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Traveling in your 50s and beyond is a whole new ballgame. Gone are the days of roughing it on hostel cots or cramming a packed, stressful itinerary into a single weekend just to see every monument on a checklist. Today's midlife traveler knows what she wants: comfort, authentic experiences, seamless logistics, and a touch of well-earned luxury.

To gather the ultimate guide to navigating midlife getaways, we spoke with top travel experts who specialize in planning trips for women in their 50s—including advisors from Virtuoso, Bluetail Travel, and Why Not Roam. Here are their top non-negotiable tips for going solo, protecting your peace on group trips, and packing like a pro.

Related: The 7 Best Destinations for Women Over 50 to Visit Right Now, According to Travel Advisors

1. Shift Your Solo Travel Mindset

Taking the leap into solo travel for the first time can feel intimidating, but the industry has evolved to meet women right where they are.

"My best piece of advice is to not think of solo travel as being 'alone' or 'lonely,'" says Amy Kilbreath, founder of Port and Passport Travel and a Virtuoso-affiliated luxury travel advisor specializing in small-ship cruising for Gen X empty nesters. "Ships of all sizes—large ships, luxury small ships, and river cruises—all now offer dedicated solo cabins without a punitive single supplement. Guided land journeys are available for solo travelers based around shared interests... If safety is a concern, joining a group trip or a small ship as a solo is the easiest way to dip your toe in—you're independent, but never actually on your own."

For a smooth transition into going solo, consider a European destination with built-in social options. "Lisbon and Porto alone offer plenty to explore independently," notes Sheree Holt, founder and chief roaming strategist at Why Not Roam. "You’ve got food tours, wine experiences, workshops, and small-group excursions that make it easy to meet other travelers... I would book a centrally located hotel and arrange a few social experiences in advance, then leave part of the itinerary open. That gives the option of having plans and potential company without committing to being with a group every minute of the trip."

Related: A Minimalist Carry-On Packing List for Women Over 50

2. Pre-Arrange Your Airport Transfers

Arriving in a foreign country after a long-haul flight with heavy luggage can immediately throw you into stress mode. Elevating your security and comfort right out of the gate starts at the arrivals gate.

"For international travel, pre-arrange an airport transfer for when you arrive at your destination," advises Christina Schlegel, luxury travel advisor and owner of Bluetail Travel. "Having a car and driver waiting to take you to your hotel will ease logistics and provides added security when navigating a foreign country when you just arrived with luggage."

3. Delegate the Logistics on Group Trips

Whether you are organizing a 50th birthday celebration or bringing three generations together, women are almost always expected to play party planner, itinerary wrangler, and tour guide—often at the expense of their own vacation.

"On a group trip, it's almost always the woman who ends up running the whole show," Kilbreath explains. "It becomes just one more thing on her plate, instead of an actual vacation, which is such a shame... So enlist a travel advisor. They'll get to play group referee, mediator, therapist, and logistics guru... Hand off the logistics and these trips become something you can enjoy and experience, and not just as the vacation planner."

Cruises can also serve as a built-in safety valve for group dynamics. "A cruise is often the ideal way to travel as a group, too: everyone's in the same place, but with the freedom to explore different excursions during the day before all meeting up over a lively dinner to share stories," Kilbreath adds.

4. Give Yourself Permission to "Slow Travel"

The urge to check off every museum, cathedral, and landmark can leave you needing a vacation from your vacation. Midlife travel is all about building in breathing room and resisting the pressure to perform for others.

"Remember that you don't need to please everyone all of the time, and you don't need to see every landmark," says Schlegel. "After all, you are on vacation, so enjoy some relaxation, build in unhurried moments, and allow for serendipity in your exploration of a new destination."

Schlegel also offers a vital digital tip for remaining present: "Resist the urge to constantly post on social media while you are traveling, and just live for yourself in the moment."

Related: 8 Carry-On Essentials Every Over-50 Traveler Needs

5. Be Unapologetic About Your Comfort

You have earned the right to travel exactly how you want—without an ounce of guilt.

"As a travel advisor who just turned 50 herself last week, my biggest tip is to be completely unapologetic about doing what you like when you travel," says Kilbreath. "Build in time to just soak up a place instead of always being on the go. Splurge on the business-class seat or the room upgrade, we've earned a little extra comfort. This is a new chapter, so lean into what actually excites you now... You're not the same person you were a decade ago, so take the trip that fits who you are now and don't feel guilty about it."

6. Seek Out "Comfortable Adventure"

If you love being active during the day but want a 5-star bed at night, look for destinations that master the balance of outdoor thrills and high-end relaxation.

"Arenal, Costa Rica, is one of my favorite recommendations for women who want adventure but have zero desire to rough it," shares Holt. "You can hike near the volcano, walk the hanging bridges, visit waterfalls, go rafting or zip-lining, then return to a beautiful resort for a spa treatment, a great dinner, and a soak in the hot springs. In Arenal, you can spend the day doing something that challenges you and end it wrapped in a robe with a view of the volcano. (That’s my preferred version of adventure)."

7. Pack a Multi-Functional Wrap or Pashmina

When it comes to carry-on essentials, every advisor agreed on one item: an elevated, cozy layer that serves multiple purposes from the plane to dinner.

"A pashmina or, in winter, an oversized knitted shawl," recommends Schlegel. "You never know when you might encounter chilly air conditioning, a frigid airplane cabin, or cold weather, so it's important to remain warm and comfortable. A pashmina can also dress up an outfit for dinner, so you might as well bring a couple in different colors to maximize your travel wardrobe."

Kilbreath seconds the strategy with her go-to: "Mine starts with an oversized Tencel wrap with UPF. It never wrinkles, works as a layer in any weather, dresses an outfit up or down, doubles as a blanket on the plane, and covers your shoulders for churches in Europe."

Related: After 20 Years Away, I Returned to Providence and Found The Secret Spots For Those Over 50

8. Rethink Your Luggage and Shoe Prep

Small packing adjustments can save massive amounts of space and hassle once you arrive at your hotel room.

"My favorite is a top-opening suitcase like Biaggi rather than a clamshell, as it saves space in tiny hotel rooms and lets you pack more," Kilbreath shares. She also reveals an inexpensive packing hack: "My cheapest insider trick: disposable shower caps. Slip them over the soles of your packed shoes and the rest of your carry-on items stay clean."

9. Toss Clothespins and Detergent Packets in Your Bag

You do not need to pack your entire closet if you bring a few tiny laundry tools along for emergency spot-cleans.

"Bring along a couple of travel sink laundry packets (for example, Tide) as well as two to four clothespins," suggests Schlegel. "You never know when you might need to rinse out an item of clothing, and this makes it easy. Bonus: the clothespins can clip a hotel curtain that may be letting in an annoying chink of early morning light."

10. Pack Extra Grace and Flexibility

No matter how meticulously a trip is planned, flight delays, weather hiccups, or closed venues can happen. Embracing those detours is often where the real magic lives.

"The practical one people forget is a universal travel adaptor... But the real thing to pack is your grace and flexibility," Kilbreath emphasizes. "Travel is never perfect. Flights get delayed, the restaurant you had your heart set on is closed, it rains on the one day you needed sun. The women who have the best time traveling are those who can roll with it, who treat the detour as part of the adventure instead of a ruined plan. More often than not, the hiccup becomes the story you tell for years."

Related: Lisbon Is the Perfect European Escape for Solo Women Over 50—and Here’s Why

In 2005, rock band Paramore released its debut album, All We Know is Falling. The band were barely in their teens at the time of its release, but that hasn't stopped it from becoming one of the most-loved debut albums of all time.

The 10-track album features many fan-favorite classics, including "Conspiracy," a deep cut that was penned by singer Hayley Williamswhen she was just 13 years old.

"I guess I realized I liked [writing] when I started doing it in my spare time rather than just at school," the singer told MTV News in 2005, noting that her songwriting began with poetry.

"That's actually how 'Conspiracy' started. Zac [Farro, Paramore's drummer] was only 11 when we wrote that, and I think I was 13."

Expanding on the song's origin, Williams said that she arrived at band practice and did not know there was going to be a song at the end of the day.

"I had a poem that I brought written on a sheet of paper and they had music and it was sick," she said in an interview with Vulture. It sounded like Thursday’s 'Standing on the Edge of Summer,' or 'Understanding in a Car Crash.' I was like, 'This is heaven.' And we left that day with our first song."

"Conspiracy" was written by Williams and former Paramore guitarist Josh Farro alongside the band's current lead guitarist Taylor York.

York, who officially joined the band in 2009 as the rhythm guitarist, received songwriting credits on All We Know is Falling despite not joining Paramore until years later.

Formed in 2004 in Franklin, Tennessee, Paramore has released six studio albums. The most recent album, This Is Why, was released in 2023 and features the band's current lineup — Williams, York, and Zac Farro. The record reached No. 1 in the U.K. on the Official Albums Chart and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

In 2024, the trio supportedTaylor Swifton her U.K. and Europe leg of the Eras Tour before going on an indefinite hiatus.

Related: 1965 Song, Written by a 15-Year-Old, Became One of Motown's Greatest Hits

Few songs in music history have walked the fine line between absolute adoration and intense controversy quite like one Tom Jones’ 1968 classic.

Decades after "Delilah" first dominated the airwaves, the iconic track continues to divide listeners. Yet, despite its surprisingly dark narrative, the powerhouse anthem remains one of the legendary Welsh crooner’s most enduring and unstoppable signature hits.

The song, written by Barry Mason and Sylvan Whittingham, with music by Les Reed, was released in March 1968. By June, it had reached a high of No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Songfacts reported that Whittingham, married to Mason when the song was composed, says it was written in two hours. What began as a quick burst of creative spark quickly transformed into one of the most debated and enduring tracks in pop history.

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"It became about the guy's lover," Whittingham said. "She had been with someone else all night. He was jealous, and had probably been drinking, and then he stabbed her."

Additionally, she told Wales Online, "The whole thing flowed. You know when you are doing something creative, and it just does? It was completed in two hours.”

As reported by Songfacts, Mason told The Sun that the song was based upon a girl he met while on vacation in England when he was just 15. However, she had a boyfriend, and he was brokenhearted.

"I was shattered. I never shook it off, and I became sick with jealousy and a whole lot of pain. She had dark hair, brooding eyes, and she was really feisty. If there's a typical Welsh girl, she was the one."

"Delilah" tells the story of a jealous lover stabbing his unfaithful partner. Its lyrics include the shocking lines, “I crossed the street to her house, and she opened the door; she stood there laughing, I felt the knife in my hand, and she laughed no more.”

The song's controversial context sparked intense debate as it became more and more popular. As radio airplay soared, so did the backlash over its dark storyline, turning the irresistible melody into a lightning rod for criticism.

The Welsh Rugby Union banned the song from Principality Stadium in Wales. Wales Online reported that, for years, it was a Welsh Rugby Anthem, but due to the song's violent content, it was removed from the games' playlists.

A spokesperson said: “Delilah will not feature on the playlist for choirs for rugby internationals at Principality Stadium. The WRU removed the song from its half-time entertainment and music playlist during international matches in 2015. Guest choirs have also more recently been requested not to feature the song during their pre-match performances and throughout games."

Jones told the BBC that the song is “not a political statement." He added, "This woman was unfaithful to him and [the narrator] just loses it. It’s something that happens in life.”

Before its ban, Jones admitted that he loved to hear the song being sung at Welsh games. “It makes me very proud to be Welsh that they’re using one of my songs. He thinks the "great thing" about the song is its chorus, not the questionable lyrics.

“Why, why, why Delilah,” he said of the chorus. “I don’t think [singers] are really thinking about it. If it’s going to be taken literally, I think it takes the fun out of it.”

At the end of the day, fans don't take the dark storyline too seriously. Instead, they just love a good, dramatic sing-along.

To most listeners, it’s not about the heavy lyrics; it’s about belting out that massive chorus with a room full of people. Controversy might keep the song in the headlines, but for generations of fans, "Delilah" is simply an unbeatable fun time.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic violence, help is available 24 hours a day through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Related: This 1968 Country Smash Was Written in Just 15 Minutes, But Caused Years of Controversy

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Sandals are a warm weather staple, but not every pair of slip-ons is as comfortable as they are convenient. Sure, throwing in a pair of flip-flops when packing for a trip is easy, but many don't offer the type of support needed for long travel days or all the walking that comes with exploring a new place. Footwear that balances style and comfort is key, and for that, we absolutely love the Ecetana Flip-Flops at Walmart.

Normally $20, these adorable, supportive sandals now start at just $10 thanks to a limited-time Walmart flash deal. Right now, all sizes and colors are on sale for $10, meaning you can save on your preferred style.

Ecetana Flip-Flops, From $10 (was $20) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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A step up from basic flip-flops, these feature straps made of a flexible cloth adorned with a chic knot where the straps come together just above the toes. Shoppers said the straps felt soft against their skin and didn't rub or cause blisters, even when walking long distances. 

These sandals prioritize wearable ease with ergonomic construction. Made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), the footbed is designed to deliver premium comfort. EVA is a flexible, durable material with a lightweight feel, so it bends along with the natural movement and shape of your foot. The base mimics the spring and cushioning of a squishy yoga mat, which one reviewer raved made wearing them feel "like walking on pillows." 

Designed to wear safely on various terrains, these flip-flops have a high-traction serrated bottom that keeps each step stable. Their lightweight, water-resistant nature makes them a reliable choice for all sorts of activities, from beach trips to everyday errands. 

Multiple comments in the reviews section mentioned that these "stylish" sandals are "good for a vacation" because they "go with just about any summer outfit." One reviewer called them "perfect beach flip-flops," while another shared that they feel "so comfy in the summertime."

To further illustrate how stretchy and comfortable these flip-flops are, one shopper explained that even with foot swelling from lymphoedema, they felt "amazing" and had a "great fit." Another customer wore these flip-flops "as poolside footwear for aquatic physical therapy" because the bottoms have plenty of grip on slippery surfaces, and said that they offer "great arch support."

Several shoppers loved these "comfortable and cute" sandals so much that they purchased multiple pairs in different colors. They come in whole sizes from 6 through 12, and reviewers with wide feet noted that the footbed was plenty spacious.

You won't want to miss the chance to snag the Ecetana Flip-Flops for just $10 ahead of summer. Hurry and add a pair (or two!) to your Walmart cart before this flash deal ends.

Related: Walmart's Adjustable Slide Sandals Are 'Sleek,' 'Very Comfortable,' and Great for Swelling Feet

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It’s been 45 years since Stevie Nicks introduced the world to Bella Donna.

The legendary singer, recently named the "Greatest Rock Frontwoman” of all time by BBC Music, spread her wings beyond Fleetwood Mac on July 27, 1981, releasing her first solo album. More than four decades later, the album remains a timeless piece of rock history.

Featuring the singles “Stop Draggin’ Me Heart Around,” “Leather and Lace,” “Edge of Seventeen” and “After the Glitter Fades,” Bella Donna wasted no time climbing the charts. The classic album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 on Sept 5, 1981.

Nicks once explained why she released Bella Donna amid the height of her fame in Fleetwood Mac.

“I think the music industry is very male oriented,” she told High Times in 1982. ”Although there are a lot of wonderful girl singers around, still I think it’s their world. I fought through six years to make this LP. In Fleetwood Mac, they would have done it. I wouldn’t have. And I would’ve let them make me as dependent as I have always been on them, because when somebody is dependent, they’re under your thumb. And they knew that I had to go and do this by myself because I had to prove to myself that I could exist on my own.”

“This was the freest thing I’ve ever done,” she added.

While she felt free, she did have to play by producer Jimmy Iovine’s rules. In a 1981 interview with ABC News, Nicks revealed that Iovine gave her some ground rules, one of them being that he expected the album to be completed in three months.

“If you want to do an album, I know that you're really used to being like the midnight cat queen that comes in whenever you feel like it . …This is not how we're gonna do this album,” Nocks recalled Iovine telling her.  First of all, you only have three months, and second, I don't want to waste my time with a cartoon."

“He was saying this is not big rock and roll, this is something you have never done before, you are not a proven solo artist in any way, shape, or form,” Nicks shared, adding that Iovine told her if she wanted to take “months and months and months” to make the album, then she should “find somebody else.”

RELATED: 1981 Rock Duet Became the Biggest Hit Ever for Both Artists

Not only did Nicks stick with Iovine, but she called on several famous friends to help her with Bella Donna. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were featured on the duet “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” while Nicks’ ex Don Henley crooned “Leather and Lace” alongside her.

Nicks also brought in backing vocalists Lori Perry-Nicks and Sharon Celani.

In 2021, Nicks posted to Instagram to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Bella Donna.

“Bella Donna was a dream,” she wrote in 2021. “I chose Lori Perry-Nicks and Sharon Celani as my army to go on that journey with me. I wanted us to sound like the girl version of Crosby, Stills and Nash. I did not want the record to sound  anything like Fleetwood Mac—that would have defeated the dream."

“I could not have been more proud of those songs – or the three months it took me, the girls – and Jimmy Iovine to craft it,’ Nicks added. “It did not break up Fleetwood Mac. If anything, it kept us together. And then – as all never-ending dreams always do – it opened the doors of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – took my hand and invited me in for my own work – for the women of the world. The thing I am most proud of.”

Forty-five years after the release of Bella Donna, the album continues to resonate with fans all over the world.

Related: Stevie Nicks Recorded One of Her Most Beautiful Songs Three Times—But It Was Never Released as a Single

You're up for a promotion during a performance review and want to convey executive presence through your clothing. Depending on the industry, you may wish to look "polished," "commanding" or "creative." Fit and vibe matter, but don't overlook the power of color psychology in the workplace. The hues you use can contribute a lot to how you're perceived.

"Color is one of the fastest signals of intent in any room—and in leadership, intent is everything," says Michelle Lewis, a color psychology expert and certified color analyst. "The colors a leader consistently chooses are already communicating their values, their energy and their relationship to authority before any agenda item is addressed."

She notes that the most self-aware people understand and deliberately embrace the psychology of "power dressing."

"Color in leadership is a real-time declaration of who you are and what you're building—and the people you're leading are reading it and responding, whether you're thinking about it or not," Lewis, who is also the founder of ColorAnalysis.com and The Color Institute and the author of Color Secrets: Learning The One Universal Language We Were Never Taught, explains to Parade.

OK, but what color means “leadership"? It can depend, but natural leaders tend to wear one specific color the most. In turn, people flock to them and consistently follow their lead. Lewis shares the best colors for CEOs and other "powers that be" (even budding ones). She also shares the best colors that represent leadership in every situation, from layoff news to mentoring sessions.

Related: Color Psychologist Says Wearing This Color Makes You Appear Instantly More Approachable

The #1 Color Worn by Natural Leaders: Blue

According to a color psychologist, blue is the color that best represents natural leadership.

Blue reigns supreme among power colors in business because it builds reliable, long-term trust, Lewis says. Compared to red, which demands attention in the moment, blue exudes a calm authority, clear thinking and dependable judgment.

The Psychology Behind Why Blue Projects Authority

Lewis shares that there's consistent behavioral evidence in color psychology that blue signals "leadership." For instance, research in Sciencesuggested that blue could improve performance on tasks that needed people to think expansively and creatively. She also points out that a University of Cambridge study published in Frontiers in Psychology linked blue with trust, competence and reliability across cultures and contexts.

All of these qualities are ingredients for sound, natural leadership. However, the color analyst points out that blue's authority was historically embedded long before this research emerged. Look at naval uniforms, diplomatic dress codes and judicial robes across several cultures and eras.

"Blue has signaled trustworthy authority for centuries because it reads as steady rather than reactive," Lewis notes. "A leader in blue isn't trying to dominate the room. They're anchoring it, usually in wisdom and experience. And in most leadership contexts, that distinction is everything."

Digging deeper, she shares that blue communicates something about emotional regulation, elevating it as a color that represents leadership.

"Blue personalities think before they act and process before they speak, and the people around them feel that steadiness even when they can't name it," she says. "In a world that moves fast and reacts too quickly, a leader who reads as calm and clear is extraordinarily valuable." 

Related: These 3 Favorite Colors Are Often Linked to Emotional Intelligence, According to a Color Analyst

3 Other Power Colors That Signal Executive Presence

Blue may signal natural leadership, but it may not scream "you." Lewis notes that some other colors represent leadership, so you can try those on instead.

1. Magenta

"Magenta is the color of the leader who isn't just running an organization—they're redefining one," Lewis states.

She describes magenta as "mission-driven and completely unapologetic."

"In color psychology, magenta is the color of someone who moves through the world with a sense of mission and whose visual voice is as strong as their actual one," she says. "For leaders genuinely trying to change an industry rather than maintain one, magenta is the most powerful color choice available."

Related: Color Psychologist Says Your Favorite Color May Be Connected to Type A or Type B Personality Traits

2. Deep green

Deep green isn't a plane at an airport: it doesn't need someone to announce its arrival.

"Green leaders are the stabilizing force in any organization—deeply dependable, attuned to the people around them and trusted instinctively rather than through display," Lewis says.

When she dresses executives and public figures for on-camera appearances, she often puts them in this hue.

"Deep green consistently builds audience trust and loyalty faster than almost any other color," she explains. "It reads as someone whose authority is earned rather than performed, which is exactly the quality that makes people want to follow someone over the long term."

Related: Color Psychologist Says if Your Favorite Color Is Green, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

3. Purple

Lewis hails purple as the "color of the visionary," whose authority "comes from seeing further than anyone else in the room."

"Historically reserved for those whose power transcended ordinary hierarchy, purple in a contemporary leadership context signals intellectual depth, unconventional thinking and genuine connection to something larger than the bottom line," she states.

Today, the color analyst reports that leaders rocking purple intentionally signal that they're operating on a different level.

"The people who recognize that signal tend to be exactly the kind of people worth having in your corner," she adds.

The Best Leadership Colors for Different Workplace Situations

If you want to convey executive presence with clothing, wearing blue, magenta, purple and deep green is a good start.

Still, different colors may work in different situations. For instance, a brainstorming session is way different than announcing layoffs. Lewis shares the best colors to wear when dressing for leadership in any situation.

Scenario

Color that represents leadership

Psychological signal

Discussing layoffs/organizational change at an all-hands

Blue

Steady and trustworthy

Workplace conflict mediation between two employees

Green

Neutral and calm

Board meeting

Deep navy or teal

Authoritative and credible

Review in which you'll ask for a promotion

Purple (indigo)

Vision and depth

Mentoring meeting

Green

Nurturing and open

Brainstorming session

Orange

Generative and connecting

Announcing a crisis like a data breach

Blue

Calm and in control

Related: Color Psychologist Says if Your Favorite Color Is Orange, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

3 Colors Leaders Should Avoid in the Boardroom

Dressing for leadership is also about knowing what colors to avoid. Lewis shared the types of colors power figures generally steer clear of and why.

1. Bright red

Bright red is one of those colors that you might think projects authority, but Lewis worries it screams something else.

"In a boardroom, [red] specifically can read as volatility rather than authority in high-stakes strategic settings," she warns. "A leader who consistently signals urgency and intensity can make the people around them feel reactive rather than empowered. Red works in moments. Boardrooms require sustained credibility."

2. Yellow

The sunniest shade is "neurologically activating in ways that work directly against the gravitas a boardroom requires," Lewis reports.

"A leader who generates that response in the people they're trying to influence is undermining their own authority before the meeting has started," she says. "Yellow also connects to aposematism, the biological warning signal system, meaning its brightness can trigger alertness rather than receptivity in the room."

3. Orange

Orange has its place, but Lewis says it's best left for less formal settings than a boardroom.

"Orange is... warm, inviting and abundantly generous in its energy," she states. "Those are exactly the qualities that make it counterproductive when authority needs to land quickly and clearly."

She notes orange can make others feel like equals, but sometimes you need to convey that you're pulling rank.

"In a brainstorming session or team-building context, it's a genuine asset," she shares. "In a board meeting where command needs to be unquestionable, it works against you."

Up Next:

Related: Color Psychologist Says the Color of Your Shoes Impacts You More Than You Think—Here's Why

Sources:

• Michelle Lewis is a color psychology expert, certified color analyst, author and the founder of ColorAnalysis.com and The Color Institute. She is also the author of Color Secrets: Learning The One Universal Language We Were Never Taught.
• Blue or Red? Exploring the Effect of Color on Cognitive Task Performances. Science.
• The Color Red Is Implicitly Associated With Social Status in the United Kingdom and China. Frontiers in Psychology.
• The Effects of Color on the Moods of College Students. SAGE Open.

Coaster enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, mark your calendars for Tuesday, July 28. The months of intense speculation, cryptic social media clues, and wild fan theories surrounding Six Flags Great Adventure's mysterious "Project Purple" are finally coming to an end.

The Jackson, New Jersey, theme park just dropped its third and final teaser video, confirming that the long-awaited reveal will officially happen tomorrow during a special presentation at the park.

For months, parkgoers visiting The Boardwalk district have been tracking the growing mystery firsthand. Situated along the nostalgic seaside-inspired area right near the recently opened Shoreline Pier, construction walls and themed elements have dominated the walkway.

The focal point of the hype has been a mysterious, purple-lit shipping container sitting right in the middle of the site. In the final teaser released by the park, the heavy container doors finally swing open, dropping one last tantalizing hook right before tomorrow's announcement.

Related: Six Flags Is Replacing Its Legendary 456-Foot Coaster With Something Even Bigger — And It Could Be One of the World's Tallest

Six Flags Great Adventure Releases Last Project Purple Trailer (0:15)

While Six Flags leadership has kept official ride statistics tightly under wraps, "Project Purple" has been one of the Northeast's most closely watched theme park developments. Construction officially ramped up earlier this year when track installation began on the site, signaling that Great Adventure was preparing to drop a massive new scream machine into its lineup.

Theme park fans have been dissecting every detail of the construction footprint, pointing to the distinct purple track elements, high-intensity launching mechanisms, and aggressive structural footers to predict what records the new coaster could break.

Great Adventure is already famous for its world-record engineering—from the towering heights of Nitro and the record-breaking wooden airtime of El Toro to the world's tallest single-rail coaster, Jersey Devil—and "Project Purple" is expected to push those engineering boundaries even further. Rumors have swirled around potential new Northeast records for inversions, speed, or steepness, with the striking purple aesthetic hinting at a high-octane DC superhero or villain theme.

Related: Six Flags Reveals 'Record-Breaking' New Mystery Coaster Is Officially Under Construction

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As Ryan Eldredge, Director of Sales and Marketing at Six Flags Great Adventure, shared ahead of the reveal: “This final teaser keeps the story moving while leaving fans wanting more. We've loved watching guests and coaster enthusiasts develop theories over the past few weeks, and this latest chapter only adds to the anticipation as we count down to July 28.”

During tomorrow’s official presentation, the park will finally pull back the curtain to reveal the attraction’s official name, backstory, layout, opening timeline, and exact record-breaking stats for the first time. Stay tuned as Jackson's next major thriller is officially unveiled!

Related: Six Flags' NJ Flagship Reveals Five New Rides and 'Gabagool'

Disney has a side hustle — remaking their animated hits into live-action movies. It started with 101 Dalmatians with Glenn Close as Cruella De Vil in 1996. The studio later found box office gold with Beauty and the Beast live-action, starring Harry Potter's Emma Watson as Belle and Downton Abbey's Dan Stevens as the Beast. It followed up with live-action remakes of The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and last year's box office smash, Lilo & Stitch. And on July 10, Disney brought Moana to life with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson reprising his role as Maui from the animated film in the live-action remake.

The film is still in theaters, but audiences are already wondering when it will hit streaming on Disney+. Here's everything we know so far about when and where you can rent, buy, and stream the new live-action Moana film.

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What is the live-action Moana about?

In “Moana,” Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved Oscar®-nominated animated adventure, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people.

Related: Disney Drops New Teaser and Premiere Date for ‘Descendants: Wicked Wonderland’

When did the live-action Moana premiere?

The live-action Moana movie premiered in theaters on July 10, 2026.

Is Moana streaming?

Not yet. Moana is still in theaters.

Related: Who Is ‘Moana’ Star Catherine Laga’aia’s Famous Father?

Will Moana stream on Disney+?

Yes. Moana will likely stream on Disney+ sometime after the typical 90-day theatrical window passes.

When will Moana live-action stream on Disney+?

Disney hasn't announced an official streaming date, but based on the studio's recent release patterns, Moana could arrive on Disney+ around Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. Before then, it's expected to become available to rent or buy digitally in early September, likely around Sept. 8. Disney has not confirmed either date.

Where else can I stream Moana?

You'll be able to stream Moana on other platforms like Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube,, Fandango and others through rental or purchase of the movie online.

Related: ‘Hamilton’ Creator Has a New Moana Song and It Features Two Moanas

When will Moana be available to rent or buy?

Moana will be able to rent or purchase after the typical 90-day theatrical window. It's expected to become available to rent or buy digitally in early September, likely around Sept. 8. Disney has not confirmed either date.

Who is in the cast of the Live-Action Moana? Catherine Laga'aia as Moana in Disney's live-action MOANA. ©2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana Dwayne Johnson as Maui in Disney's live-action MOANA. ©2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Dwayne Johnson as MauiFrankie Adams as SinaJohn Tui as Chief TuiCheck out images from Moana

Take a look at some select images from Moana in the gallery below.

MoanaDisney Catherine Laga'aia as Moana in Disney's live-action MOANA. ©2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Dwayne Johnson as Maui in Disney's live-action MOANA. ©2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Catherine Laga'aia as Moana in Disney's live-action MOANA. ©2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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(L-R) Catherine Laga'aia as Moana and Pua in Disney's live-action MOANA. ©2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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©2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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©2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Disney

Catherina Laga'aia as Moana in Disney's live-action MOANA. ©2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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©2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Disney

Next, Catherine Laga’aia Beat 32,000 Hopefuls to Become Disney’s New Moana

Beyond the Gates Season 2 has wrapped production, according to Daytime Emmy nominee Karla Mosley.

The beloved fan-favorite star has taken to social media to share that the hit soap opera has wrapped production on its second season, finishing filming episodes expected to air through the end of 2026.

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Beyond the Gates' first “season” came to a close with episode 200 that aired on January 2, 2026. The 2nd Season is expected to come to a close the week of December 27, 2026. The show was already renewed for two additional seasons.

The show is currently 22 weeks ahead of airtime; while most daytime dramas have historically filmed within a few weeks of airdate, it is not completely uncommon for soaps to film months ahead of schedule, as the Peacock streaming soap opera Days of Our Lives is currently 10 months ahead of air date.

Beyond the Gates is CBS’s newest daytime drama, taking place in the fictional world of Fairmont Crest located in the DMV. The series tells the story of the Dupree family, anchored by patriarch Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) and his wife and matriarch of the family, Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie), as they help their family and friends navigate the challenges life throws at them and those they love.

"Episode 283" -- Coverage of the CBS Original Series BEYOND THE GATES, scheduled to air on the CBS Television Network. Pictured: Tamara Tunie as Anita Dupree, Karla Mosley as Dani Dupree, Daphnee Duplaix as Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson and Jen Jacob as Ashley Morgan. Photo: Quantrell Colbert/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Over the course of the two seasons, Beyond the Gates has already pushed boundaries, telling stories involving racial tension with an incident that occurred in a sundown town, to the intense realities of battling a cancer diagnosis with Anita’s triple-negative breast cancer storyline and the fallout of the BRCA gene diagnosis in her daughter Dani (Mosley) and her granddaughter Naomi Hawthorne (Arielle Prepertit).

Beyond the Gates is the first hour-long daytime drama to have a predominantly black cast and crew, and is the first new daytime drama in over twenty years.

Beyond the Gates airs brand new episodes weekdays on CBS with episode streaming that night on Paramount+. Viewers can watch the series from the beginning on Paramount+, Pluto TV’s dedicated 24/7 Beyond the Gates FAST channel, or on Tubi.

Costco is known for its low warehouse prices, giant food court portions and famously loyal shoppers. But one of the retailer’s biggest perks isn’t something members can buy inside the warehouse.

It’s a retirement benefit that can become especially valuable for employees who stick around for years.

Costco contributes money to eligible employees’ 401(k) accounts even if they aren’t contributing their own money. And for workers with at least 25 years of service, that contribution can reach 9% of their pay.

That makes Costco’s retirement plan stand out at a time when many Americans are trying to figure out how to save enough for retirement.

The retailer’s 401(k) benefit works differently from a traditional employer match. After an employee has at least one year of service, Costco contributes an amount equal to 4% of the employee’s pay.

The percentage increases with tenure, eventually reaching 9% for employees who have worked for the company for 25 years or more.

In other words, employees don’t necessarily have to put money into the account themselves to receive that particular company contribution.

Costco does offer a separate matching contribution, too. The company matches 50% of an employee’s contributions up to $1,000, meaning employees can receive up to an additional $500 per year through the match.

The result can be significant over a long career.

The Wall Street Journal reported that many thousands of Costco’s U.S. hourly workers have more than $1 million in their 401(k) accounts, with the company’s contributions playing a role in helping employees build those balances over decades.

One recent example is Tony Barzar, a Costco cashier in Tucson, Arizona, who has worked for the company for nearly four decades. Barzar started at the company in 1986 making $5.85 an hour. Today, he earns $32.90 an hour, and his 401(k) has grown to more than $1 million.

Barzar isn’t necessarily an outlier in terms of Costco’s long-term employee culture. Costco’s chief financial officer told the Wall Street Journal that many thousands of its hourly workers have accumulated more than $1 million in their retirement accounts.

That kind of longevity is notable because Costco says 55% of its global employees have at least five years of service, while 23,700 have worked for the company for 25 years or more.

The company has made employee retention part of its broader strategy. Costco says its benefits package includes a 401(k), health care, paid sick and vacation time, employee assistance programs and other benefits, while tenured hourly employees also receive additional compensation based on their years of service.

There’s also an important distinction between Costco’s 9% contribution and a 9% match.

The 9% figure is not something every Costco employee receives right away, and it isn’t a promise that the company will match 9% of whatever an employee puts into a 401(k). Instead, it represents the company contribution available to employees after reaching the longest tenure threshold.

For 2026, workers can contribute up to $24,500 of their own money to a 401(k), before considering applicable catch-up contributions for older workers. Employer contributions are separate from that employee deferral limit, although there are overall federal limits on combined employee and employer contributions.

And that’s ultimately what makes Costco’s benefit so interesting.

The retailer isn’t simply offering employees a way to save for retirement. It is effectively rewarding people for staying with the company long enough to see the benefit grow.

For someone who spends decades working at Costco, those contributions can compound alongside their own savings and investment growth.

That may help explain why the company’s retirement benefits have become such a notable part of its employee strategy, and why some Costco workers can eventually walk away from the warehouse with a seven-figure nest egg.

RELATED: The Iconic ’90s Tickle Me Elmo Toy Is Back With a New Twist

If you're planning a late-summer or early-autumn trip to Walt Disney World, you'll want to double-check your splash-pad plans.

Typhoon Lagoon will officially close for its annual refurbishment beginning September 9, 2026, with September 8 serving as its final operational day for the summer season.

The closure marks the end of a rare stretch for the resort. For the second consecutive summer, Disney operated both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach simultaneously—a departure from recent years when the two water parks alternated operational windows. Once Typhoon Lagoon closes its gates, Blizzard Beach will remain open as the resort's primary water park throughout the fall stretch.

The September 9 shutdown aligns directly with the end of Disney’s summer promotion. Through September 8, guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels have been able to take advantage of complimentary admission to either water park on their check-in day.

Related: Popular Disney World Attraction Set to Close for Refurbishment

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Related: 10 Iconic Disney World Rides That Have Closed Forever—And What Replaced Them

What to Know If You're Visiting This Fall:

• The Last Day to Splash: Typhoon Lagoon's final day of operation for the season will be Monday, September 8.
• Where to Go Instead: Blizzard Beach will take over as the single operating water park starting September 9.
• The Reopening Cycle: Typhoon Lagoon is expected to remain closed for several months of routine maintenance. Once it reopens (likely in early 2027), Blizzard Beach will close for its own refurbishment window.
• Looking Ahead to 2027: Disney has already confirmed that both the dual-park summer operation and the free check-in day water park perk for hotel guests will return for the Summer 2027 season.

If catching the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon is a non-negotiable for your family, make sure to get your slides in before the end of the day on September 8. Otherwise, pack your sunblock for Blizzard Beach and enjoy the autumn park crowds!

Related: 10 Cool Ways to Beat the Heat at Disney World This Summer

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The best summer pants are stylish, lightweight, and comfortable enough to wear from morning to night. If you've been looking for the perfect casual-cozy pair to wear while running errands, traveling, or hanging around the house, Walmart's top-rated Fantaslook Cotton Knit Lounge Pants are now on sale for nearly 45% off in over a dozen cute colors. 

Available in sizes small to 3XL, these popular pants are now on sale for just $15, down from $27. They come in a wide range of classic neutrals, bold jewel tones, and pretty pastels, making it easy to find a color (or two!) that best suits your style. 

Fantaslook Cotton Knit Lounge Pants, $15 (was $27) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Made of 94% cotton and 6% spandex, these knit pants have a "very soft" and "breathable" feel that's pill-resistant, gentle against the skin, and suitable for a variety of activities, from outdoor workouts to long travel days to movie nights at home. They feature a stretchy waistband, an adjustable drawstring tie, and a straight-leg silhouette, providing a relaxed fit that's cozy while still looking polished enough for everyday wear. There are two convenient side pockets that are ideal for stashing a phone, wallet, keys, or other small essentials. 

The versatile style can also easily be dressed up or down, depending on your plans. Pair the pants with a T-shirt and sandals for a casual lunch, don them with sneakers and a tank while heading to the gym, or elevate the look with a flowy blouse and wedges. Maintenance is a breeze, too; simply machine wash them in a gentle cycle, and hang them to dry. 

Related: Walmart's Adjustable Slide Sandals Are 'Sleek,' 'Very Comfortable,' and Great for Swelling Feet

With over 995 five-star ratings, the Fantaslook cotton lounge pants are a clear favorite among Walmart shoppers. One reviewer highlighted the fabric, noting that "the lightweight material is perfect for warm weather." Others called them "comfy," "buttery soft," and "smooth to the touch." 

With a flattering fit, breathable fabric, and over a dozen colors to choose from, these cute and comfy lounge pants are sure to become a new staple in your summer wardrobe. Grab a pair while most colors and sizes are still in stock and on sale for just $15 at Walmart. 

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Harry Nilsson's 1971 album Nilsson Schmilsson contained two songs that had no business being on the same record. "Without You" spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the most beloved ballad of the decade. "Jump Into the Fire" peaked at No. 27 and sounded like it belonged on a Led Zeppelin record. The same man. The same album. The same year. Nineteen years later, Martin Scorsese put "Jump Into the Fire" in Goodfellas, and it became one of the most recognizable pieces of music in cinema history.

Here's the twist. "Without You" wasn't even Nilsson's own song. Pete Ham and Tom Evans of Badfinger wrote it. Nilsson heard it playing at a party and mistook it for a lost Beatles track. When he realized it wasn't, he decided he wanted to cover it. He took it to No. 1. It was his only No. 1 hit ever. Then, he wrote "Jump Into the Fire" and watched it peak at No. 27. The song he wrote was less popular than the song he covered. That's the most ironic detail in the whole story.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney both supported Nilsson's work publicly. McCartney even asked him to write "The Puppy Song" for Mary Hopkin on Apple Records. David Cassidy later took it to No. 1 in the UK in 1973. Nilsson spent the 1960s writing charming pop songs and never once toured. He built his entire reputation through recordings alone.

"Jump Into the Fire" was produced by Richard Perry at Trident Studios in London and includes a moment where bassist Herbie Flowers can be heard detuning his instrument mid-song. It sounds like the music is breaking down and coming apart under the pressure. The album version runs nearly seven minutes. Nilsson described the shift: "What do you say to a man who writes 'The Puppy Song' and then writes 'Jump into the Fire'? I really needed to make that change, too; that was exactly what I was hoping would happen."

The song peaked at No. 27. By any normal standard, that was a failure as a follow-up to a No. 1.

Related: 1970 Linda Ronstadt Ballad, Ignored for 53 Years, Became a Phenomenon After She Could No Longer Sing It

Then Scorsese got hold of it.

In 1990, Scorsese used "Jump Into the Fire" in the "Last Day as a Wiseguy" dramatic sequence in Goodfellas. Henry Hill's doing cocaine, leaving Jimmy's, placing guns in a car trunk while a helicopter circles overhead. The song plays twice. The first time, Henry's leaving the house still completely in control. The second time, the drum break returns after a child complains about a hat. In Scorsese's hands, even domestic trivia sounds like doom. The music that sounded like freedom in 1971 sounded like a countdown to disaster in 1990.

Nilsson also performed "Jump Into the Fire" in the 1974 Apple Films movie Son of Dracula, in which he starred as Count Downe. The man who never played live shows instead chose to play a vampire.

The Song That Peaked at No. 27 Is Still Finding New Audiences

The man Lennon and McCartney called the greatest songwriter alive never played a live show. His only No. 1 hit was a cover. His most enduring cultural legacy peaked at No. 27.

Goodfellas screened in a 35th anniversary 4K restoration at IFC Center and Flashback Cinema locations in February of 2025. New audiences heard "Jump Into the Fire" in cinema sound for the very first time. On TikTok in 2026, users are still using the song as the soundtrack for Goodfellas clips, introducing it to a whole new generation.

Harry Nilsson wrote "Jump Into the Fire" because he needed to change. It peaked at No. 27. Nineteen years later, Scorsese made it the sound of a world coming apart. Thirty-five years after that, it screened in 4K.

The song that reached No. 27 in 1971 outlasted almost everything that reached No. 1 that year.

He just didn't know it would take 50 years.

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Bobbie Gentry, the groundbreaking singer-songwriter behind the timeless hit "Ode to Billie Joe," turns 84 on Monday, July 27.

Though many fans know her for the haunting 1967 classic that spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Gentry's influence extends far beyond a single song. She became one of the first female artists in America to write, perform and produce her own material, earned three Grammy Awards for "Ode to Billie Joe," later hosted her own BBC television series, and created a body of work that continues to inspire generations of artists decades after she quietly stepped away from the spotlight.

Related: Last Surviving Brother of Iconic ’70s Band Turns 75

Her impact has only grown with time.

In 2018, The Guardian described Gentry as the "trailblazing queen of country," noting that she "didn't just write her own songs but had her own TV show, made her own clothes and painted her own album art." The publication also observed that she "seems a very modern figure, a pioneer for women in pop," adding that "her unavailability has only enhanced her mystique."

Related: Country Legend Scored His First No. 1 Hit 70 Years Ago Today

Likewise, uDiscoverMusic ranked Gentry No. 9 among the greatest female songwriters of all time, calling her "a quintessential Southern storyteller." The publication praised how she "was also one of the first female hitmakers who wrote most of her own material," adding that while everyone remembers "Ode to Billie Joe," "her imagination really blossomed" on her album The Delta Sweete, and describing Patchwork as "a still-overlooked orchestral pop gem."

Her influence stretches across country, pop and Americana.

The Los Angeles Times called Gentry an "unsung pioneer," arguing that listeners should be "more attuned to why she mattered so profoundly, particularly to female musicians who still claim her as a touchstone." Producer and archivist Andrew Batt told the newspaper, "Her songwriting was not like anyone else's," explaining that "she created something new" through her narrative songwriting.

Related: Country-Pop Sleeper Hit Is Closing In on Ella Langley on Billboard’s Biggest Charts

The paper also pointed to the lasting echoes of Gentry's work, writing that "you hear and see her" in artists including Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark, Miranda Lambert and the Pistol Annies.

Among Gentry's most enduring songs is "Fancy," which later became one of Reba McEntire's signature hits. Gentry herself once described it as her "strongest statement for women's lib, if you really listen to it."

She added, "I agree wholeheartedly with that movement and all the serious issues that it stands for, equality, equal pay, day care centers, and abortion rights."

Even after leaving the music business, Gentry's mystique has remained almost unmatched. As the Los Angeles Times wrote, "Bobbie Gentry simply does not want to be found," calling her retirement "one of pop music's greatest vanishing acts." Yet the publication argued that the real story isn't where she went, but the extraordinary legacy she left behind.

Today, more than half a century after "Ode to Billie Joe" changed the musical landscape, Bobbie Gentry remains one of the most influential and enigmatic artists country music has ever produced.

Related: One of Rock's Greatest Voices Turns 79

Riley Green is climbing the charts again, more than a decade after he first began his music career.

The country star's song "Think As You Drunk" has re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 94, giving the Alabama singer another major chart moment as his career reaches a new high. The song previously peaked at No. 91 and has now spent three weeks on the chart.

Green began his career in 2013, when he released his self-titled EP. Since then, he has built a steady career through several EPs, hit singles, studio albums, major tours and award wins. His latest chart rise shows how far he has come since those early days.

The timing also comes as Green prepares to release his fourth studio album, That's Just Me, on Sept. 18, 2026. "Think As You Drunk" is one of the songs set to appear on the new record.

The song has also gained attention because of its connection to the late country star Toby Keith. Green said the song was inspired by the kind of fun, rowdy country music that Keith was known for. The track ends with a sample of Keith singing his 2005 hit "As Good as I Once Was."

Riley Green at The 52nd American Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 25, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Photo by Gilbert Flores/Dick Clark Productions via Getty Images

"The best compliment I can give a song is ‘Man, this feels like a Toby Keith song,’" Green told Billboard. "Especially as a songwriter, I don’t know if there was a bigger influence on me."

Green said the song was written with Erik Dylan, Wyatt McCubbin and Jessi Alexander in about 20 minutes. After hearing the finished song, Green's team played it for Keith's manager and family. According to Green, they saw it as a tribute to the late singer and wanted his vocal included.

"They completely thought it was a tip of the cap to Toby, so they wanted to have his vocal on it," Green said. "Think" now ends sampling Keith singing his 2005 smash, which Green’s father used to joke was written about him. "So, it’s really a full-circle moment for me to have Toby’s vocal on that song."

Riley Green's ‘Think As You Drunk’ Gets a Boost

The song's chart return comes as Green continues to keep fans talking with new music and a busy schedule.

A music video for "Think As You Drunk," directed by Wes Edwards, adds a comedy-driven story to the song. Parts of the video were filmed at Green's Duck Blind bar in Nashville.

In the clip, Green plays an increasingly drunk version of himself who causes trouble around the bar. At one point, he mistakes his corgi, Carl, for the bartender. He also shows off some awkward dance moves while the people around him try to avoid getting involved.

The video also features Green performing the song inside the club. The story later takes him onto a riding mower, to a girlfriend's home and into an encounter with police before he eventually finds his way back to the bar and the stage.

The Toby Keith connection is also included in the video. Bar patrons sing the lyrics from "As Good as I Once Was" while the camera shows a photo of Keith holding a red Solo cup.

The new chart movement comes during one of the busiest periods of Green's career. He is currently on his Cowboy As It Gets Tour, with dates running through August 2026. He has also expanded his work beyond music with a television role.

Green made his acting debut in 2026 as Garrett in Marshals, appearing in a four-episode arc. His character was later killed off after five episodes, leaving some fans disappointed. During a July tour stop in Utah, Green brought actress Ash Santos, who played Andrea Cruz, onstage for a special moment that connected back to their time on the show.

Green is also set to join The Voice as a coach in the show's 30th season later in 2026.

His growing profile has also led to more attention around his personal life. During an appearance on the This Past Weekend w/Theo Von podcast, Green said his busy career makes dating difficult.

"It's really not that easy to meet a girl when you're doing what we're doing," Green said, per Taste of the Country.

He explained that his life on the road and his fame make it harder to meet someone naturally. He also said he feels anxious when people recognize him in public and give him attention outside of his performances.

For now, Green appears focused on his career. He said his schedule may need to change before he can settle into a quieter life.

Related: Country Star’s Hit Song Returns to No. 1 Amid 2026 Tour

Few people transformed television quite like Norman Lear. The legendary writer and producer revolutionized the sitcom by tackling issues that had rarely been discussed on network TV, creating groundbreaking series including All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Good Times, Maude, One Day at a Time, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and Sanford and Son. His fearless storytelling changed the television landscape forever and inspired generations of creators. As Tyler Perry once said about his legacy, "I exist because of Norman Lear."

Born on July 27, 1922 in Hartford, Connecticut, Lear would have been 106 today. Before he became one of television's greatest pioneers, during World War II he served in the US Army Air Forces as radio operator and gunner aboard B-17 Flying Fortress bombers. He flew more than 50 combat missions over Europe. When this writer interviewed him for Parade about the Tuskegee Airmen, he vividly recalled the relief of seeing the famous Red Tail escorts protecting his bomber. "Those guys stayed very close to us in our B-17s. When they were in the air, we felt a little safer… Their planes danced in the sky," he shared. It was a memory he never forgot and one that reflected his lifelong admiration for courage and service.

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Over a career that spanned more than seven decades, Lear won six Primetime Emmy Awards, received the National Medal of Arts, was honored by the Kennedy Center and, at age 97, became the oldest Emmy winner in history.

Yet awards were never his driving force. Lear remained curious and creative throughout his life, refusing to slow down. He continued developing television projects, mentoring young storytellers and advocating for civic engagement well into his 90s. In fact, he was actively working until the final weeks of his life, developing new television projects—including a reboot of Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman—before his death at age 101. His inspiring work ethic demonstrated that creativity has no retirement age.

Although Lear was celebrated for changing television forever, he often credited his success not to talent alone but to a willingness to keep learning. Curious by nature and endlessly interested in people, he believed every encounter offered an opportunity to grow. That philosophy shaped not only the unforgettable characters he created but also the extraordinary life he lived.

Quote of the Day by Norman Lear

"I fell in love, as a young man, with a statement: 'Each man is my superior in that I may learn from him.'"

Norman Lear shared today's quote during a 2021 interview with CBSSunday Morning while reflecting on the philosophy that guided his extraordinary life and career. Speaking with correspondent, and his son-in-law, Dr. Jon LaPook, Lear explained that one simple statement he discovered as a young man became a lifelong compass. The phrase shaped the way he approached every conversation, relationship and creative endeavor.

Related: Quote of the Day: Poet Edgar Allan Poe on the Power of Creativity, Imagination and Daydreaming

The saying, originally attributed to the Indian spiritual teacher Hazrat Inayat Khan, deeply resonated with Lear. Rather than measuring people by their titles, accomplishments or social status, he believed every person had something valuable to teach him. Whether he was talking with world leaders, fellow artists or someone he'd just met, Lear approached each encounter with genuine curiosity and the belief that wisdom could come from anywhere.

That philosophy is why Lear's television shows felt so authentic. He spent his life listening to people, observing how they spoke, what they feared, what made them laugh and what brought them together. By remaining open to new perspectives, he created groundbreaking characters and stories that reflected the richness and complexity of American life.

The Deeper Meaning of Norman Lear's Quote

Norman Lear's words remind us that true wisdom begins with humility. It's easy to assume we have nothing to learn from someone whose life looks very different from our own. Lear challenged that idea, believing that every person carries experiences, insights and perspectives that can broaden our understanding of the world.

His philosophy wasn't simply about acquiring knowledge. It was about cultivating empathy. By approaching others with curiosity instead of judgment, we become better listeners, stronger leaders and more compassionate human beings. Lear understood that meaningful conversations begin when we stop trying to be the smartest person in the room and start asking questions.

Perhaps that's why Lear remained so vibrant and creative throughout his life. Even after changing television forever, winning countless awards and becoming one of Hollywood's most influential producers, he never believed he had all the answers. He continued listening, learning and growing well into his 90s, proving that curiosity isn't just the key to great storytelling. It is the key to a life well lived.

Related: Quote of the Day: Ralph Waldo Emerson on Self-Reliance and Staying True to Yourself

More Quotes from Norman Lear

“Life is made up of small pleasures. Happiness is made up of those tiny successes. The big ones come too infrequently. And if you don't collect all these tiny successes, the big ones don't really mean anything.”

"When we laugh together, we are ONE."

“I’ve learned something every day from the start to this moment, and there’s far more to know.”

"The best gift I've ever gotten, I've gotten every day of my life, and that's waking up. I love waking up"

About All In The Family: "The greatest compliment I have ever received, and I receive it almost on a daily basis…is, ‘I used to watch it with my folks and my grandfolks; we used to watch it as a family. And then we argued about it, we talked about it.’ That, to me, is the greatest compliment, that it caused people to talk.”

“I don’t wake up in the morning to be old. I wake up to do the things that were on my mind when I fell asleep last night.”

"The sooner we agree that we’re just other versions of each other—we human beings—the sooner we will find some sense of world peace."

“I just wanted to make people laugh. We dealt with serious subjects, but I saw that there was humor in everything.”

“The only thing that’s impossible is the thing that you don’t try.”

Next, Quote of the Day: Psychologist Gordon Allport on Humor Being the Best Way To Fight Life’s ‘Tangles’—‘We Have No Appropriate Sword Other Than Laughter’

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Those first warm rays of summer hit, and suddenly your bedroom feels… off. Clutter, heavy quilts, lingering flannel sheets — they all stand out, like they’re holding onto leftover spring and winter blues. You could tackle every closet, brush on a new coat of paint, and rearrange furniture, but let’s be honest — that’s a lot of work. There’s a simpler, faster way to breathe new life into your space. All you have to do is refresh your bedding. Just one change, and your room will instantly feel lighter and brighter, with the kind of fresh, airy energy that makes you feel energized every morning.

That’s exactly where Macy’s Madison Park Caralie Seersucker 4-Piece Full/Queen Quilt Set makes its entrance. Swapping in this soft, breezy set is an easy way to bring a seasonal feel to your bedroom. Even better, it’s majorly discounted right now — just $52, down 70% from its original $185 price. 

Madison Park Caralie Seersucker 4-Piece Full/Queen Quilt Set, From $52 (was $172) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy's

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This four-piece quilt set captures that effortless, sun-washed bedroom aesthetic and includes a quilt, two envelope-close shams, and an accent pillow. The pattern is arranged in patchwork-style horizontal bands that alternate between delicate, ditsy floral prints and airy white panels, creating a sense of movement across the bed without ever feeling busy. 

The florals themselves are small and scattered, giving the print a soft, almost painterly effect from a distance, while up close, the intricate details add depth and charm. Between those bands, the crisp white sections are finished with subtle, puckered quilting that introduces texture and dimension, lending the entire piece a lightly rumpled, lived-in feel that only improves over time. 

Altogether, this bedding creates a look that feels calm, layered, and polished — equally at home in a coastal-inspired, cottage-leaning, or nature-influenced bedroom. Available in blue, green, and purple, each color shifts the mood slightly: blue reads cool and breezy, green feels fresh and botanical, and purple leans soft and romantic. The set also comes in adaptive sizing, with full/queen available for $52 and king/California king for $60 (originally $200), making it a versatile choice for most beds.

Shoppers are “delighted” and “very happy with the quality” of this “cheerful” spread. Many reviewers noted that the “absolutely gorgeous” patterns and textures, along with the “lightweight” feel, make it “perfect for spring and summer.” One shopper added that the set is “easy to care for,” noting that it “washes up well” and “doesn’t wrinkle.”

The days are flying by fast, so don’t miss this summer deal! Snag the $52 Madison Park Caralie Seersucker 4-Piece Full/Queen Quilt Set at Macy’s now and refresh your bed with just one easy purchase.

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Inspired by Indian spiritual guru Meher Baba, singer-songwriter Bobby McFerrin wrote the song "Don't Worry, Be Happy" for his album Simple Pleasures. Meher Baba was known for the phrase, "Don't worry, be happy, and I will help you," which McFerrin saw on a poster in the apartment of jazz duo Tuck & Patti in San Francisco, leading him to the inspiration for the hit single.

On top of being a part of McFerrin's album, the song was included on the soundtrack for the movie Cocktail. With the inclusion of the song on the film's track list, "Don't Worry, Be Happy" hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it the first a cappella song to do so.

The song also charted on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart, peaking at No. 11, and the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart, peaking at No. 7.

The legacy and lasting impact of "Don't Worry, Be Happy" has proven to be undeniable.

Music & Mediawrote of the song: "Cool a capella by this unusual artist. Uncomplicated music stripped down to the basics, but missing absolutely nothing. This recording will appeal to everybody who is on the lookout for something different. With the reggae-style vocals and a snappy rhythm, this Linda Goldstein-produced US top 10 single is a novelty record of considerable substance."

The song is ranked No. 31 on VH1's list of "100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the '80s," and the track also appears on Rolling Stone's list of the "15 Best Whistling Songs of All Time."

At the Grammy Awards in 1989, "Don't Worry, Be Happy" took home the awards for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. In 2024, the song was selected by the United States National Recording Registry and the Library of Congress for preservation.

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Related: 1971 Soft-Rock Cover, the Artist’s Only No. 1 Hit, Became a Power Breakup Anthem

Eva Mendes is showing her man some love.

Ryan Gosling just made a surprise appearance at Comic-Con to reveal himself as Marvel's next Ghost Rider. Fans are stoked, and Mendes, 52, apparently saw it coming long ago.

The former actress took to social media pay tribute to Gosling, 45, following Marvel's announcement in San Diego over the weekend. It's been 15 years since they met on set of The Place Beyond the Pines, a movie that saw them playing co-parents in a complicated relationship.

Mendes cited the 2012 film in her Instagram post on Sunday, July 26 as proof that the Barbie actor has had what it takes to play Marvel's Ghost Rider for years.

"From this intro only i thought ryan gosling can be a perfect casting for ghost rider role," reads the title card on the thrilling clip she uploaded from The Place Beyond the Pines. Check it out below.

View this post on Instagram

Fans have since flooded the post's comments section to show their support for the celebrity couple. "Oh this is so cool ! I live how you are always supporting your husband. He is so lucky to have an amazing wife like you ❤️ I wish to see a reference to you on this movie even a picture I don’t know 🥰," wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, "Well this is very cool. Now if you could come back as Roxy that would be great thanks 😝🥰❤️."

The latter comment refers to the caption of Mendes' post, which she signed, "Love, Roxy." One can assume she's referring to Roxanne Simpson, the character she played in 2007’s Ghost Rider. Roxy was the love interest of Nicolas Cage, who portrayed the titular role.

With Gosling starring and Shawn Levy directing the new version, Marvel announced that Ghost Rider is set to release in 2028.