parton Classic: ‘Absolutely Breathtaking’

Survivor 51 is here! Every week, Parade.com’s Mike Bloom will bring you interviews with the castaway most recently voted off the island.

Alexis Levine came into Survivor 51 wanting to keep a low profile. In fact, the criminal defense attorney decided to lie about her job, hoping to not stick out in the early phase of the game. But, when she caught Ana Sani scheming against her, it was Exhibit A of why she felt she needed to start playing hard. Facing her first Tribal Council, she and some of the other women on Savu chose not to “take the layup” (much to Ori Jean-Charles‘ chagrin), cobbling together a majority to take Ana down and blindside her alliance in the process.

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The lawyer’s time in power, however, was brief. A tribe swap on Day 8 kept her on Savu, but completely flipped the power dynamics. Now she was no longer in the majority, as she was outnumbered by both the former Toka members and the secret Day 1 helicopter alliance. Suddenly, Alexis went from prosecutor to defendant. Initially, she went to Jenna Doore as a possible swing vote. But, when it was clear Devin Way and Angelica “Jelly” Loblack wanted to take a shot at the wedding photographer, she joined them in blindsiding her unanimously. Fortunately, the moment had brought the quartet closer together, with Alexis even saying, “This is my family. These are my people, I have to protect them.”

Unfortunately, the feeling was not particularly mutual. Facing yet another Tribal Council, Alexis felt confident Ori would vote with her to at least force a tie. And so she spent the afternoon pitching to Jelly, pointing out the trend that only women had been voted out so far. Jelly was left in a sticky situation and, unfortunately, she continued the streak. A day after asking for Jenna’s shoes as collateral in exchange for working together, the shoe was on the other foot for Alexis. It was her turn to be blindsided unanimously, as all she could mutter on her way out was, “Wow.”

Now out of the game, Alexis talks with Parade about why she was so blindsided by her exit, an unseen moment where she lied about having an idol, and her reaction to a historic amount of women being voted out in a row.

Related: ‘Survivor 51’ Cast Revealed: Meet the 21 New Contestants — Including Who’s Been Voted Out

To say you were visibly shocked by your boot would be an understatement, considering all you could say on your way out was “wow.” What made you believe wholeheartedly that it wouldn’t be you that night?
You know, it’s funny. I don’t think they showed this as much as the reality was. But Ori and I were very close. We were on that original tribe together. We were in sort of an original alliance on Savu that was a four-person alliance. And even just outside of alliances, I slept next to him every night. We were talking all day every day. And when we got flipped onto the new Savu, he was my only person. He was all I could cling to, and he did a really good job at making me feel like he was with me. And I truly, truly had no idea that there was this helicopter alliance. I genuinely did not know.

So did you expect the votes to be tied 2-2? Or did you think you had Jelly with you as well?
Before going into Tribal, I had said to Ori, and thought to myself, “Best case scenario, Jelly just flips and makes this easy.” Worst case scenario, I thought that they were going to vote for Ori because they had told me that that’s what they were going to do. And I would have gone to rocks, or at least the portion where there’s some debate before rocks. That’s what I wanted.

What was your reaction when Devin sits you down after the challenge to tell the truth that he had an Extra Vote, then lied that he was voting for Ori?
So it was interesting, because the previous week I had told Jenna in my very long negotiations with her, pretty much all day, trying to get her on my side. I had also thrown in there, “Oh, and by the way, I have an idol, and I’m using it tonight.” I told that to Jenna, and I assumed that she would go and tell Dev and Jelly that because she was telling them everything.

So backtrack to that day when it was just me left, no more Jenna. I’m like, “Okay, well, maybe they think I have an idol and this can help me, so I’ll start playing into that.” Then he comes to me, he tells me that he had an extra vote. Separately, Jelly told me she has an idol. So I’m like, “Maybe they know or they did hear. But they’re coming to tell me, ‘We don’t care that you have an idol, you’re outmanned and you’re outgunned anyway.'” So I tried to just play it cool and be like, “Okay.” But I was outgunned.

You mention your all-day negotiations with Jenna. At what point did asking for her shoes as collateral come into the picture?
You know what? Let me tell you. She kept telling me she would vote with me, but then she’ll run back to Dev and tell him. And Dev would come to me and be like, “Jenna told me that you said that I talked bad about her.” So I’m like, “This girl is driving me insane! I just need to know if she’s with me or if I can trust her.” And I don’t know her. I’ve only known her for less than 24 hours. So I’m like, “Okay, if I was on the receiving end of that and I was with someone, I would say, ‘Take my shoes, take my shirt. I’m with you 1,000%. Let’s do this.'” So I kind of use that as like a barometer to see is she with me or is she not? And the second that she said no or really voiced any hesitation, I’m like, “Okay, then Jenna’s going.”

You said in this most recent episode that Jelly had been making statements to indicate that she didn’t necessarily want to play in lockstep with Devin. Can you elaborate on that for me?
There were really moments, and she said it in Tribal. Dev is subject to outbursts. He’s very dramatic, very much, very much so. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and I know Jelly is not like that. And it became very clear to me that in those moments when he was having an outburst, she would kind of be like cringing a little, didn’t want it to reflect upon her. And I think I’m similar to Jelly in that way. I too would feel that way, and I wouldn’t necessarily love to be aligned with someone who was so fast and loose. And I thought maybe that could be my way into her.

Something else you bring up in your pitch to her is that only women have been voted out so far. Unfortunately, you continue that trend, and with Linnea going out after you, Survivor 51 officially has the longest streak of women being voted out in the show’s history. How palpable was that observation while you were out there?
It started becoming one. Because I think when Patt went home, she was on a different tribe than me. But she really seemed like a fierce competitor; she was smart, strategic, and physically threatening. And it just kind of continued. And let me be clear: Ana’s vote-out, I played a part in that. And it wasn’t because I just didn’t like her. It was because she too was a fierce competitor. She was very strategic, very manipulative, and I knew that if given enough, she would go pretty far. So it’s not like women were voted out because everyone in our cast hates women. But it felt more like [casting] did a good job. They cast women who were absolutely fierce and who were coming into this game to play, and everyone could feel it.

Let’s talk about that Ana vote. Because you start that episode calling her your “Iranian sister.” But, after you catch her talking about you (or popcorn, allegedly), you help lead the charge to take her out. Talk to me about how that came together.
So the first two or three days, all you’re doing is talking to people and just kind of feeling them out. And when I spoke to Ana privately, she mentioned Sharonda very early on. And at that point, I didn’t really know Sharonda that well, and I was like, “Okay, interesting. I’m considering it.”

And then I think that very same night I had a really long conversation with Sharonda on the beach that was really a heartfelt conversation about life, and I felt really close to her after that. And the next day, Ana mentioned Linnea, so I’m like, “Okay. Now she’s talked about Sharonda. She’s talked about Linnea.” At this point in the game, I’m closer with those two than I am with Ana, and this is now becoming a real threat to my alliance. And that’s when I was like, “Okay, I have to spread the word here.” And I’m glad I did because everyone got in formation and got her out.

You mentioned being close with Ori before the swap. And I just finished talking with Linnea, who said you were her number one. Who were you working closest with before you dropped your buffs?
So Linnea was my immediate number one, and then it was Sharonda and Ori.

Let’s say that the tribes don’t swap. And the seven-person Savu tribe has to go to Tribal Council. Who goes there? Because theoretically that four-person alliance has the numbers.
I have no idea what would have happened. I do think we would have had the votes. The one thing I can say is that right before our tribe swap, I think it was Kristin said something about Ori needing to go. And I thought to myself, “Well, Ori’s my ally. Maybe Kristin’s next.”

Your final Tribal Council was all about the difficulties in voting people out after making such close connections with them. And you even say that, while you intended to come out and play entirely as an individual, “This is my family. These are my people. I have to protect them.” Talk to me more about that feeling.
I think that is something that a lot of people just don’t realize is such a powerful part of this game — at least for me. Maybe there are people that go out there and they are just emotionless and don’t get connected to others. But I think it cannot be overstated how much this game relies on connection and bonding, and how easy it is to bond with other people when you are by yourself. You’re completely stripped away from everything you know. I mean, you don’t have your people that you go home to every day. Like for me, I go home to my husband every day. He knows me better than anyone in the world, and we can talk about our days and talk s—t about people and all the things. But out here, you have to find who’s gonna be that for you, whether it’s one person or a group of people. Because without that, I think mentally, it’s really hard — at least for me. I’m not a lone wolf. Everybody needs a pack.

Well, you choose to open up to your pack, and the fandom at large, about your history of addiction. What made you decide to do so?
I mean, look, I think that substance abuse is something that carries with it a lot of shame, and it’s something that leads a lot of people to live isolated lives. And sadly, that leads to further mental health problems. It leads to suicide. It leads to terrible things. It is a horrible experience that most people go through completely on their own. And the more that people talk about it, it genuinely is a way to help others.

I think it should be talked about because it’s extremely common. Most people in America either themselves have been impacted, or they know someone who’s been impacted by addiction. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s something that is just a product of our society. In my life, it blows my mind. I mean, I’m a criminal defense attorney. I spoke about being in jail at one point. I go to that jail all the time and represent clients who are there. And I don’t tell all my clients everything immediately. But I’m very, very grateful to be in the position that I am in. And I’d like people to know that there is life after going through something very difficult and life-shattering.

Related: ‘Survivor 51’s Jenna Doore Reveals How the Game Let Her Process Her Divorce: ‘I Was So Immensely Heartbroken’ (Exclusive)

Walking just about every day is my go-to form of exercise. I love the flexibility it provides with my busy work-from-home schedule. I find putting on my sneakers and heading outdoors to be a relaxing part of my day that allows me to catch up on phone calls and podcasts—all while being mindful of my step and keeping my speed at a brisk pace. I’m also able to stay consistent with my fitness routine even amid my constant travel schedule.

Whether I’m staying at a boutique hotel in California’s wine country, a luxury guest ranch in Montana, or a quaint A-frame cabin in Canada, I can get in my steps—no gym required. Another benefit? I’m always conquering different terrain, which adds incredible challenges to my walks.

That said, new forms of cardio on social media tend to catch my attention, and I eagerly enjoy trying them out for myself. You know what they say—variety is the spice of life. Switching things up helps keep exercise sustainable for me, as I never get bored.

Another thing about me? I love all things cozy—especially once the weather gets crisp and the leaves change. I basically live in athleisure and take any opportunity I can get to make my space feel as cozy as can be—especially since my living environment and office are in close quarters. You’ll always find a fresh bouquet on my buffet, a scented candle or two lit, and plush throw pillows and blankets that change with the seasons. So, it should come as no surprise that when I learned of the “cozy cardio” trend, I was eager to check out something new for the season.

It became the most ideal little ritual for me—especially since we’re entering the coziest time of year. If you’re wondering what this low-impact trend is all about and whether it delivers results, here’s my cozy cardio review.

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What Is Cozy Cardio? (And Why Fitness Traditionalists Love or Hate It)

Cozy cardio is all about creating a comfortable, genuinely enjoyable workout environment. You may choose to walk on a walking pad in your living room or come down to the mat and perform a gentle Pilates flow—all while wearing your favorite flannel pajamas or lounge set. The trend is incredibly customizable, but the vibe is always the same: cozy. This means dim lighting, scented candles, your favorite latte, an enjoyable podcast streaming in the background—or all of the above.

“‘Cozy cardio’ has been trending for a while, with good reason! It’s not so much a specific workout as a way of framing (or re-framing, actually) exercise: low-impact, usually low-to-moderate intensity movement done in a comfortable environment,” Amy Kiser Schemper, CPT, a personal trainer, fitness instructor, prenatal/postnatal exercise specialist, and fitness advisor at BowFlex, explains. “The term became popular on social media and as a way to show exercise as enjoyable and relaxing, rather than high-intensity or punishing. I think the biggest distinction is the experience rather than the workout itself, which can be especially appealing to beginners, people who aren’t comfortable in a gym setting, or those recovering from an injury or illness but who want to get moving.”

While some hardcore gym-goers or fitness traditionalists may consider cozy cardio another passing fad—or simply a much easier workout—Kiser Schemper says that getting your body moving is what matters.

Screenshot

Alexa Mellardo

How to Set Up a Cozy Cardio Session: Lighting, Walking Pads, and Mood

When it comes to cozy cardio, the atmosphere is truly everything. Kiser Schemper recommends soft, warm lighting, such as candles or dimmers. Next, make sure your space is set to a comfortable temperature, and wear an outfit you’re 100% comfortable moving in. In addition, consider “habit stacking” by doing some cardio while streaming a favorite jazz coffee shop playlist or binge-worthy show.

Then, it’s time for the workout setup itself.

“Walking pads are a low-effort, quieter way to get moving, take up less space, and are generally more affordable than a treadmill. If you’re working out down on the mat, consider cozy blankets or pillows for extra comfort,” Kiser Schemper says.

Related: ‘I Tried Alo Wellness Club for 3 Weeks—Here’s My Honest Review’

My Honest Experience: Does Soft Exercise Actually Feel Like a Workout?

From the ambiance to the exercise itself, cozy cardio didn’t feel like a traditional workout to me, but that’s what made it special. My typical fitness routine consists of taking reformer Pilates classes four days a week, complemented by brisk outdoor walks mixed in. During my cozy cardio experience, I kept up with Pilates and swapped my outdoor walks for a 45- to 60-minute walking pad session four days a week. I made sure to keep my pace between leisurely and brisk.

The convenience of this trend can’t be beat. I seamlessly set up my walking pad in front of my laptop, lit my favorite scented candles, and streamed my favorite binge-worthy flicks. Because, let’s be honest: This cozy time of year calls for exactly that!

By the end of each session, while I wasn’t drenched in sweat, I felt incredibly accomplished. I was happy I carved out the time for extra movement, burned additional calories, and killed two birds with one stone—all while keeping things cozy.

Related: I Tried Jane Fonda’s ’80s Aerobic Workout for 2 Weeks—Here’s How It Holds Up Today

Can Cozy Cardio Help You Lose Weight and Build Stamina?

Since you’re exercising at home in your comfiest clothes, you may not expect cozy cardio to move the needle in your weight-loss efforts or stamina-building goals—but don’t underestimate its power.

“A cozy cardio workout elicits the same response as any workout: your muscles contract, your heart rate rises, energy demand increases, your cardiac output increases, and energy production increases,” Kiser Schemper tells us. “So yes, no matter how cozy or comfortable it is, you’re still engaging your muscles and getting your heart pumping! Of course, your response to the workout will vary and depend on a variety of factors, but you’re moving your body, and your body will respond. Depending on your specific goals, you’ll want to increase your time and intensity over time—especially if you’re aiming to improve endurance or burn calories.”

Related: ‘I Tried Walking Backwards on a Treadmill—and Was Honestly Surprised By the Results’

The Psychological Perks: Reducing Exercise Anxiety and Building Consistency

For many of us, getting motivated to head to the gym or a workout class can feel like an uphill battle. That’s what makes cozy cardio so appealing.

“After 20 years of training, I can tell you that most people don’t enjoy exercise, and getting started is the hardest part. Cozy cardio offers both physical and mental health benefits because adherence is essential to exercise effectiveness. For someone who experiences exercise-related anxiety, dread, shame, or perfectionism, cozy cardio can help because it changes the expectation and the result,” Kiser Schemper says.

Rather than viewing exercise as a form of punishment—or yet another item to cross off your to-do list—cozy cardio can make daily movement feel more accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable. You’re not wasting time commuting to and from the gym and can move your body in the comfort of home at your own speed.

Cozy Cardio vs. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

If you’re wondering how cozy cardio compares to HIIT when it comes to calorie burn and overall benefits, we have the tea. Kiser Schemper says that HIIT is typically a more time-efficient choice, as it involves brief intervals of vigorous exercise. Some research has also found greater improvements in VO₂max among those who perform HIIT compared to those who completed other forms of exercise.

“But HIIT being superior for calorie burn doesn’t mean it’s automatically better—especially if the setup and workout are unsustainable or undesirable long-term,” Kiser Schemper says. “If HIIT leaves someone exhausted, sore, intimidated, and unwilling to exercise again for days, or the high-intensity setup leads to burnout or injury, cozy cardio beats HIIT for consistency, which ultimately leads to results.”

Related: I Tried the Viral ‘Dark Showering’ Trend for Two Weeks—and My Sleep Tracker Was Shocked

Final Verdict: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Try Cozy Cardio?

Cozy cardio may not be an intense, calorie-crushing workout, but it can still deliver meaningful results for both the mind and body. While it won’t replace my beloved Pilates classes, I will definitely keep it as part of my larger fitness routine. It’s perfect for days when I’m too busy to leave my work setup but crave a quick exercise break—or simply when I don’t have a Pilates class scheduled. I can easily hop on my walking pad while catching up on my shows after a long day. After all, I don’t need to leave the house or change out of my cozy sweats! What’s better than that?

I’m a firm believer in Kiser Schemper’s point that moving your body is what matters most. A workout doesn’t need to leave you sweating buckets to be effective. If you find an active hobby or workout you genuinely enjoy—and see yourself sticking with for the long run—that’s incredibly valuable.

“Cozy cardio is a concept anyone can benefit from. Still, it’s especially great for beginners, people returning to exercise after time off, those who need low-impact or low-intensity movement, people who don’t enjoy or feel comfortable in a gym setting, people who find classes or equipment intimidating or confusing, people who want to build in extra movement into their days, and most importantly, people who struggle with consistency when it comes to exercise,” Kiser Schemper says.

If you have a certain goal in mind—like building strong glutes or sculpted abs—cozy cardio probably shouldn’t be your only form of exercise. But for days when it’s challenging to leave the house or you want a little extra physical activity, this trend truly comes in clutch.

Up Next:

Sources:

• Amy Kiser Schemper, CPT, a personal trainer, fitness instructor, prenatal/postnatal exercise specialist, and fitness advisor at BowFlex
• Helgerud, J., Høydal, K., Wang, E., Karlsen, T., Berg, P., Bjerkaas, M., Simonsen, T., Helgesen, C., Hjorth, N., Bach, R., & Hoff, J. (2007). Aerobic high-intensity intervals improve VO2max more than moderate training. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 39(4), 665–671.

Eight months after the death of Eric Dane, his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, has opened up about her late husband’s final moments. In an interview with PEOPLE, Gayheart recalled that she and their two daughters, Georgia and Billie Beatrice, were at Dane’s side when he died.

“He was surrounded by the girls and I, the last days, hours, minutes of his life…that was something so difficult but also really important,” Gayheart said.

Dane died on Feb. 19, 2026, at age 53 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In his new memoir, My Book of Days, the late Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria star opens up about his final months and his struggles with ALS and drug addiction.

While recalling her reaction to Dane’s ALS diagnosis to PEOPLE, she revealed that she went into her closet and closed the door. “I was always telling him, ‘You’re going to be OK, we’re going to figure this out,’” she said.

Dane and Gayheart separated in February 2018 after 14 years of marriage. She ultimately dismissed her divorce petition in March 2025. She said she’s “grateful” she did because it gave their daughters “the opportunity to know their dad as a human being.”

BRENTWOOD, CA – JUNE 03: Rebecca Gayheart, Eric Dane, Georgia Dane and Billie Beatrice Dane arrive at the 16th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball at a private residence on June 3, 2017 in Brentwood, California.

Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

During their final months together, Dane and his family went to sushi lunches, watched movies, had game nights, and listened to his favorite songs on vinyl.

“We tried to be present through all of our fear and frustration and uncertainty,” Gayheart said. “It was truly an exhausting and heartbreaking experience, but it also showed us his extraordinary strength every day, and that was really wonderful for the girls and myself to witness.”

“We leave our marriage but we don’t leave our family,” Dane wrote in his memoir, according to ABC News, “Rebecca not only shows up. She remains my best friend. … She’s the one I go to when I need to talk, when I need to scream, when I need to cry.”

While Jamie Campbell Bower might continue to be best known as Henry Creel/Vecna from Stranger Things, he is about to break into yet another major franchise, and fans are already celebrating after a new trailer was just released.

Bower will specifically be joining the decades-old and very beloved Lord of the Rings franchise in the upcoming third season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, releasing on Nov. 11 on Prime Video. It was previously confirmed that Bower will be playing Celeborn, the husband of fan-favorite elven character Galadriel, with Bower previously describing his new character as a “lover boy” (a far cry from his days as the terrifying villain of Stranger Things).

A new trailer for The Rings of Power Season 3 has now given audiences an even closer look at what this lover boy role will consist of—and it’s safe to say that Bower’s fans are already obsessed.

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In response to the Rotten Tomatoes post sharing this new look at Bower in The Rings of Power, the comments are full of excitement and celebration over this casting choice. One commenter writes, “Jamie’s the perfect Celeborn,” and another says, “That man was born to play an elf.” Yet another enthusiastic comment reads, “It has seriously been my dream to see Jamie as an elf, and oh this is the best thing ever!!!”

The new trailer has also teased some interesting dynamics between Celeborn, Galadriel and the franchise’s big bad, Sauron, suggesting that this may be something like a weird love triangle, which will be especially fascinating to watch play out. And, luckily for fans who have been waiting months to see Bower play Celeborn following the news of this casting, the wait is almost over, as the debut of the new season is just a few weeks away.

Former New York Rangers star Ron Duguay, who was the longtime partner of Sarah Palin, has died at the age of 69, Palin confirmed on her Instagram story.

Duguay died on Thursday, Oct. 22 after being diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer over a year ago.

“It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now,” Palin wrote. “He fought so hard. Love never ends.”

She added that a date for his celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

This comes shortly after Palin posted a photo of Duguay in a hospital bed as the two held hands, where she asked the public to pray for him.

Duguay rose to fame when he was drafted by the New York Rangers in the first round of the 1977 NHL draft, going on to play for the team as well as the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Detroit Red Wings, and the Los Angeles Kings. Following his retirement, he had a short coaching career.

“The New York Rangers organization mourns the loss of Ron Duguay, one of the most popular players in franchise history,” the Rangers said in a statement. “Ron’s signature skating style – with his hair flowing as he moved down the ice – captivated The Garden Faithful, and his skill, tenacity, and charisma earned him the admiration of all New Yorkers. We join the hockey community in sending our condolences to Ron’s friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time.”

He and Palin began dating in 2021. He is also survived by his three children: Shay, Meaghan, and Noah. A GoFundMe had previously been set up by his family “because we’ve seen firsthand the weight this battle has placed on him, both physically and financially.”

“Our dad has never been someone who asks for help,” his daughter, Shay, wrote. “Especially when it comes to money. He has always tried to handle everything on his own and didn’t want to burden anyone else with what he’s going through. But after many conversations as a family, we decided to create this fundraiser for him because we’ve seen firsthand the weight this battle has placed on him, both physically and financially.”

A New York Rangers fan favorite has died after a long fight with cancer, and the woman who stayed by his side through it is opening up about her grief.

Ron Duguay died on Thursday, Oct. 22, at age 69. He had been diagnosed with cancer in 2024. It started in his colon and later spread to his appendix and gallbladder, and earlier this year his family shared that it had reached stage 4.

His daughter, Shay Thomas, announced his death on Instagram. “Our hearts are broken. We love you forever, Dad,” she wrote.

Sarah Palin, 62, reshared the post to her Instagram Stories with a message of her own. “It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now,” she wrote, adding that he fought hard and that love never ends.

The pair were first linked in 2022. They initially brushed off the romance rumors as a friendship built through hockey, but Palin confirmed they were a couple later that year.

She said Duguay, a longtime friend, was the person she called for advice during her defamation trial against The New York Times. While she was in the city, he showed her around his old Rangers haunts so she wouldn’t be on her own. She also praised his down-to-earth outlook, saying he has “more common sense in his little finger than the collective in D.C.”

Before Duguay, Palin was married to Todd Palin for three decades. Their divorce was finalized in early 2020, and they share five children. Duguay had two children with his first wife, Robin Bobo, and was later married to supermodel Kim Alexis until their 2016 divorce.

As his illness progressed, Palin stayed close. In February, Thomas shared a video montage of her father’s treatment that included tender moments between the couple, among them Palin spoon-feeding him in a hospital bed.

The Rangers also paid tribute, calling Duguay “one of the most popular players in franchise history.” Fans at Madison Square Garden loved his flowing hair, speed and personality on the ice.

The team said it joins the wider hockey community in sending condolences to his family and friends.

Carrie Underwood closed Wednesday night’s live TV special CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton with a powerful performance of one of the country legend’s most beloved songs.

Wearing a flowing white dress, Underwood sang Dolly Parton’s 1974 ballad “I Will Always Love You,” with several of the evening’s other performers joining her near the end. The performance brought the ABC broadcast to an emotional close as artists gathered to honor Parton and her musical legacy.

The special also featured Zac Brown performing a “duet” with Parton using her prerecorded vocals on “Butterfly,” while Ella Langley put her own spin on the 1974 hit “Jolene.” Brad Paisley, Vince Gill and other country stars also took part in the celebration.

Fans were quick to praise Underwood’s performance, with one calling her the “perfect choice” to sing Parton’s original country version and applauding her for capturing the singer’s “intonation and style.”

Others described the performance as “absolutely breathtaking,” called Underwood’s voice “the Voice of an Angel,” and wrote, “Carrie Underwood will always be the perfect person to tribute Dolly.”

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Although “I Will Always Love You” became one of Parton’s signature songs, she originally wrote it as a goodbye to Porter Wagoner, the country singer who gave her a major career break by featuring her on his television variety show.

Known for his rhinestone suits and string of country hits, Wagoner became Parton’s mentor and frequent duet partner. The two released 13 duet albums together and won the Country Music Association Award for Vocal Duo of the Year three times.

But by 1974, Parton was ready to pursue a career on her own. She left Wagoner’s show, expressing her feelings through a song that would go on to become a country music standard. 

Parton later performed the ballad for Wagoner again in 2007, honoring his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

“If it hadn’t been for Porter, I wouldn’t have written this song,” Parton said at the time. “This is kind of my goodbye song to Porter.”

Whitney Houston gave the song a second life in 1992 with her recording for The Bodyguard soundtrack. The version became a global hit and helped make the ballad a lasting part of music history. 

Since losing Parton in August, the music world has continued to honor her legacy, with artists including Brandi Carlile, Kacey Musgraves, Orville Peck and John Mayer performing the song.

Related: Dolly Parton’s Last Public Appearance Came Just 2 Months Before Her Death at 80

There’s enough going on in the days leading up to Halloween. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need to get something fresh and quick on the dinner table, pizza usually does the trick.

Pizza Hut has said it’s making dining decisions this month “less haunting” with its $10.99 Large 3-Topping pizza deal. That may be old news for some, but an all-new deal timed to the spooky holiday is about to go live for fans of the restaurant chain.

As Pizza Hut puts it, the treats don’t stop when Halloween ends. Fans who order the $10.99 Large 3-Topping pizza October 26–31 will unlock a spooky surprise: a FREE BOGO Medium pizza, redeemable November 1–8.

Rewards members receive the offer automatically, while non-members can sign up to claim it. See below for details.

(Pizza Hut) Pizza Hut Brought Back Its Halloween Haunt Box With a New Twist

Earlier this month, a fan-favorite, Halloween-themed meal returned to locations for a limited time, and this year’s version offers even more options.

The limited-edition, 2026 Pizza Hut My Haunt Box is back at participating Pizza Hut locations from now through Nov. 2, and the meal deal is perfect for everything from a night of solo scary movie watching to feeding a crowd before trick-or-treating.

The My Haunt Box includes your choice of entree, side, and drink, and prices start at $6.99.

Pizza Hut Turned Its Iconic Red Roof Into a Mini Library

And last month, the longtime chain used its iconic red roof for a literacy initiative, partnering with Little Free Library to put limited-edition book exchanges into neighborhoods around the U.S.

There’s a good chance you’ve seen a Little Free Library in your community: The nonprofit organization supports a global network of volunteer-led book-sharing boxes where neighbors can leave books and discover new-to-them titles.

Pizza Hut’s “Little Hut Libraries” operate the exact same way as the originals, but will have red roofs that make them look like miniature Pizza Hut restaurants. And inside each free library, there will be gift cards for free personal pan pizzas.

Jon Gosselin is firing back at his ex-wife, Kate Gosselin, as she’s blamed their son Collin’s recent accusations of abuse and manipulation on mental illness.

“She needs to stop. He is not mentally ill,” Jon told Entertainment Tonight in an interview that aired Wednesday. “I would definitely have grounds to sue Kate for defamation and libel.”

Specifically, while Kate hasn’t publicly responded to the allegations, she’s been interacting with fans who’ve supported her on social media. In one response, she wrote, “Rational, logical people or anyone who has dealt with mental illness understands what’s going on here,” per ET.

Collin’s memoir, In The Shadow of 8, which came out last week, details bombshell claims of his reality star mother’s alleged physical and emotional abuse amid her launch to stardom thanks to their TLC show Jon & Kate Plus 8. Collin claimed that he was a target for abuse since he was resistant to filming and alleged she, at one point, zip-tied his wrists and ankles together and locked him in a cell in their basement.

Kate eventually put him in a mental institution just before he turned 12, where he was allegedly heavily drugged for nearly two years — a move she claimed was advised by medical professionals.

“Let’s put the shoe on the other foot. What if I did these so-called things?” Jon said. “Where would I be sitting right now? I’d be sitting in a jumpsuit, and we’d be doing a live feed.”

The dad of 8 also revealed that “There [are] a lot of people that could have done something and did nothing, and I have your names.”

Related: Collin Gosselin Says ‘My Whole Life Was a Lie’ While Telling ‘GMA’ About ‘Jon & Kate Plus 8’

When asked why he didn’t intervene to stop the alleged abuse, Jon noted that the couple, who officially split in 2009, had been divorced at the time of Collin’s accusations.

“The abuse that Collin went under happened way after I left,” he said. “So you have to look at the timeline here. I got divorced. He was like four years old.”

In a previous interview, Collin also said Kate manipulated both her son and ex-husband to keep them apart.

“I wanted to go see my father, but he was told by my mom that ‘Your son does not want to see you,’ and I was told, ‘Your father does not want to see you,'” he alleged.

To which Jon replied to ET, “He believed it because why wouldn’t he? He’s eight years old, and it’s coming from his mother.”

Kate and Jon Gosselin and their kids on ‘Today’ in 2007.

NBC NewsWire / Getty Images

While Collin’s book has been on shelves for over a week, he, along with his dad and sister, Hannah, hopes to clarify what happened off-camera throughout their lives in a newly announced Netflix documentary.

“That will also fill in major gaps in the timeline,’ Jon said of the doc.

As for how Jon, who remarried in 2025, feels now, after twenty years in the spotlight — most of which he was criticized and vilified by Kate — he told ET he feels “validated.”

“I’m really not used to winning,” he said. “And now there’s a lot of support for my son, there’s a lot more support for me now, and it is kind of nice to feel validated.”

Colin also shared with GMA that he has been cleared of mental health disorders Kate accused him of having in three separate psychological evaluations.

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The Laughing Cow has been having a rough few weeks, and now a Saturday Night Live comedian is stepping in to see if he can get the iconic cheese brand’s mascot laughing again.

Jeremy Culhane, a cast member on SNL, is teaming up with Chicago’s legendary comedy troupe The Second City for a special performance aimed at bringing back The Laughing Cow’s famous laugh. The show will feature improvisers taking on the everyday disagreements that have become the focus of the brand’s recent campaign.

Saturday Night Live comedian Jeremy Culhane will host The Second City’s “Let’s Make the Not Laughing Cow Laugh Again!” comedy special, featuring improvisers tackling everyday disagreements in an effort to bring back the iconic mascot’s laugh.

Bel USA

In September, The Laughing Cow made headlines when its mascot stopped laughing for the first time in more than 100 years. The brand later revealed that the change was inspired by the petty disagreements, or “wedge issues,” that can divide people over everything from airplane etiquette to how to load a dishwasher.

Related: The Laughing Cow Just Stopped Laughing After More Than 100 Years—and No One Knows Why

Now, Culhane is hoping comedy can help bring people together again.

“I mean, how often does someone call you and say, ‘Hey, we need your help making a cow laugh?'” Culhane told Parade exclusively. “That’s not an opportunity you get every day. I had to do this. I needed to do this. It was my calling. My vocation.”

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Culhane says the campaign’s message resonates because everyone has experienced a disagreement over something that ultimately doesn’t matter very much.

“Sometimes all it takes is someone pointing out how absurd they are for you to realize they’re actually pretty funny,” he said. “That’s what I love about comedy. If you can get people laughing together, suddenly they’re friends.”

Jeremy Culhane Reveals His Own Biggest ‘Wedge Issues’

Of course, Culhane has a few strong opinions of his own, especially when it comes to food.

“I firmly believe pineapple on pizza is the best topping. Hands down,” he said. “I’ve nearly come to blows over this many times, especially after moving to New York. Everyone says it’s the pizza capital of the world, but WHERE. IS. THE. PINEAPPLE.”

He also has strong feelings about how people pack suitcases and whether hot dogs qualify as sandwiches.

“If a hotdog is a sandwich, a folded pizza is a sandwich,” he joked. “That. Is. Morally. Wrong.”

As for what he’ll bring to the performance, Culhane says he’s counting on good jokes and “a healthy amount of desperation.”

Related: The Laughing Cow Stopped Laughing After More Than 100 Years—Now We Finally Know Why

“I’m just going to show up, have fun with it and try to make her laugh,” he said. “I can’t promise anything, but I’m willing to embarrass myself in front of a cow if that’s what it takes.”

Will Culhane and The Second City improvisers be able to get The Laughing Cow laughing again? Fans can find out when the full comedy special, Let’s Make the Not Laughing Cow Laugh Again!, premieres on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 8 p.m. ET. The special will stream on The Laughing Cow’s Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Facebook channels.

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The right lighting can make your bedroom feel more relaxing, especially when it’s time to unwind for the evening. Ambient lighting can help set the tone, whether you prefer a soft glow or colorful accents that bring personality to your space. Walmart has a budget-friendly lamp on flash sale right now that makes it easy to get the look for less. 

The Noahstrong Touch Lamp is now just $13 at Walmart, down from $23. It features 13 RGB colors, five brightness levels, and three lighting modes — jump, breathing, and gradient — for 256 possible lighting combinations.The lamp also includes touch controls and a remote, letting you adjust the settings to your liking without getting up to make changes. 

Noahstrong Touch Lamp, $13 (was $23) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

If you like having options when it comes to room lighting, the Noahstrong Touch Lamp offers multiple color choices, five brightness levels, and a warm white setting for a more classic look. You can adjust the light to suit your preference, whether you want a brighter glow or something more subdued. 

The lamp has touch controls on top, so you can adjust the settings directly, or use the included remote to change them from a distance. It also features four timer settings — one, two, four, or six hours — allowing you to set it to turn off automatically. That’s a handy feature for anyone who likes to leave a light on as they settle into bed.

It comes in three styles: a white base, a wood-grain base, and a wood-grain base with a hook. Each gives you a different look to choose from, whether you prefer a clean, simple finish or the look of natural wood.

Walmart shoppers adored the lamp’s colorful settings, with one reviewer saying it gave their room a “warm and cozy feeling.” Others loved its compact size, writing that it was a great fit for small apartments, kids’ rooms, and nurseries. . Its lightweight, portable design also makes it a handy night-light for a dark hallway or bathroom. 

Since the lamp is cordless, you can place it on a nightstand, dresser, bookshelf, or side table without needing to keep it plugged in. Its rechargeable 1,500 mAh battery takes about two hours to charge and provides up to 50 hours of light, depending on the settings.

Shop More Deals

• Costway 4-Tier Stackable Storage Bins, $55 (was $99) at Walmart
• Idealsoul Farmhouse Nightstand, $80 (was $120) at Walmart 
• Ayieyill 24-Piece Christmas Ornament Set, $15 (was $25) at Walmart

Related: Walmart’s ‘Adorable’ $20 Pink Tulip Lamp Brings a Sweet Touch of Spring to Tables Year-Round

For customizable bedroom lighting at a budget-friendly price, the Noahstrong Touch Lamp is a great find. Head to Walmart and snag one for just $13 while it’s still on sale! 

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