Parade

Following the death of Norway’s King Harald V on August 28, his 22-year-old granddaughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra became the first female heir to the Norwegian throne in over 600 years.

A picture capturing the historic moment was posted to the royal family’s official Instagram account.

In the photograph, the new Crown Princess Ingrid signs a written oath to the Constitution of Norway. She is still wearing a black mourning dress ahead of the state funeral for King Harald on September 9.

The outfit, which Ingrid accessorized with a black hat and veil, was intended to mirror her grandmother Queen Sonja’s look on the June day in 1991 that King Harald swore his Oath of Allegiance to the Norwegian Constitution.

View this post on Instagram

The young queen-in-waiting is currently studying for a degree in social sciences at the University of Sydney.

Ingrid’s written oath means that she can now step into her father King Haakon’s role and rule as regent in his absence of necessary.

Related: 29 Years Since Princess Diana’s Death: What Happened in the Hours After the Crash That Shocked the World

She is the first female Norwegian royal who will benefit from the changes made to the country’s succession laws back in 1990.

Until then the country had operated under the system of agnatic (male-only) primogeniture. But the change to the law meant that the oldest child of the monarch, regardless of gender, would inherit the throne.

The last female monarch in Norway was Ingrid’s ancestor Queen Margaret, who died in 1412.

At the moment Norway technically has two women who hold the title of queen: Harald’s widow Queen Sonja and Haakan’s wife 53-year-old wife Queen Mette-Marit.

However as wives to the late reigning king and the current reigning king, they are technically queen consorts.

During her husband’s 35-year reign Queen Sonja was referred to as Hennes Majestet, which translates to ‘Her Majesty.’ But as ‘Majesty’ is reserved for the reigning monarch and their spouse, she will no longer be referred to as such.

This is different to the monarchy in the UK, where for a brief period there were three Her Majesties: Queen Mary (who was 84 years old by the time her granddaughter Elizabeth ascended to the throne), Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Queen Elizabeth II.

Did you know that all current hereditary monarchs in Europe are related by blood?

They all share a common ancestor in King George II who was the King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1727 until 1760.

Related: This Is What Princess Charlotte’s New Title Will Be When Prince William Becomes King

The children and grandchildren of his daughter Queen Victoria went on to marry into royal families across Europe, spreading George II’s lineage into the ruling houses of the British, Dutch, Russian, Greek, Romanian, Prussian, German, Spanish, Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian monarchies.

This was true for the late King Harald, who was a a great-great grandchild of Victoria.

He and Queen Elizabeth II shared the same great-grandparents, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, making them second cousins.

It is likely that King Charles III will send Prince William as his representative to the funeral of King Harald later this week.

Harald is currently lying in state in the chapel at the Royal Palace in Oslo.

His 94-year-old sister Princess Astrid was photographed paying her respects at his coffin.

On Monday Harald’s coffin was carried from the Red Salon in the Royal Palace to the chapel by pallbearers that included Crown Princess Ingrid and his step-grandson Marius Borg Høiby, Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship.

Høiby’s role as pallbearer was particularly controversial because he was temporarily freed from house arrest in order to take part in the ceremony. He was convicted of rape earlier this year.

He will also be permitted to attend the funeral on September 9.

Next, 30 Years After Diana and Charles’ Divorce, This Emotional Detail About Their Final Day Still Surprises

If you’re the type of Disney traveler who plans vacations years ahead to snag the best room rates and dining reservations, you will want to take a very close look at late January 2028 before booking your stay.

Ever since the Disney Skyliner took flight in late 2019, the colorful aerial gondola network has transformed how visitors experience Walt Disney World. Gliding above the treetops and lakes, it turns what used to be a slog waiting on crowded resort buses into a breezy, continuous 10-minute ride straight to the front gates of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot.

Because of regular safety checks, the system pauses briefly each winter for annual maintenance. As reported by Shannen Ace of WDW News Today (WDWNT), Disney has officially slated the 2028 downtime: the Disney Skyliner will be completely closed from January 24 through February 2, 2028.

This follows the upcoming 2027 refurbishment scheduled from January 24 through January 30, 2027—a shutdown period that Ace notes Disney has already begun prepping for behind the scenes, having “recently filed a construction permit for the Disney’s Hollywood Studios Skyliner station, potentially for this refurbishment period.”

Related: Disney Just Brought Back a Beloved Travel Perk to Another Popular Resort

Which Resorts Are Impacted by the Shutdown? Disney’s Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., offers Disney and Pixar-themed rooms inspired by “Finding Nemo,” “Cars,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “The Lion King.” The resort features immersive themed pools and convenient access to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios via the Disney Skyliner. (Photo: Harrison Cooney)

Disney Experiences / Harrison Cooney

During the 2028 closure window, Disney will swap in complimentary bus service to ferry guests back and forth to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. While the buses get you where you need to go, the loss of direct flight lines impacts several of the most popular resort tiers across property:

• Value Favorites: Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Moderate Hub: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (home to the system’s central transfer hub)
• Deluxe & DVC Flagships: Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and BoardWalk Villas, and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts (all accessible via the Epcot International Gateway station)

Related: Why the Swan Reserve Is Currently the Smartest Stay at Walt Disney World

Why Skyliner Resorts Are Gold for Hollywood Studios and Epcot Fans

For park enthusiasts—especially families with strollers and travelers who love rope-dropping the parks at park opening—booking a “Skyliner resort” has become the gold standard of Disney logistics.

Unlike Disney buses, where folding up a fully loaded stroller while corralling exhausted toddlers in a packed line is an Olympic sport, standard strollers can roll directly onto Skyliner gondolas without folding.

It’s an absolute game-changer for hitting high-demand headliners. Boarding a gondola at Pop Century or Caribbean Beach gets you dropped off at Epcot’s International Gateway in World Showcase, perfectly positioning you for a head start to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Over at Hollywood Studios, you arrive right outside the turnstiles with plenty of time to beat the general parking-lot rush to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog Dash.

Beyond logistics, the Skyliner has quietly turned into an unofficial dining trail. Staying at a value resort like Pop Century suddenly gives you easy, car-free access to French pastries at Riviera’s Le Petit Café, seaside dining at Caribbean Beach’s Banana Cabana, or a stroll around Crescent Lake for dinner at the BoardWalk.

Related: Why the Swan Reserve is Currently the Smartest Stay at Walt Disney World

What’s Next for Park-Hopping Skyliner Fans

The timing of the January 2028 closure is particularly important because of all the major expansions rolling into the parks over the next few years.

With Disney investing heavily into new lands—including the major Monsters, Inc. door-coaster land heading to Hollywood Studios and continuous reimagining across Epcot—staying on a direct transit line to both parks will only grow more valuable.

If your travel dates fall outside that late January window, Skyliner properties remain arguably the best bang-for-your-buck stays on Disney property. But if you have your sights set on late January 2028, you may want to shift your trip by a week or consider a Monorail resort instead so you don’t find your favorite highway in the sky grounded.

Related: One of Disney World’s Most Popular Rides Is Temporarily Shutting Down This November

Labor Day always provides a nice weekend to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. We celebrate Labor Day—Monday, Sept. 7, 2026—to honor and recognize all of the work that people do every day. From postal workers to construction workers to customer service workers, Labor Day is about honoring the work people do to keep the country running. It’s a good time to remember that labor rights exist for a reason; workers are humans and deserve proper working conditions and compensation.

When that extra weekend day comes up later in the year, though, you might be out and about and want to stop into your bank at some point. But are banks open on Labor Day? Even though it’s a day honoring workers, not every business is closed for the holiday.

Related: Where the Rule ‘You Can’t Wear White After Labor Day’ Came From (And if It Still Applies)

Are Banks Open on Labor Day?

As MarketWatch has reported, Labor Day is known as a federal holiday or a bank holiday, meaning that no, banks are not open on Labor Day—Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. But they do note that you can still use automated systems like ATMs to withdraw cash or deposit checks and/or cash.

And, of course, anything you need to do within your accounts on your bank’s app should still be accessible, too. If you’re unsure about your specific bank, though, or confused about the capabilities available to you on Labor Day, call your bank before the holiday to check.

Related: 50 Uplifting Quotes To Celebrate a Happy Labor Day

What Other Days Are Banks Closed in 2026?

Federal holidays are often known as bank holidays because these holidays are ones that banks close for. As the Federal Reserve Bank Services website notes, the Federal Reserve System has a standard holiday schedule for when banks are closed.

While some of the bank holidays have passed already, here are the rest of the federal holidays in 2026 (keeping in mind that some holidays that fall on a weekend may impact bank hours on the preceding Friday or the following Monday):

• Labor Day, Sept. 7, 2026
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day, Oct. 12, 2026
• Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2026
• Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, 2026
• Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2026

Related: 10 Fascinating Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About the History of Labor Day and the Labor Movement

Federal Holidays in 2027

• New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2027
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 18, 2027
• President’s Day, Feb. 15, 2027
• Memorial Day, May 31, 2027
• Juneteenth National Independence Day, June 19, 2027
• Independence Day, July 4, 2027
• Labor Day, Sept. 6, 2027
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day, Oct. 11, 2027
• Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2027
• Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 2027
• Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2027

Related: 125 Labor Day Weekend Instagram Captions To Let the Good Times Roll

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

Anyone else watch the original 1998 Practical Magic and come away thinking less about the magic and more about the house? Because same. The Owens sisters’ home is cozy in that old-house way, with a little bit of mystery baked into every room. It’s floral without feeling fussy, vintage without feeling stuffy, and just spooky enough to make you want to keep the candles burning after dark.

That’s exactly the vibe Wayfair is tapping into with its Practical Magic 2 collaboration. Ahead of the film’s Sept. 10 premiere, the retailer has rounded up furniture and decor with witchy vibes, from moody mirrors to bewitching Halloween accents. And if you’ve been wanting to bring the whimsigoth aesthetic into your own space, there’s an especially good reason to look now: Select pieces are up to 62% off during the retailer’s Labor Day sale.

Creative Co-Op Botanical Print Eyelash Fringe Cotton Velvet Square Pillow, $45 (was $68) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at Wayfair

The Owens women are very into herbs, flowers, and gardens, and this throw pillow feels like a little wink to all of it. Its dark navy background is filled with layers of botanical motifs, from tiny flowers and leafy vines to larger blooms in muted pink, burgundy, cream, olive, and gold. Finished with pink eyelash fringe, it would fit right in among the romantic, slightly overgrown textures of the movie’s New England home.

The Twillery Co. LED Lighted Witch Garden Stake, $69 (was $130) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at Wayfair

Move over, porch pumpkins; these three witches are taking over the yard. The set features a trio of faceless figures in flowing black dresses and pointed hats, linked together at the hands for a fun, connected display. Once the sun goes down, LED lights inside their heads flicker with an eerie glow, making the witches look especially magical from across the lawn.

Charlton Home Genan Accent Mirror Scalloped Rectangle Wall Mirror, From $100 (was $113) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at Wayfair

This mirror is where the “goth” in whimsigoth comes in. Available in nine sizes and three finishes — aged bronze, black, or gold — it features an ornate, Gothic-inspired frame with dramatic scrolling details around each corner. It’s a natural fit for the Practical Magic aesthetic and would look hauntingly beautiful with the nearby light of taper candles reflecting off of it.

Shop More Deals

• Everly Quinn Glass Jewelry Box, $37 at Wayfair
• Loon Peak Cranon Resin Non-Skid Owl Bookends, $50 (was $56) at Wayfair
• Alcott Hill Touch Control Table Lamp,$62 (was $120) at Wayfair

Ebern Designs Armless Chenille Sofa Chair, From $220 (was $580) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at Wayfair

After a long day of brewing potions, you’ll want to cozy up with a spellbook in this cushioned chair. The rounded back, thick seat, and included lumbar pillow make it a spot you could settle into for hours, while the rich chenille upholstery adds to its cozy feel. Four turned dark wood legs give the otherwise simple silhouette a vintage-inspired touch.

Homechoice International Group Decorative Round Throw Pillow Set, From $28 (was $67) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at Wayfair

Texture layering is one of the easiest ways to capture the cozy, collected feeling of the Practical Magic house. These pillows bring plenty of it, with plush fabric gathered into rows of soft pleats that radiate from the center for a dimensional, flower-like effect. You could layer them with floral prints, cozy throws, and perhaps a friendly black cat to give a sofa or bed that same wonderfully eclectic feel.

Related: Joanna Gaines’ $39 Vintage-Style Rug Looks ‘More Expensive Than It Is,’ Shoppers Say

Ready to give your home the Practical Magic 2 treatment? Shop Wayfair’s collaboration now and save up to 62% on select pieces during the Labor Day sale!

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

SPOILER ALERT! This article contains events from the Big Brother 28 live feeds that have yet to be aired on the television episodes. Please don’t read ahead if you prefer not to know competition winners and nominees ahead of time.

Big Brother 28 has officially hit the jury phase. And last week one was one for the (middle) ages, as a never-before-seen twist took Haley Thogmartin out in a mere matter of hours. Then, when Rick Devens volunteered to go on the block, he came dangerously close to having his first nomination being his last. The question is, with nearly everyone turning on Devens had he lost the Block Buster, does that mean he and the icons are completely out of the jungle?


Here’s everything you need to know about this week on Big Brother 28, including Head of Household and veto winners, nominees, and who is likely to go.

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

Who is Head of Household on Big Brother 28 this week? Barrett Pfeiffer Barrett Pfeiffer on ‘Big Brother 28’

Evan Mulling/CBS

Barrett Pfeiffer has been arguably the player of interest the past couple of weeks. Not once, but twice had he plotted to secretly turn on the “Crossovers” alliance, only to have those plans scuttled with clutch Block Buster wins. But now the middleman finally finds himself with power, and it remains to be seen if the Jumbotron operator will make the big move now that all eyes are on him.

Who was nominated this week on Big Brother 28?

Check back on Friday to see who has been nominated for eviction this week.

Related: ‘Big Brother 28’ Cast Includes Famous Relatives, Reality Stars and More Unexpected Connections

Who won the Veto this week on Big Brother 28?

Check back on Saturday to find out who won the Power of Veto this week.

Was the Veto used this week on Big Brother 28?

Check back on Monday to find out whether the Veto was used this week.

Who will be evicted this week on Big Brother 28?

Check back on Tuesday or Wednesday to find out who will be voted out this week.

Related: ‘Big Brother 28’s Haley Thogmartin Says She’s ‘Incredibly Apologetic’ for Lala and Taylor Conflicts (Exclusive)

Keeping a kid’s room or play area organized can feel like a never-ending project. Toys, books, blocks, stuffed animals, art supplies and tiny accessories have a way of spreading across the floor no matter how often you clean. The key is not necessarily having fewer things—it is having an easy place for everything to go.

That is why low, accessible storage makes such a difference in a family home. When children can see their toys, pull out what they want and put items away without needing help, cleanup becomes less of a chore for everyone. A good storage piece should be sturdy enough for daily use but simple enough that kids actually understand how to use it.

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

IKEA TROFAST Storage Combination With Boxes, $146.99 at IKEA

IKEA

Shop It!

IKEA’s TROFAST Storage Combination with Boxes is designed to simplify playroom organization. The light white-stained pine and white version measures 36 ⅝ inches wide, 17 ⅜ inches deep, and 20 ½ inches high. It is currently priced at $115.93, down from its regular price of $146.99. A savings of $31.06 or 21 percent off. The sale is listed as valid through Sept. 7, while supplies last.

The system includes a solid-pine frame and three large white plastic storage boxes. The bins slide in and out of grooves in the frame, allowing children to pull a box out, carry it to where they are playing and return it when they are done. The low height makes the unit easy for younger children to reach.

One of the best parts of the TROFAST system is its flexibility. The frame has several grooves, so you can change where the bins are placed or add compatible shelves and boxes later. That means the storage can adapt as your family’s needs change—from large toy bins for toddlers to more organized craft, book or school-supply storage for older kids.

Related: Costco’s New 16-Piece Fluted Glassware Set Is Beautiful, Durable and Less Than $25

The included storage boxes are made from polypropylene with at least 50% recycled material, while the frame is made from solid pine with a tinted clear acrylic lacquer finish. IKEA says the combination is for indoor use only and is not approved for food contact.

The top surface can also be useful for displaying books, small baskets or a reading lamp. Its compact, low-profile design makes it a good fit beneath a window, along a bedroom wall, in a closet or in a living-room play corner where you want toys contained but easy to access.

At just under $116, the TROFAST combination is more of an investment than individual plastic bins, but it provides a durable and adaptable system that can grow with your child. For busy households looking for a realistic way to speed up cleanup, this IKEA storage piece is a smart place to start.

Related: Hobby Lobby’s $9 Organization Find Is a Simple Fix for Everyday Clutter

Trader Joe’s always has some of the best seasonal finds, and its Maple Mania is making its way back to stores for fall. And one of the most mouthwatering finds is undoubtedly the new Maple Butterscotch Blondie Baking Mix.

The combination alone sounds like fall baking at its best, with sweet maple flavor, rich and salty butterscotch, and chewy blondies all wrapped into one easy mix. And at $4.99 a box, it doesn’t take much convincing to toss one into the cart.

You can see it in store in this September 1 Instagram post from @traderjoesgeek:

View this post on Instagram Trader Joe’s Limited-Time Maple Butterscotch Blondie Baking Mix Is the Sweetest Fall Treat

The Washington Post / Getty Images

The new 17.49-ounce Maple Butterscotch Blondie Baking Mix keeps things wonderfully simple. According to Trader Joe’s, all you need to add is one egg and a stick of melted butter before mixing the batter, pouring it into a pan, and baking.

But the best part may come after they leave the oven. Each box includes a packet of butterscotch syrup to drizzle over the finished blondies. You can add it however you like, or follow the instructions on the package to create the pretty feathered pattern pictured on the box.

Related: Trader Joe’s PB&J Crepes Join a Sweet New Lineup

Trader Joe’s describes the finished blondies as buttery, sweet, and salty, with slightly crisp edges and a chewy interior. The retailer also recommends baking them on the lighter side if you prefer an even chewier texture.

And while these would be delicious on their own, a maple butterscotch blondie sounds even better alongside a hot cup of coffee or served warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Like so many of Trader Joe’s seasonal finds, the Maple Butterscotch Blondie Baking Mix is only expected to stick around for a limited time. So if maple and butterscotch are some of the flavors you look forward to most when fall rolls around, this is one box you may want to grab when you see it.

What does it mean to have a humble heart, and which birth dates are most likely to carry this gentle energy? People with truly humble hearts aren’t egotistical, arrogant, or prideful. They’re typically self-aware individuals who are guided by a strong desire to not only be good, but to do good. Although everyone has the potential to have a humble heart, people born on these four birth dates are innately demure and goodhearted.

According to numerology, all birth dates align with at least one single-digit number between 1 to 9. However, some birth dates can resonate with up to three distinct numerological energies. Regardless, the numbers aligned with your birth date speak to your personality attributes, such as having a humble heart.

Numerology says that there are only four birth dates that naturally have a humble heart. These birth dates were born with an unpretentious, sweet soul. No matter what happens throughout their lives, these birth dates remain pure of heart. Read on to discover which four birth dates have the most humble hearts.

Do You Have a Humble Heart, Based on Your Birth Date?

Check if your date of birth is listed. Disregard birth months.

Born on the 2nd: You’re Intuitively Kind

Naturally compassionate folks are born on the 2nd. People with this birth date are known for their sweetness and empathy, since they embody 2’s sensitivity. Numerologists say that 2 is the most emotionally attuned and aware number. Those born on the 2nd have high emotional intelligence. They immediately pick up on underlying vibrations, energies, and more. Being so attuned means that people born on this date put aside their thoughts and feelings to tend to others. They cannot rest until the people around them have been heard, validated, and uplifted. Sharing their empathy and sympathy with anyone who crosses their path gives this birth date a humble heart.

READ: The Claude Monet Painting That Matches Your Personality, Based on Birth Month

Born on the 9th: You’re Selflessly Helpful

Having a birthday on the 9th means embodying the qualities of one of the most powerful numbers in numerology. According to numerologists, 9 is known as a whole or completed number. 9 has seen and done it all, so those born on this date have an evolved perception. They’re able to look past the black and white of any situation, because they know that there’s always nuances to consider. Being able to understand the complexities of someone or something keeps this birth date humble. They know anything can happen to anyone, which drives them to always help the less fortunate and extend grace to those who need it most. 

Born on the 27th: You Have Immense Integrity

Humility and integrity are intertwined for people born on the 27th. This birth date is unique, because it works with the sensitivity of 2, the reflectiveness of 7, and the perceptiveness of 9. People born on this date discovered how important it was to remain humble after seeing what life can put one through. They might come from a tumultuous background, or watched their loved ones undergo intense trials and tribulations. But instead of being judgmental and jaded, people born on the 27th maintained their integrity. Abiding by their moral compass while navigating their spiritual journey has only deepened their compassion for others.

NEXT: Born on One of These Birth Dates? A Financial Windfall Could Be Coming as Summer Ends

Born on the 29th: You Strive to Live Virtuously

Being good-natured is important to those born on the 29th. According to numerology, this birth date shares the courage of 1, the empathy of 2, and the humanitarian spirit of 9. It doesn’t matter what life throws at them, because people born on the 29th are pure of heart. They have the bravery and confidence to go their own way. However, they also don’t judge others for their choices or actions. People with this birth date intuitively understand why someone might be led astray, so they don’t hold it against wayward folks. If anything, this birth date’s driven to set an example to inspire others with their humble heart.

UP NEXT:

When Queen’s flamboyant front man Freddie Mercury died in 1991, his longtime friend Mary Austin inherited Freddie’s home and most of his possessions. Now decades after his death, some of the Queen legend’s most personal creative treasures are finally being shared with fans.

Mary Austin has written A Life in Lyrics: The Official Creative Legacy of Freddie Mercury. The book is a deeply personal account of their lifelong friendship and is a treasure trove of handwritten lyrics, notebooks, and personal mementos he left behind. For Austin, Garden Lodge was never just a house. It was, she writes, “a memory box filled with love and joy” -Freddie’s sanctuary, which became hers. An excerpt from the book was first published by Rolling Stone.

Among the most intimate revelations in the book is the story of Freddie’s close friendship with Elton John. The two legends first connected through a shared manager, John Reid, who guided both Queen and Elton’s careers. But what began as a professional overlap grew into something far more personal. Freddie and Elton shared a deep love of art, beauty, and the joy of giving, exchanging thoughtful, carefully chosen gifts over many years: artworks, an onyx and gold bracelet, a Cartier ring, and Lalique vases. Expressions of genuine affection between two people who truly understood each other.

Singer songwriter Elton John with Peter Straker and Freddie Mercury in 1977.

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Elton remained devoted to Freddie until the very end, visiting him during his final months and arriving, as always, with gifts in hand. When those pieces were eventually sold at the landmark 2023 Sotheby’s auction, Austin donated the proceeds to the Elton John AIDS Foundation,  a beautiful way of honoring the bond between them.

 A Life in Lyrics offers something even more intimate  – a glimpse into the man behind the legend. A lover of Chopin, a meticulous keeper of notebooks, a person who got up in the night to scribble lyrics and poured the same creativity into everything he touched, from his music to his home.

“The world knew him as Freddie Mercury,” Austin writes. “But for me, the person captured within the pages of his lyrics, doodles and notes is Freddie Bulsara.”

A Life in Lyrics is out now.

When Crystal Gayle released “Half the Way” in the fall of 1979, she wasn’t just kicking off her brand-new era with Columbia Records; she was tackling one of the most vocally demanding tracks she’d ever recorded.

The song was entirely different than anything she had released prior. It packed soaring vocals, which were in direct contrast to the softer tones of her earlier hits.

According to Songfacts, Ralph Murphy and Roger Cook wrote “Half the Way.” It became Gayle’s second-biggest hit, reaching No. 2 on the country chart and No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and her first release for Columbia Records.

“Half the Way” hit such a deep nerve with listeners because it captured the quiet agony of loving someone who only gives you pieces of themselves. It isn’t an angry breakup song, but an honest confession that a temporary taste of love only leaves you hungrier for the real thing.

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

Rolling Stone interviewed Gayle in 2014, where she was asked about her crossover success. She admitted there were times her music was called “slick country” rather falling into a more traditional form of the genre.

She said, “The only backlash I would get is every once in while you would see an article and it would say ‘slick country.’ Kenny [Rogers] would get locked into that as well.”

Gayle continued, “But we’re more country now than anything being played [on country radio]. I went middle-of-the-road because Loretta [Lynn, Gayle’s sister] said, ‘Don’t sing my songs and don’t sing anything I would sing, because you’ll be compared.’ She was right. I wouldn’t have made it if I had just done that.”

In fact, many of Gayle’s biggest crossover country singles, including “Half the Way,” “Wrong Road Again” (1974), “I’ll Get Over You” (1976), “Talking in Your Sleep” (1978), “When I Dream” (1979), and “You and I” (1982) piggybacked on Lynns thoughts that Gayle should cultivate her own sound outside of the traditional country genre.

Wide Open Country reported that the entertainer didn’t lean into a more traditional country sound because she had always performed all types of music, from country to gospel to more soulful tunes. She said that being paired with Allen Reynolds (who produced Garth Brooks‘ early albums) was a blessing.

“I couldn’t have had more luck on my side,” Gayle shared. “They put me with one of the best writers and song people… Just a great person.”

She would go on to have a dozen songs on the Billboard Top 100. Her last song to hit that chart was 1983’s “The Sound of Goodbye.”

In early 2026, Crystal Gayle suffered a knee meniscus injury, which temporarily made her unable to perform. The entertainer planned to use her recovery, per PEOPLE Magazine, to spend time with her grandson.

Related: 1977 Heartbreak Country Hit Recognized as One of the Greatest Songs of the ’70s

Those of us who take barbecue seriously tend to have opinions. Strong ones. Ask about the right temperature for brisket, whether ribs should fall off the bone or what wood is best for smoking turkey, and you’re probably not getting a one-word answer.

So, when we asked five barbecue pros to name their favorite store-bought barbecue sauce, we probably shouldn’t have expected them to reach for the same bottle.

Spoiler: They did not.

😋😋 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter🍳🍔

Their picks covered a surprisingly wide swath of the sauce aisle, from supermarket staples you can find just about anywhere to regional favorites and a few bottles you might not immediately think of as “traditional” barbecue sauce. And it quickly became clear that choosing a favorite wasn’t as simple as grabbing the best-tasting bottle off the shelf.

For these pros, what you’re cooking matters just as much as what’s in the bottle. A sauce that’s perfect for brisket might not be what they reach for with pulled pork. Chicken calls for something different. And one expert made a convincing case for a barbecue sauce and protein pairing we hadn’t even considered.

But the biggest surprise wasn’t how different their choices were. It was how much they had in common when it came to technique.

Despite choosing five different favorites, several of our experts independently called out the same mistake many backyard cooks make with barbecue sauce. It’s easy to make, especially when you’re eager to start building that sticky, caramelized glaze. Unfortunately, it can also turn a great piece of meat into a scorched mess.

So, which barbecue sauces are actually worth buying—and how should they be applied? Here’s what pro pitmasters told us were their favorite barbecue sauces.

The Best Store-Bought Barbecue Sauces, According to the Pros

chas53 / Getty Images

If you’re looking for one bottle that all five experts keep in the fridge, you’re out of luck. But their individual picks offer a pretty good roadmap for finding the right sauce for whatever you’re cooking.

George’s Original Barbecue Sauce, $14.07 at Amazon

Walmart

Shop It!

George’s Original Barbecue Sauce, an Eastern North Carolina-style vinegar sauce, is the best barbecue sauce according to John Miller, a chef and founder of Miller’s Family Food and Beverage Catering in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“This particular brand is well-balanced to provide a little sweetness and a little kick, which gives it versatility in basting, marinating and dipping,” Chef Miller says.

He says that versatility makes George’s a natural fit for just about everything that comes off the grill, adding that “since it is an Eastern NC-style sauce, I would have to favor pulled pork over everything else.”

Blues Hog Champions’ Blend BBQ Sauce, $7.98 at Walmart

Walmart

Shop It!

Chef and pitmaster Manny Barella of Denver’s Riot BBQ doesn’t love a lot of barbecue sauces, which makes his recommendation of Blues Hog Champions’ Blend all the more interesting.

“I love Blues Hog Championship Blend because it’s more peppery than most, and the savory notes pair really well with brisket,” Chef Barella says. “I personally don’t love many barbecue sauces, but this one is an exception.”

If brisket is what’s coming off the smoker, this is the bottle Chef Barella wants nearby.

Related: We Asked 3 Chefs the Best Thing To Make With Canned Pinto Beans, and They All Said the Same Thing

Lillie’s Q Gold Barbecue Sauce, $5.99 at LilliesQ.com

Lillie's Q

Chef Jade Taylor of Angel Oak Smokehouse in Charleston, South Carolina, reaches for Lillie’s Q Gold Barbecue Sauce, a mustard-based sauce inspired by South Carolina barbecue, when she puts fish on the smoker.

“The tang of the mustard cuts right through the richness of the fatty salmon to create a great balance,” Chef Taylor says. “The sharp, tangy flavor really complements the smoke flavor rather than competing with it.”

Sweet Baby Ray’s Original Barbecue Sauce, $3.98 at Walmart

Walmart

Shop It!

Sometimes the bottle a barbecue expert reaches for is the same one you’ve probably walked past a thousand times at the grocery store. Sweet Baby Ray’s Original Barbecue Sauce is the top pick for grilling and barbecue expert Elizabeth Karmel.

“It has the sweet, tangy, smoky profile I want in a bottled sauce, and, most importantly, it tastes closer to homemade barbecue sauce than any other on the market and is a good base for ‘doctoring up,'” Chef Karmel says.

Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce, $8.49 at Target

Target

Shop It!

When we asked Dinosaur Bar-B-Que CEO and pitmaster Mike Nugent to step outside his own restaurant’s line of award-winning sauces, he pointed us toward Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce.

“My favorites rotate; I’m always trying different sauces,” Chef Nugent says. “Right now, I’m really enjoying Bachan’s Barbecue Sauce. It’s savory, a little sweet and really good.”

And he knows exactly what he wants to put it on: grilled chicken thighs. The salty-sweet sauce paired with a little char is “hard to beat,” he says.

What High-Fructose Corn Syrup Really Does to Barbecue Sauce

sasimoto / Getty Images

High-fructose corn syrup has become something of a red flag for some barbecue sauce shoppers. Chef Nugent says it’s one of the first things he looks for when he flips over a bottle, preferring sauces built around ingredients like tomatoes, vinegar, molasses and spices.

But what does high-fructose corn syrup actually do once it’s in the sauce?

“It adds sweetness and body, but too much can flatten out a sauce,” Chef Nugent says. “Great barbecue sauce needs balance, not just sugar.”

Chef Karmel isn’t automatically scared away by high-fructose corn syrup, although it’s not her first choice. When she makes barbecue sauce from scratch, she prefers cane sugar, honey, maple syrup and other sweeteners. To her, what matters is balance and how the sauce is used. A sauce shouldn’t be so sweet that it overwhelms the flavor of the meat.

There’s a practical reason to pay attention to all that sweetness once you start cooking too. Whether a barbecue sauce gets its sweetness from high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, brown sugar, honey or molasses, those sugars may eventually scorch when they’re exposed to high heat for too long.

So, rather than judging a bottle on one ingredient alone, consider the complete flavor profile. And once you’ve picked your sauce, pay just as much attention to when you put it on.

Related: We Asked 3 Chefs the Best Thing To Make With Canned Sweet Corn, and Every Answer Surprised Us

The Biggest Rookie Mistake: When to Actually Apply the Sauce

lisatop / Getty Images

On this topic, our experts were all on the same page: stop saucing your barbecue so early.

“The biggest mistake is saucing too early because the sugar in the sauce burns quickly,” Chef Nugent says. “You want to smoke, char and then sauce it at the end.”

Chef Karmel couldn’t agree more. “Barbecue sauce is not a marinade, and it isn’t meant to sit over an open fire for hours,” she says. Instead, she cooks the meat first and adds the sauce toward the end, giving it just enough time to set, caramelize and become glossy without turning bitter or black.

Chef Taylor agrees and says timing becomes even more important with delicate proteins such as salmon. “Sugars in the sauce will break down and scorch well before the fish is done, so you end up with a blackened, splotchy exterior,” she says. Her solution is to brush the sauce onto salmon toward the end of smoking, giving it enough time to create a glaze without charring.

The other big mistake our experts warn backyard cooks about is drowning perfectly good barbecue in sauce.

“You want to taste the meat first,” Chef Karmel says. “Barbecue sauce should complement good barbecue, not cover it up.”

So while the five barbecue pros didn’t agree on a favorite bottle, they came together on something arguably more useful: Sauce later, not sooner—and don’t use so much that you can’t taste what you spent all day cooking.

Which Barbecue Sauce Goes With Which Meat?

Marianna Massey / Getty Images

Here’s where the experts’ wildly different picks start making a lot more sense.

Chef Miller favors George’s barbecue sauce with pulled pork. Its Eastern North Carolina-style vinegar profile is a natural fit for rich pork, although he says the sauce is versatile enough to use on ribs and chicken too.

Chef Barella’s peppery Blues Hog Championship Blend is his pick for brisket, while Chef Karmel particularly likes Sweet Baby Ray’s Original with chicken and pork ribs.

Chef Karmel likes the way the sauce’s sweetness and tang complement the mild flavor of chicken. When she’s making ribs, however, she sometimes adds beer to the sauce to create a thinner mop that adds flavor and moisture.

Chef Nugent pairs Bachan’s with grilled chicken thighs. “That salty-sweet flavor with a little char is hard to beat,” he says.

Then there’s Chef Taylor’s choice: Lillie’s Q Gold with salmon. “The mustard base in the Lillie’s Q Gold has a tang and slight sharpness that plays really well against the salmon’s natural fat content,” she says. “It holds up well to smoke without turning bitter.”

The Differences Between Regional Barbecue Sauces

Cavan Images / Getty Images

There’s another reason our experts couldn’t agree on a single best store-bought barbecue sauce: American barbecue sauce isn’t one thing. Travel through barbecue country, and what’s in the bottle changes as dramatically as the geography—from a thin, peppery splash of vinegar to a thick, sweet, tomato-based glaze, or even a creamy white sauce. Here are some of the major regional styles to know, plus what sets them apart.

Kansas City: Thick, Sweet and Tomato-Based

NurPhoto / Getty Images

Kansas City-style barbecue sauce is probably closest to what many of us picture when we think of traditional bottled barbecue sauce. And if you’ve watched Ted Lasso, you already know the city takes its barbecue seriously. The sauce is generally thick and tomato-based, with plenty of sweetness from ingredients such as brown sugar or molasses, balanced by vinegar and spices.

It’s also the style that gets another recommendation from Chef Miller. “Believe it or not, I like KC Masterpiece if I’m doing Kansas City-style barbecue,” he says. “It has a balance of sweet and heat.”

South Carolina: Tangy Mustard-Based

San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers / Getty Images

While South Carolina’s preferred sauce style varies by region within the state, most people know it’s where barbecue sauce turns gold. The state’s signature mustard-based sauce combines yellow mustard with vinegar, sweetness and spices for a tangy sauce traditionally paired with pork.

It’s the same style that inspired Chef Taylor’s pick, Lillie’s Q Gold. And as she points out, that acidity doesn’t have to only be reserved for pork. She likes the way a mustard-based sauce cuts through the richness of smoked salmon too.

North Carolina: Thin and Vinegar-Forward

angelsimon / Getty Images

North Carolina barbecue sauce is known for being thinner and much more vinegar-forward, particularly in the eastern part of the state where tomato is an optional ingredient. Instead of coating meat in a thick, sticky glaze, North Carolina-style sauce typically relies on vinegar, peppers and seasonings to bring acidity and heat to smoked pork.

That’s the tradition behind Chef Miller’s pick of George’s Original Barbecue Sauce, which he especially likes with pulled pork.

Texas: Spicier, Savory and Often on the Side

puhhha / Getty Images

Texas is a little harder to pin down because sauce isn’t always the star of the show. When you do find Texas-style barbecue sauce, it tends to be tomato-based but more savory and spicy than the sweeter Kansas City style, with ingredients such as chile peppers, cumin, black pepper and onion.

It’s also more likely to be served alongside the meat rather than slathered all over it. And at some legendary Central Texas barbecue joints, sauce isn’t part of the equation at all. Kreuz Market in Lockhart, Texas, for example, famously built its reputation on serving smoked meat without barbecue sauce (or plates).

Memphis: Tangy, Tomato-Based and Less Sweet

Redjina Ph / Getty Images

Memphis-style barbecue sauce shares Kansas City’s tomato base, but that’s about where the comparison ends. It’s typically thinner, tangier and less sweet, with vinegar playing a bigger role alongside tomato, mustard, brown sugar or molasses, and spices.

That combination gives Memphis sauce a lot of tang and a little sweetness without the heavier, sticky consistency associated with Kansas City-style sauces. This style of sauce gets “mopped” on near the end of the cook, creating more of a stained effect versus a thick glaze.

Alabama: The Barbecue Sauce That’s Actually White

bhofack2 / Getty Images

Alabama white sauce stands apart before you even taste it. Instead of a tomato, vinegar or mustard base, it’s made primarily with mayonnaise and vinegar and typically seasoned with ingredients such as black pepper and horseradish.

The tangy, creamy sauce is most closely associated with smoked chicken, although you’ll also find it paired with other smoked meats.

And that’s ultimately the lesson from asking five barbecue pros to name their favorite store-bought sauce. Instead of searching for the one bottle that’s supposedly better than every other sauce on the shelf, think about what’s going on the smoker, what flavors are already there and what kind of barbecue you’re trying to make. Then, choose the sauce that finishes the job.

As Chef Karmel puts it, “You don’t need a lot. You just need the right amount at the right time.”

Sources:

• John Miller is a chef and founder of Miller’s Family Food and Beverage Catering in Charlotte, North Carolina. Miller’s own barbecue sauce won Best Overall Product at the 2024 Pinehurst BBQ Festival and was featured at the 2025 PGA Championship.
• Mike Nugent is CEO and pitmaster at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, the legendary barbecue joint in Syracuse, New York, that has since grown to multiple locations. Nugent has released five different Dinosaur Bar-B-Que sauce varieties that can be found on the restaurant’s website.
• Jade Taylor is an engineer-turned-pitmaster and the owner of Angel Oak Smokehouse in Charleston, South Carolina. The smokehouse is known for hot and cold smoked salmon and is the recipient of the 2026 sofi Grand Honor Award for Outstanding Packaging from the Specialty Food Association.
• Manny Barella is chef, pitmaster and co-owner of Denver’s Riot BBQ, which combines the wood-fired traditions of Northern Mexico with Texas-style barbecue. Barella finished in the top five on season 21 of Bravo’s Top Chef.
• Elizabeth Karmel, aka Grill Girl, is a chef, pitmaster and cookbook author. Karmel is a nationally recognized authority on grilling and barbecue and was the founder and executive chef of Hill Country Barbecue Market in New York City and Washington, D.C.

Related: We Asked 3 Chefs the Best Thing To Make With Frozen Broccoli, and They All Said the Same Thing

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

When it comes to finding your go-to shirt, sometimes less is more. A no-frills top opens the door to a ton of possibilities for layering and accessorizing. If that sounds like something you need to add to your closet ASAP, this Trendy Queen Long-Sleeve Shirt is bound to become a staple in your wardrobe. 

This shirt has earned over 5,600 five-star ratings, and it’s also currently on sale at Amazon. The original price ranges between $10 to $20, but for a limited time, you can score one for as low as $8!

Trendy Queen Long-Sleeve Shirt, From $8 (was $15) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

This shirt is available in 44 colors, including neutrals like black and white — which are on sale for $8. It’s also available in dark colors such as burgundy and navy; vibrant hues like hot pink and orange; and pastels like baby blue and light pink. The shirt is available in a wide range of sizes from XXS to 3XL. 

Crafted from a polyester and spandex blend, over 50 reviewers described this top as buttery soft. Though this slim-fit top is designed to hug your body, shoppers noted that the stretchy material isn’t tight or restricting whatsoever. Shoppers praised the thick material, sharing that it keeps them warm and isn’t see-through.  

“This shirt is an absolute must-have for fall and winter!” one shopper said. “The material is incredibly soft — think that buttery-smooth fabric everyone’s raving about.”

Its streamlined silhouette creates the perfect base layer to wear under jackets, coats, and sweaters. You can also dress it up with any accessories without it clashing. For a simple, minimalistic aesthetic, this top can be worn alone for an equally cute look. 

Related: Walmart’s $35 Hiking Boots Are ‘Sturdy on Uneven Trails’ With ‘Good Support on the Ankles’

“This long sleeve shirt is perfect for layering or wearing on its own!” a second shopper said. “The fabric is super soft and breathable, so I don’t feel too hot or too cold, making it perfect for all seasons.”

With its simplicity, comfort, and nearly endless color options, it’d be no surprise if you decided to snag more than one of these closet staples. Be sure to head over to Amazon and stock up on these Trendy Queen Long-Sleeve Shirts for as low as $8 while they’re still on sale!

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

Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” is one of the most recognizable rock songs in history. Featured as a single on the 1972 album Machine Head, the song features a memorable guitar riff that is still unmatched 54 years later.

Written by Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord and Ian Paice, the song opens with Blackmore’s heavy, four-note guitar riff before introducing Gillan’s powerful vocals. The lyrics are based on the true story of a 1971 fire at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland.

The song was originally recorded as a “filler track” when Deep Purple had seven minutes of extra time left on the Machine Head album, Gillan told Absolute Radio in May 2026.

It ultimately became the biggest song from the album.

“Smoke on the Water” reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and went on to become Deep Purple’s signature song. Performed live, it also drew the envy of one of the most famous singers in the world.

In a 2026 interview with Planet Rock, Gillan spoke about Deep Purple’s live shows and the reaction to his improvisation on “Smoke on the Water” in particular. He noted that one fan of the song was famed Italian operatic tenor Luciano Pavorotti.

“Pavarotti told me that he was very jealous,” Gillan revealed in the interview. “He said, ‘Ian, I’ve seen you sing ‘Smoke On The Water’ six times, and every time it’s different. If I did that with the emotion or the technical delivery of any of my famous arias, I’d be crucified by the critics and the fans. It’s like that in the world of opera. But in rock and roll, you’ve got that freedom. I’m so jealous.’”

Gillan also noted that he never tired of performing Deep Purple’s most recognizable song live.

“The thing about ‘Smoke On The Water’ is that I don’t know how many thousands of times I’ve sung it, but I’ve never once thought ‘Oh no, not tonight,” the music legend once said, per Classic Rock. “Every time it’s been fantastic. It’s a simple song, it has a simple structure, it’s got a narrative lyric, so it’s always a story which has its own value. ‘Smoke On The Water’ tells a story, and I think it will have its own spirit, its own life.”

Fifty-four years after its original release, “Smoke on the Water” remains a rock radio and live concert favorite, a classic song from the band’s early days that is still as powerful and recognizable today.

Related: 1972 Road-Trip Anthem, Written by Rock Legends, Was Inspired by an Iconic TV Theme

I consider myself a fairly experienced traveler. I have taken more than 30 cruises, fly often, and have packed for everything from a weekend in Miami to a week on an elegant cruise through the Mediterranean that required completely different outfits for sightseeing, dinners, and evenings on the ship.

Still, there I was, staring at my open carry-on suitcase and wondering how I was going to make it all work.

I was leaving for two weeks, and this was not the kind of trip where I could toss in a few T-shirts, two pairs of shorts, a skirt and call it a day. I needed comfortable clothes for walking around Athens, outfits for touring ports in Greece, Turkey, and Malta, dinner clothes for the ship, shoes that would not leave me limping after a day on cobblestone streets, and something special for a gala. A GALA!!! My mind went immediately to: now I have to pack heels and a gown that will take up half of the suitcase. But all of it had to fit into one carry-on.

Related: The Handbag That Can Make or Break Your Cruise (And It’s Under $20 on Amazon)

I started doing what so many travelers do. I laid everything out, took half of it away, put several things back, and then tried to convince myself that I absolutely needed five pairs of shoes.

That was when I remembered something that completely changed how I looked at packing for the trip.

I am an Elite member of Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club, and my loyalty benefits include two complimentary pressed items, one complimentary dry-cleaned item and one complimentary bag of laundry with washing, drying and folding. Suddenly, I realized that I didn’t have to pack two weeks’ worth of clothes. I only had to pack enough to get me through half of the trip and let the ship take care of the rest. Although to be honest, I’ve gotten good at washing my underwear and those Lululemon skorts (that are quick dry) in the sink and hanging them to dry (my poor cabin steward).

A Cruise Perk That Saved My Carry-On

mtreasure / Getty Images

Laundry may not be the most glamorous loyalty benefit, and it doesn’t sound as exciting as a cabin upgrade, free cocktails or priority boarding. But when you are trying to fit two weeks of clothing and a gala dress into a 21″x15″ suitcase, even that small bag of free laundry service feels like it’s worth a lot (actually it’s worth about $50).

Tip from a cruise expert: I have a super hack for anyone trying to stuff 20 items into a bag that holds 3 blouses, 1 pair of pants and a pair of shorts. Use your compression bag and pack as many dirty clothes as you can fit and compress tightly. Put the bag into the laundry bag and VOILA, you have just doubled or tripled the amount of laundry that the one bag holds (for those having laundry done by the bag and not by the piece).

I’m loyal to Celebrity Cruises, and the Captain’s Club benefits currently give Elite members two complimentary pressed items, one complimentary dry-cleaned item, and one complimentary bag of wash, dry and fold laundry (two if the trip is 12 days or longer).

For me, that means I can wear many of my daytime clothes over and over again without actually wearing them dirty. I could send out underwear, pajamas, workout clothing, casual tops, and other washable pieces halfway through the cruise and have them returned clean and folded. If I don’t need the service (on a shorter cruise), I’ve been known to do this on the next to last day, so that I don’t have to do laundry when I get home.

The two pressing credits were perfect for items that inevitably become wrinkled inside a tightly packed compression bag (I love wearing linen). I could also use the complimentary dry-cleaning credit for one special piece, like a silk blouse that I may have gotten stained at dinner.

And that “Gala” dress I’m dreading to pack. Instead of trying to keep it pristine while dragging my suitcase through airports, hotels, and cruise terminals, I know I can fit it in tightly and have it professionally pressed once I’m aboard.

Those laundry benefits give me more room in my suitcase, reduce my packing stress, and make carrying my own luggage much easier.

Related: How to Pack for a 7-Day Cruise With a Single Carry-On

Loyalty Benefits Aren’t Just Freebies

Giacomo Augugliaro / Getty Images

Almost all of the major cruise lines have loyalty programs. You usually begin earning credit on your first sailing, although the points vary by cruise line. Some cruise lines award points based on the number of nights you sail. Others may give extra points for booking a suite or staying in certain cabin categories. A few programs give points for your onboard spending, and some lines are moving toward models that reward both cruising and spending (including loyalty credit cards can be a factor as well).

The value tends to grow as your status increases.

At the lower tiers, benefits might include small discounts, member-only offers, or a complimentary welcome item. At higher levels, the perks can become much more useful. Depending on the cruise line and tier, loyal guests could receive benefits such as:

• Complimentary or discounted laundry
• Free Wi-Fi minutes or discounts on internet packages
• Complimentary drinks or a nightly cocktail event
• Priority check-in, tendering or departure
• Discounts on drink packages, specialty dining, spa treatments and shore excursions
• Invitations to onboard events
• Cabin-category upgrades when available
• Dedicated loyalty-service representatives
• Member-only cruise fares and special offers

Celebrity Elite members like me, for example, receive benefits beyond laundry, including complimentary premium Wi-Fi minutes, discounts on internet packages, discounts on bottles of wine and drink packages, access to an Elite continental breakfast and a nightly Captain’s Club cocktail benefit during designated hours, subject to the program’s current terms.

Individually, some of these perks may appear small. Added together over a week or two, however, they can save you a lot of money (leaving you more to book your next cruise with).

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

Loyalty Can Follow You to a Sister Line

One of the biggest misconceptions about cruise loyalty is that staying loyal means you have to sail on the same cruise line every time.

That is not necessarily true.

Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Silversea are all part of Royal Caribbean Group. This past year, they announced a Loyalty Status Match program that offers corresponding tier status across all three brands.

As a Celebrity Elite member, I can receive Diamond status in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society and corresponding recognition in Silversea’s Venetian Society. Elite Plus matches with Diamond Plus, while Zenith matches with Pinnacle Club.

This is technically a status match, not simply moving all of your Celebrity points into another account. You still have to sign up for each brand’s loyalty program, and your points generally remain with the program in which they were earned. Also, some benefits are reserved for members who earned their status by actually sailing with that particular brand.

Still, status matching gives loyal cruisers a lot more freedom. I can try a Royal Caribbean ship with my grandson, choose Silversea for a more luxurious experience, or return to Celebrity without necessarily beginning at the lowest loyalty tier each time.

Royal Caribbean Group has also introduced Points Choice for qualifying sailings, which can allow members to direct their newly earned loyalty points to one of the group’s three participating loyalty programs. The rules are separate from status matching, so be sure to review the terms before deciding which line you want your points to go to (obviously, I send my points to the line I cruise most often).

Note that other cruise companies may recognize that you have sailed with a sister brand without granting equivalent high-level benefits. Some independent cruise lines also occasionally offer status-match promotions to attract experienced cruisers, so make sure to check with your travel agent or the cruise line when you’re making your reservation.

Tip from a cruise expert: Never assume your loyalty status is only useful on the cruise line where you earned it. Check the parent company, sister brands, and current status-match opportunities before booking.

A “Familiar” Loyalty Benefit

Zippy Sandler

From someone who is loyal to a line, I can tell you that the advantages of loyalty are not always printed on a benefits chart.

After sailing with a cruise line repeatedly, you understand the rhythm of that line. You know the app, dining system, entertainment style and daily schedule. You learn which cabin locations you prefer, which restaurants are worth booking, and when areas are busy and when they are nice and quiet. You don’t spend an entire day trying to figure out where everything is located (since most of the ships in each class are laid out similarly).

There’s also a sense of personal recognition. Crew members might remember you from an earlier sailing. You begin seeing familiar faces of people you’ve sailed with before. The ship may be different, but the experience feels a lot more comfortable from the moment you step aboard.

That familiarity makes travel easier, particularly if you’ve got a packed itinerary. If I am spending my days exploring new cities and ports, there is something relaxing about returning to a ship where I already have a routine.

Of course, loyalty should never stop you from comparing prices or trying something new. A complimentary bag of laundry is not a bargain if the cruise fare is more expensive than a better option elsewhere. It is also important to look at the itinerary, ship, and included amenities since you might find a special sale that has “it all” at a great price.

But loyalty benefits deserve a place in the calculation. A slightly higher fare may still be the better value if it includes laundry, internet access, drinks, priority services, and discounts that you would have bought separately.

Related: I’ve Taken 30+ Cruises and Tracked What I Spent—Here’s Why I Stopped Buying the Drink Package

My New Carry-On Packing Strategy

Rosemary Calvert / Getty Images

Once I remembered my Celebrity Elite benefits, I stopped trying to pack 14 completely different outfits. I chose lightweight pieces that I could mix and match. I repeated bottoms, chose tops that worked for both sightseeing and casual dinners, and limited myself to sneakers and a pair of sandals that would work for both casual and dressy.

I planned to send my everyday clothes out midway through the cruise. I saved the two pressing credits for my gala outfit and another special dinner piece. I kept the dry-cleaning credit available for that silk top I happened to spill that red wine on.

I also left a little room for anything I might buy while traveling. I have been traveling far too long to pretend I will come home without shopping. The suitcase actually zipped (thanks to compression bags), and my “extra” tote (a backpack) held my computer and whatever I purchased while away.

Cruise loyalty programs may advertise glamorous events, exclusive lounges, and welcome gifts. But, from experience, I can tell you that the best benefits are the practical ones that make your entire trip easier.

For me, it was the ability to pack for a two-week European trip and a gala in one carry-on, knowing I could arrive at dinner looking polished and maybe even come home with clean clothes.

Related: Are River Cruises a Safe Bet Right Now? A Veteran Cruise Expert Weighs In on Record Low Water Levels

In 1965, the Byrds transformed Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” into a No. 1 hit, helping launch folk rock into the mainstream and giving Dylan his first chart-topper as a songwriter.

Gene Parsons wasn’t yet a member of the band when the landmark single was recorded, but just a few years later, he’d join the Byrds and eventually record his own version of “Mr. Tambourine Man” with them.

On Sept. 4, Parsons celebrates his 82nd birthday.

Born in Morongo Valley, Calif., in 1944, Parsons is best known for his four-year run with the Byrds from 1968 to 1972. But simply calling him the band’s drummer doesn’t quite capture his contributions. He also played guitar, banjo and harmonica, wrote songs and, before joining the Byrds, helped invent a device that gave the electric guitar an entirely new sound.

Gene Parsons Joined the Byrds in 1968

By the time Parsons joined the Byrds, the band had changed considerably from the lineup behind “Mr. Tambourine Man.”

The original group featured Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, David Crosby, Chris Hillman and Michael Clarke. Their recording of Dylan’s song spent one week at No. 1 in 1965 and became one of the defining recordings of the folk-rock era.

Three years later, guitarist Clarence White became a full-time Byrd and encouraged the band to bring in Parsons, his former bandmate in Nashville West, as a replacement for drummer Kevin Kelley.

Parsons remained with the Byrds for four years, appearing on five studio albums: Dr. Byrds & Mr. Hyde, Ballad of Easy Rider, (Untitled), Byrdmaniax and Farther Along.

He wasn’t confined to the drum kit, either. Parsons contributed guitar, banjo and harmonica, along with vocals and songwriting.

Eventually, the Byrds settled into a lineup of McGuinn, White, Parsons and bassist Skip Battin. That foursome remained together for nearly three years, making it the longest-lived and most stable configuration in the band’s history.

Gene Parsons Eventually Recorded ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’ With the Byrds

Parsons also eventually became part of the history of the song that had made the Byrds stars five years earlier.

The band’s 1970 double album (Untitled) combined new studio material with live performances recorded during two concerts in New York. Among the songs on the live half was “Mr. Tambourine Man,” recorded at Queens College on Feb. 28, 1970, with Parsons behind the drums.

The album also included the Byrds’ live rendition of another Dylan song, “Positively 4th Street.”

Those weren’t the only older Byrds songs revisited by the lineup. (Untitled) featured live versions of “So You Want to Be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star,” “Mr. Spaceman” and a mammoth 16-minute rendition of “Eight Miles High.”

Byrds biographer Johnny Rogan later suggested that including songs such as “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Eight Miles High” helped create a musical link between the band’s original incarnation and its newer lineup.

Parsons wasn’t simply recreating the Byrds’ past, however. He and his bandmates were building a very different version of the group.

Related: 1965 Bob Dylan ‘Diss Track’ Named ‘One of the Best Songs Ever Written’

Gene Parsons Helped Invent a New Kind of Electric Guitar

Parsons’ partnership with White had already produced one of his most fascinating contributions to rock music before either musician joined the Byrds.

The two had played together in Nashville West, and White wanted a way to reproduce the distinctive bending notes of a pedal steel guitar while playing his Fender Telecaster.

Parsons had the mechanical know-how to help make it happen.

Together, Parsons and White developed what became known as the Parsons/White StringBender, or B-Bender. The mechanism was installed inside White’s Telecaster and connected to the guitar strap. By moving the guitar against the strap, White could raise the pitch of the B string, producing pedal steel-like bends on an electric guitar.

The invention became an important part of White’s distinctive playing and, in turn, the sound of the latter-day Byrds.

It also long outlived the band. Variations of the B-Bender have continued to be used by guitarists for decades, while Parsons himself went on to build and install StringBenders.

Gene Parsons’ Career After the Byrds

Parsons’ time with the Byrds ended in 1972, but his musical career continued.

He released his debut solo album, Kindling, the following year and later joined another band closely associated with country rock, the Flying Burrito Brothers. During his time with the group, Parsons contributed songs including “Wind and Rain,” “Sweet Desert Childhood” and “Out of Control.”

His second solo album Melodies arrived in 1979, and he later recorded and performed with his wife Meridian Green as Parsons Green. His lengthy résumé also includes work with Arlo Guthrie, the Everly Brothers and Randy Newman.

But the StringBender remained an enduring part of Parsons’ life. He eventually operated his own machine shop in Northern California, continuing to work on guitars and install versions of the mechanism he and White pioneered decades earlier.

Related: Founding Member of Iconic ’70s Rock Band Turns 78

When fans think about Judas Priest, there are several thoughts that come immediately to mind: Rob Halford and Al Atkins‘ iconic screams, leather and spikes, and of course, the songs that helped pioneer the heavy metal genre. What they probably don’t think about is Bob Dylan, but the two are more interlinked than you might imagine.

In fact, if it weren’t for the king of folk music, the iconic heavy metal mavens would have never gotten their legendary name.

“Bruno [Stapenhill], the bass player [member of Priest in 1969 and 1970, was replaced by Ian Hill, who’s been the band’s bassist ever since] came up with it,” Atkins told Ultimate Guitar during a Q&A interview. “He took it from a song called ‘The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest’ from the [1967] album ‘John Wesley Harding’ by Bob Dylan.”

According to American Songwriter, Atkins also noted that they heard a band changed their name to Black Sabbath and felt they should do something similar with their own moniker.

Related: 1964 Folk Masterpiece, Featuring a Track Covered by Joan Baez, Was Recorded in 3 Hours<br><br>

The song, though not one of Dylan’s most well-known, is shrouded in mystery. Dylan’s enigmatic tune is written in the classic storyteller folk style that the ’60s era was known for, with no major chord changes or repetitive choruses. The song itself tells the story of two friends and the trials of temptation, but many have several interpretations for its meaning. The most popular is that the song is an allegory for Dylan and his transition from folk artist to rock-and-roll star.

“…Dylan is Frankie Lee, and in naming him Judas Priest, Dylan symbolized not only the betrayer of Christ but also the institutionalized religions and ruling establishments. Frankie needed money, Judas pulled out a roll of tens and Dylan is saying that he was placing himself above all people, exalting himself,'” Biographer Anthony Scaduto‘s interpretation reportedly explains. “Judas tells Frankie to take whatever he needs. Frankie resists the seduction at first. In giving [him] a choice, Dylan reflects the Biblical teaching: Judas leaves, pointing down the road, putting down the paradise of the Lord. [A] stranger tells [Frankie Lee that] Priest is stranded in a house of prostitution. Frankie Lee loses control of his senses and runs into the house, falls into Judas’ arms & dies of thirst. Dylan should never have entered society’s whorehouse. [T]he result of that huge ego trip was the death of his soul.”

Regardless of what the song means, it ended up giving one of the most revered metal bands one of the coolest bad names in history, and proves that Dylan’s influence is immeasurable.

&#x1F3AC;SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox&#x1F3AC;

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

When fall arrives, our lives naturally shift indoors — and the dining table often becomes one of the most-used spaces in the house. From family dinners to weekend gatherings and holiday meals just around the corner, a thoughtfully dressed table can make the entire dining area feel warmer and more inviting, plus protect your table from everyday spills and messes.

For shoppers who love Martha Stewart’s timeless approach to home decor, her line includes a tablecloth that makes it easy to give the dining table a polished look for any occasion. Right now, the Martha Stewart Honeycomb Modern Farmhouse Tablecloth is on sale at Wayfair from $20, marked down from $45 — that’s 56% off.

Martha Stewart Honeycomb Modern Farmhouse Tablecloth, From $20 (Was $45) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at Wayfair

Made from a yarn-dyed, cotton-blend fabric, this Martha Stewart tablecloth features a watercolor-inspired honeycomb pattern that adds a pretty touch to the table. Its neutral design makes it easy to pair with a variety of dishes and decor, making it a versatile choice for everything from family dinners to gatherings with friends. 

You can choose from three sizes: 84 by 60 inches, 102 by 60 inches and an extra-long 120 by 60 inches. The 84-by-60-inch and 102-by-60-inch options work for tables seating six to eight people, while the largest 102-by-50-inch size is designed for tables seating 10 to 12 people. It comes in gray, blue, beige and white colors.  While prices vary by size and color, every option is currently under $25. 

Wayfair shoppers said they love the “beautiful” tablecloth for its elegant look and quality. One reviewer called it “gorgeous and simple,” while another shopper especially appreciated its substantial feel, writing, “It’s good and heavy, and will not blow off of the table!”

The tablecloth is machine washable, making it a practical choice for everyday dining and entertaining. It’s also iron-safe, so you can easily smooth away wrinkles and create a crisp, finished look when you’re setting the table for guests. 

Wayfair also carries matching honeycomb placemats and napkins from the Martha Stewart Home collection, so you can easily create a beautifully coordinated table setting for fall hosting, and other special occasions.

Shop More Deals

• Martha Stewart Printed Ultra-Soft Plush Throw Blanket, From $18 (was $50) at Wayfair
• Wrought Studio Mathel Cream Ceramic Table Lamp, $49 (was $82) at Wayfair 
• Red Barrel Studio Patio Dining Chairs Set, From $163 (was $350) at Wayfair

Related: Joanna Gaines’ $39 Vintage-Style Rug Looks ‘More Expensive Than It Is,’ Shoppers Say

If you’re ready to give your dining table a fresh look for fall, the Martha Stewart Honeycomb Modern Farmhouse Tablecloth is a stylish and practical pick that works for everyday meals and special occasions alike.  Head to Wayfair while it’s still on sale for just $20!

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

Vicki Lawrence was already famous for making people laugh when a murder ballad put her on top of the charts.

Lawrence joined The Carol Burnett Show in 1967, fresh out of high school, after writing Burnett a fan letter and inviting her to a local pageant. She stayed with the CBS sketch series for its entire 11-season run and became especially well known for playing Thelma “Mama” Harper.

Music was not entirely new to Lawrence. She had sung throughout high school and performed with the Young Americans before television took over her life. Still, nothing in her career suggested that she was about to record one of the most memorable story songs of the 1970s.

“The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” was written by Lawrence’s then-husband, songwriter Bobby Russell. Released in November 1972, the track tells the story of a man wrongly executed for murder. Its final verse reveals that his sister, who has been narrating the song, committed the crime herself.

Listeners followed the complicated tale all the way to the top. In April 1973, the single reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for two weeks. It was Lawrence’s only song to crack the chart’s top 40, making it the clear musical high point of a career otherwise centered on comedy and acting.

Oddly enough, Russell did not even like the song. Lawrence believed in it enough to sing the demo, but producer Snuff Garrett first considered Liza Minnelli and Cher. After neither woman recorded it, Garrett went back to the voice already on the tape.

“So, I sort of inherited that thing by default,” Lawrence later told Lyndsanity. “Nobody else really wanted it.”

Lawrence released more music after her surprise success, but she soon turned her attention back to television. Her “Mama” character eventually led to Mama’s Family, which ran for six seasons across two separate runs.

The song did not disappear with Lawrence’s recording career. Reba McEntire covered it for her 1991 album For My Broken Heart, the best-selling album of McEntire’s career. Her version introduced the murder mystery to country listeners nearly two decades after Lawrence first sang it.

For Lawrence, one unexpected studio session produced the biggest song of her career. For everyone else, it produced a Southern murder mystery with a chorus that has proved very hard to forget.

Related: ’60s Rock Legend From Kentucky Turns 85 Today

Full House creator Jeff Franklin knew Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were special early on. The twin sisters were just nine months old when they were cast in the role of Michelle Tanner in the beloved ABC sitcom, and by the end of that first season Franklin couldn’t believe what he saw.

Speaking with People magazine in a new interview, Franklin recalled an Olsen twin taking a scene to an unexpected level in the season 1 finale.

“That was the show, if you go back and watch it, that was the show where — and I think it was Ashley — it went to entirely another level,” the Full House creator shared. “For the first time, we had an Olsen twin playing a scene that went on for minutes, and they hit all their cues, played the scene, never looked at the camera, never looked up at the boom, never looked at the audience, stayed in character, hit every joke. I mean, it was insane. This is something that doesn’t exist anywhere else on the planet.”

“It was actually the last show of season one, and I’ll just never forget it,” Franklin continued. “It was just miraculous. How is this possible? In what universe does this little one-year-old person have the audience in the palm of her hand and is hitting jokes? It was just jaw-dropping.”

ABC Photo Archives / Getty Images

The 1988 episode, titled “D.J. Tanner’s Day Off,”  featured D.J. Tanner (Candace Cameron Bure) skipping school to get pop singer Stacey Q’s autograph at a record store.

In a memorable scene from the episode, baby Michelle Tanner, at the mall with Uncle Joey  (Dave Coulier), sees her big sister hiding in the record store and starts pointing and laughing, while D.J. tries to shoo her away. It’s one of the cutest early scenes from the series.

The Olsen twins remained on the original Full House series for all eight seasons, but their career was almost cut short. Series star John Stamos once told Variety that he tried to get the toddler twins fired at 11 months old because they cried too much.

“They wanted to be anywhere else but there, and so did I,”  Stamos recalled of filming an early scene with a wailing Olsen twin. “They were 11 months old, and God bless them. They kept switching: ‘This one’s not gonna cry.’ I couldn’t deal with it. And I said, ‘This is not gonna work,’ and I screamed it 10 times. I said, ‘Get rid of them, I can’t work like this.’ And so they got rid of them.”

Stamos noted that the Olsen twins’ firing only lasted for a few days, as the replacement babies were even worse.

“[I said] bring the Olsens back! These kids are terrible,’” the Full House star recalled. “It was a day or something; we tried the other kids; it didn’t work.”

Related: John Stamos Says ‘Full House’ Could Have Been Very Different With the Original Danny Tanner

Fans of the ABC soap opera General Hospital better prepare to be emotional all over again this Labor Day as the beloved series replays its tribute to the late Anthony Geary once again.

ABC Executive Nathan Varni took to social media to announce the news, writing, “Save the date! ABC will encore our very special farewell tribute to Tony Geary this Labor Day, Monday, September 7.”

Save the date! ABC will encore our very special farewell tribute to Tony Geary this Labor Day, Monday, September 7. https://t.co/v1Ljs4DaRO

— Nathan Varni (@nathanvarni) September 3, 2026

The episode was originally broadcast on February 20, 2026, and paid tribute to the late Daytime Emmy winner following his tragic death last year.

&#x1F3AC; SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox&#x1F3AC;

Geary has portrayed the role of Luke Spencer since 1978 and is credited in part with the series’ revival and skyrocketing popularity through his relationship with his supercouple co-star, Genie Francis. The duo catapulted General Hospital to the top of the ratings, with their November wedding watched by over 30 million viewers.

GENERAL HOSPITAL – Shoot Date: July 13, 1980. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)ANTHONY GEARY;GENIE FRANCIS

Getty Images

The tribute episode saw members of Port Charles come together to pay their respects to the beloved fixture of the town, as Luke’s daughter Lulu (Alexa Havins) was in a coma when her father passed away and was never allowed to grieve properly; thus, surrounded by family and friends, she was able to say goodbye.

The soap previously killed the character of Luke Spencer off, following Geary’s retirement. While his death occurred off-screen and fans had secretly hoped Geary would one day make a triumphant return, the series treated his death as a final send-off for the legendary character.

For his portrayal of Luke Spencer, Geary was nominated for over 17 Daytime Emmy Awards, taking home the win a record-setting 8 times, with his most recent win occurring in 2015.

Following his retirement in 2015, Geary moved to the Netherlands, where he lived with his husband Claudio Gama.

Geary died on December 14, 2025, at the age of 78, as a result of complications from a surgical procedure three days prior.

General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC and streams weeknights on both Hulu and Disney+.