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In a surprising -- and very welcome -- turn of events, Trader Joe's announced that it will release its new large canvas tote bags with lavender handles nationwide on March 23.

"We have changed our plans," Nakia Rohde, Trader Joe's public relations manager, told the Reno Gazette Journal.

Rohde also confirmed that it's "a limited-time product, and availability will vary store by store." Marketing them as having limited-edition inventory isn't an accident: Trader Joe's totes frequently sell out within hours. Customers have taken to social media to show the lines at stores, crowds trying to get a tote bag before they're all gone.

"Limited drops don’t just sell products; they create events. Consumers aren’t simply buying anymore - they’re competing, sharing, and engaging in a moment," Colm Phelan, Casinos.com brand manager and PR expert, shared with Parade. "That kind of hype generates enormous organic reach, effectively turning demand itself into a marketing channel."

When it comes to Trader Joe's highly anticipated tote bags, the grocery giant often adopts a "they'll be here when they'll be here" attitude. Fans were ecstatic when the company announced that the highly coveted mini pastel tote bags were returning to stores, but disappointed that there wasn't an exact date.

Trader Joe's Mini Pastel Canvas Tote Bags

Trader Joe's

"We plan to offer Pastel Mini Canvas totes in your neighborhood Trader Joe’s store in mid-March," Rohde told Parade at the time. "There will not be a specific day the totes will arrive in all Trader Joe’s stores nationwide."

The demand for its tote bags has turned them into a cultural phenomenon. The tote bags have even become a fashion accessory, with many noticing them in other countries -- despite Trader Joe's only existing in the U.S. For those who missed out on purchasing one in-store, it's easy to find them on the resale market. Unfortunately, that $2.99 mini tote bag or $3.99 large tote bag will cost you much more.

On March 21, new listings were already available for the mini pastel tote bags. One person was selling the entire set of 4 bags for $60, while another was selling a single bag for $27.95. While five and nine times the original amount may sound outrageous to many, other listings charge hundreds, even thousands of dollars.

Dean Martin’s son Dean Paul Martin’s life was cut tragically short when he died on March 21, 1987, at age 35.

Born Dino Paul Crocetti Jr., Dean Paul was the fifth of Dean’s eight children. The Rat Pack member and his second wife, Jeanne Biegger, welcomed Dean Paul in November 1951. In his youth, Dean Paul began to follow in his famous father’s footsteps.

At age 13, Dean Paul formed a pop group called Dino, Desi and Billy with Desi Arnaz Jr. and Billy Hinsche. The trio landed on the Billboard U.S. charts in 1965 with their songs “I’m a Fool” and “Not the Lovin’ Kind.”

Dean Paul also pursued an acting career. He was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his role in the 1979 film Players. He later starred on the NBC series Misfits of Science from 1985 to 1986.

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Beyond music and acting, Dean Paul played tennis, competing in the qualifying rounds of Wimbledon from 1975 to 1978.

Outside of the spotlight, Dean Paul obtained his pilot’s license at the age of 16 and joined the California Air National Guard in 1980. He was serving as a captain in the 196th Tactical Fighter Squadron in California at the time of his death.

On March 21, 1987, Dean Paul was flying an F-4 jet on a training mission in California’s San Bernardino Mountains when the aircraft crashed, killing the 35-year-old and his weapons systems officer, Captain Ramon Ortiz. According to officials, the jet hit the side of the mountain at approximately 400 miles per hour. Reports from Air National Guard and the Air Force indicated that Dean Paul might have had vertigo due to the snowstorm he was flying in and failed to hear an Ontario Airport controller’s command to change directions in order to avoid the mountain.

Martin Mills/Getty Images

Dean Paul and Ortiz’s bodies were discovered nearly a week after the crash. Dean Paul was interred at the Los Angeles National Cemetery.  

Dean Paul—who was married to actress Olivia Hussey from 1971 to 1978 and Olympian Dorothy Hamill from 1982 to 1984—was survived by his and Hussey’s son, Alexander Martin.

In the aftermath of his death, Dean Paul’s famous father struggled without his son.

“It was so sad, devastating for all of us,” Dean’s daughter Deana Martin told Fox News in 2019 of her brother’s death. “It was tough for him.”

Indeed, Dean held tight to his grief in the years after Dean Paul died.

“Dean Martin’s final years were very, very sad after he lost his son,” author William Keck said in a 2024 Fox News interview. “It was like looking at a candle without a flame.”

Although Dean “was still the nice man that he seemed to be on television,” interacting with fans in public and promising to return to the stage in the future, Keck recalled, “I don’t think his broken heart ever healed.”

In addition to Dean Paul, Dean was the father of son Craig and daughters Claudia, Gail and Deana with first wife Betty McDonald, son Ricci and daughter Gina with Biegger and daughter Sasha with third wife Catherine Hawn.

Dean died of acute respiratory failure in December 1995 at age 78.

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Cozy bedding is one of life's greatest pleasures. There's nothing like ending the day on smooth sheets and pillowcases, complete with a plump comforter. Even better? When it looks as good as it feels! The Regency Heights Comforter Set is an excellent choice if you're looking for some dreamy bedding. Not only does it come with nine pieces, but it's also available in nine beautiful, spring-ready prints.

The bundle is an amazing deal at Walmart right now. Normally $100, the twin set is currently on sale for as low as $40. Discounts vary slightly by color, but none cost more than $47, which is still a great deal for a full bedding collection. Walmart also offers the set in Twin XL, Full, Queen, and King sizes at varying discounts. With patterns ranging from soft florals to intricate designs, it's easy to find one that blends nicely with your bedroom's decor.

Regency Heights Comforter Set, From $40 (was $100) at Walmart Shop at Walmart

This is a set unlike any other for a few reasons. The colors are rich and true, with an array of striking patterns that catch the eye. There are color palettes for every season, mood, and layout, from blacks and blues to lighter tones like pink and yellow. 

This set is more than just good-looking, though. It checks every box and offers a little bit more than you might expect of the usual comforter set. In addition to the comforter, you'll also receive two standard shams, four standard pillow cases, one flat sheet, and one fitted sheet. For convenience, the fitted sheet has a roomy pocket measuring 8 inches wide by 9 inches deep on each side. It's perfect for holding must-haves like your phone, remote, or a book.

The pieces are made from supple microfiber, while the comforter has a fluffy hypoallergenic fill that lends it just enough weight to keep you warm without feeling overwhelming. Over 3,000 shoppers have awarded the set five stars, with many sharing how much they appreciate the combination of style, quality, and value.

"The comforter and sheet set is so comfortable and super soft," one person wrote. "Quality is above and beyond." 

Related: Walmart’s 'Beautiful and Comfy' $96 Canopy Bench Swing Is the Ultimate Outdoor Upgrade

On top of being attractive, this set is very easy to maintain. Just toss it in the washing machine, using cold water on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low and everything will emerge looking refreshed and as good as new. 

It's not often that you come across bedding as affordable and stylish as the Regency Heights Comforter Set. Don't miss this opportunity to add a little elegance to your bedroom without spending a fortune! Pick up the set for as low as $40 while it's on sale at Walmart.

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If you’ve been crunching the numbers for a family vacation lately and feeling a bit of "sticker shock," you aren't alone. Even the higher-ups at the House of Mouse are starting to take notice. During the company’s recent 2026 annual shareholder meeting, newly appointed CEO Josh D’Amaro—who just stepped into the top role after years of running the Parks division—addressed the elephant in the room: the rising cost of a Disney day.

Responding to questions about how the company balances high prices with guest happiness, D’Amaro acknowledged that a visit to the parks is a "meaningful investment for families." He noted that while costs to run the parks have increased, the goal is still for every guest to feel the experience was worth it. "Basically, we want this experience to be the best day of a guest's life," D'Amaro said. As part of the company's effort to keep that "best day" accessible for middle-class families, he specifically highlighted a major value play returning for the warmer months.

Related: Disney Rolls Out New Summer Deals as Park Costs Rise

The $50 Ticket Deal: What You Need to Know

For a limited time this summer, children ages 3 to 9 can visit the Disneyland Resort theme parks for just $50 per child with the purchase of a special 1-Day, 1-Park ticket. If you’re looking to squeeze even more magic into your trip, the deal extends to multi-day options as well:

• 1-Day Park Hopper Ticket: $50 per day
• 2-Day Park Hopper Ticket: $100 total ($50 per day)
• 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket: $150 total ($50 per day)

The offer is valid for visits from May 22 through September 7, 2026. Just keep in mind that you’ll still need to make a park reservation for the dates you want to visit, and those spots can fill up fast—especially for the $50 ticket holders.

Related: Disney Lightning Lane Just Hit Record $449 for Spring Break

More Ways to Save This Summer

This isn't the only "Kids’ Summer" promotion we’ve seen Disney roll out lately as they try to alleviate those travel costs. If you’re heading to the East Coast instead, you can pair these savings with:

• Kids Eat Free at Walt Disney World: We recently covered the return of the popular "Kids Free Dining" promo for 2026, which allows children to eat for free when you book a non-discounted 4-night/4-day vacation package.
• Resort Perk Power: Don’t forget that staying "on-property" at a Disney resort still grants you Early Theme Park Entry, giving you a 30-minute head start on the crowds. It’s a small perk that adds huge value when you're trying to hit Tiana’s Bayou Adventure or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance before the midday heat hits.

Between the $50 tickets in California and the dining deals in Florida, it's clear that D'Amaro and his team are trying to prove that while the "Disney Investment" is real, the magic is still within reach for families who plan ahead.

Related: Disney Hotel Perks Are Shifting in 2026—What’s Staying, What’s New, What’s Ending

There is just something so very whimsical about trinkets, isn't there? Finding little bits and bobs to use as home decor or to remember a fun outing or trip helps us savor the little moments that much more. And if you are a trinket collector, then you are definitely going to want to sprint to Five Below. The budget-friendly retailer is currently selling a series of beautiful vintage-style jars that are a trinket collector's dream come true.

Five Below's Trinket Jars come in three chic vintage-inspired designs–a blue and white toile floral pattern, a vibrant butterfly with floral motifs or a dainty swan design with pink scrolls–giving you a few options to choose from. Each one is so pretty!

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Trinket Jar, $4 at Five Below

Five Below

Each of these decorative jars comes with a lid to help keep all of your favorite trinkets, bits and bobs safe and secure. From loose change and jewelry to office supplies and hair ties, there is no shortage of things you can store in these jars. And at just $4 apiece, you could grab each style of these trinket jars and use them for different organizational purposes.

Related: Five Below's Newest Home Find Is a Gorgeous Addition to Any Room

These charming trinket jars aren't just functional; they are also super stylish, too. Each trinket jar is honestly an art piece in and of itself, vibrant in color and crisp in its design. Each of these trinket jars would look so chic displayed on your desk, bookshelf, vanity or dresser top. Honestly, wherever you see fit! It is totally up to you.

These trinket jars retail for $4 apiece, and you can find them at select Five Below stores. These trinket jars are currently not available for purchase online.

If you are interested in other fun Five Below finds, check out this sleek foldable table that makes having spring picnics a breeze, this adorable ceramic vase that's perfect for bookworms, this gorgeous velvet ottoman that is giving major Pottery Barn vibes for less or this five-piece travel container set that makes getting through TSA no problem at all. In-store and online availability will vary.

Related: Five Below Beauty Items That Are Just as Good as Their High-End Counterparts

A widely discussed theory about the man seen outside Nancy Guthrie’s home is now being called into question. In a new interview, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos pushed back on speculation that images of the so-called "porch guy" were taken on different days, saying there is no evidence to support that claim. As debate over the photos continues online, he emphasized that anything beyond what authorities have confirmed remains unverified.

"Remember the photo we gave of the man at the front door with the backpack on? There's another photo of him without the backpack on. It was released the same day we released it all. And people speculated that they're two different times and two different days. It went crazy," Nanos said in an interview with Bill Buckmaster and Arizona Daily Star columnist Tim Steller on KVOI AM 1030's Bill Buckmaster Show.

"We have nothing in front of us—there's no time or date stamp on the photos—that says those photos were taken at two different times," Nanos continued. "So, it would be irresponsible for me to say 'yes, we think there were two different photos on two different days.'"

A screen grab from a video shows an armed individual appearing with camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door the morning of her disappearance in Arizona, United States on February 12, 2026.

Pima County Sheriff's Department/Anadolu via Getty Images

Nanos said anything else out there about the photos is "all speculation."

This is the second time that the Pima County Sheriff's Department has attempted to set the record straight about the images. Back on Feb. 23, the department released the following statement on social media.

"We are aware that doorbell images released earlier in the investigation depict a suspect in different stages of attire, including with and without a backpack. There is no date or time stamp associated with these images. Therefore, any suggestion that the photographs were taken on different days is purely speculative."

Nevertheless, there have been reports from "sources" that the pictures were taken at different times due to subtle differences. Aside from one still image showing the perp with a backpack and another photo without, some believe that the individual appears to be wearing different sneakers, isn't carrying a gun, and might even be wearing a different mask (or perhaps the mask is on backwards, as his eyes and mouth aren't visible).

Guthrie, 84, has been missing since Sunday, Feb. 1. Authorities have asked that anyone with information about what might have happened

READ NEXT: Nancy Guthrie Update: Former FBI Agent Raises Possibility of Chilling Motive

In 1973, Charlie Rich released a song so intimate and controversial that many radio stations refused to play it.

"Behind Closed Doors" sounds rather tame by today’s standards. But in 1973, its suggestive lyrics pushed boundaries for country radio and stirred plenty of debate.

Some stations even pulled it from rotation. Others couldn’t ignore just how much listeners were drawn to it.

Despite the controversy, the song became an instant hit, showcasing Rich’s smooth, soulful voice and undeniable charisma. Its success proved that a little risqué storytelling could captivate audiences and cement a country star’s place in music history.

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American Songwriter reported the song's writer, Kenny O’Dell, kept hearing the phrase "behind closed doors" as it related to the Watergate scandal of the early '70s. O'Dell said, per the website, "They’re always talking about no one knows what goes on behind closed doors. Having the sessions, another session, behind closed doors. And I’m thinking, I like the title, ‘Behind Closed Doors.”

O'Dell heard that producer Billy Sherrill was looking for a song for Rich to record. "He told Harbison how he got the song to Rich: “Well, Billy Sherrill was producing him, and they were trying to get a huge hit, and things weren’t working out very well. I took it to Billy, and I had his ear at the time.”

RELATED: 1973 Heartbreak Country Music Ballad Became an Unforgettable No. 1 Hit

The song was a perfect fit for the deep-voiced country singer, but not before a few tweaks to its lyrics. Sherrill wanted the last verse to lead listeners to assume that there was more going on "Behind Closed Doors" than two people who held hands. In the end, it proved to be a good call, as the song became a smash hit, rising to No. 15 on the Billboard charts.

According to the website Saving Country Music, "The lyric was a little racy for the time, and some radio stations refused to play it initially, or outright banned it from playlists. But as we’ve seen from other iconic songs in country history, all that mild controversy did was boost the song’s popularity."

Following the success of "Behind Closed Doors," five months later, Charlie Rich had a smash hit with "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World." The song reached No. 1 in December 1973 and remained at the top spot for two weeks.

Charlie Rich died in July 1995 at 62.

Betty Crocker is synonymous with baking, and after over 100 years of bringing boxed dessert mixes to stores, it's pretty amazing that the company still manages to provide fans with new flavors.

This spring is no exception, as the pantry icon just revealed it's launching two new baking mixes and three new frostings that prioritize convenience. Heading out just in time for all your seasonal gatherings is a "decadent" new brownie mix and "indulgent" new chocolate chip cookie flavor.

To cut right to it, Betty Crocker's Delights line is expanding with its new Dark Chocolate Raspberry Premium Brownie Mix, which sounds like a berry good start to the season if you ask us (the return of Cherry Chip would make it all the better). Also debuting this spring is the brand's new Soft Baked Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix and three Rich & Creamy Squeezable Frostings.

Betty Crocker Introduces New Dark Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Mix, Soft Baked Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies and 3 Squeezable Frostings

Betty Crocker Delights Dark Chocolate Raspberry Premium Brownie Mix sounds very similar to this Raspberry Swirl Brownie recipethat Parade published over a decade ago (which actually calls for Betty Crocker Brownie Mix), it just cuts the number of steps and makes it pretty fool-proof.

It features "rich dark chocolate and a seasonably fruity raspberry swirl," according to an official description shared in an email with Parade. Just add some vegetable oil, water and a single egg, combine well before adding the contents of the raspberry packet and swirling throughout. Then bake as directed and enjoy!

Related: The Bobby Flay-Approved Hack For Making Boxed Brownies 10x Better

Betty Crocker's new Delights Dark Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Mix.

Betty Crocker/General Mills

Betty Crocker's new Soft Baked Chocolate Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix is just as easy to make as its new brownie mix (if not even simpler, since it only requires adding butter and eggs) and yields cookies with a "fluffy, bakery-style texture" and "indulgent" chocolate-and-peanut-butter flavors every time.

It joins the General Mills brand's lineup of other year-round flavors like Birthday Cake Batter and Red Velvet, replacing seasonal faves such as its Strawberry Mist, Peppermint Sugar and Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

Betty Crocker Soft Baked Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix

And that brings us to the final item of the three-part drop, Betty Crocker's first-ever Rich & Creamy Squeezable Frosting.

From what Parade understands, it's the same Betty Crocker frosting fans know and love, just in a new container. Instead of scooping the product out with a spatula or a knife, cake and cookie decorators can freehand the frosting right from the tube—which Betty Crocker believes makes the process "easier and less messy." It's debuting in three classic flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate and Cream Cheese.

Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy Squeezable Frosting in Vanilla, Chocolate and Cream Cheese flavors. Where Will Betty Crocker's New Spring Baking Mixes and Frostings Be Available?

Betty Crocker's new Dark Chocolate Raspberry Brownie Mix, Soft Baked Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix and squeezable icing tubes are expected to be available at most major retailers now, where other Betty Crocker baking products are sold (think your local grocery store, Target, Walmart, Amazon, etc.). Prices may vary by location.

Next: Pillsbury Launches ‘Scrumptious’ New Spring Cookie Dough Flavor

Long before she was technically part of Disney’s catalog, Anastasia was already a princess in the eyes of many moviegoers.

Released in 1997 and starring Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Christopher Lloyd, and Angela Lansbury, Anastasia tells the story of a young woman with no memory of her past who may—or may not—be the lost Grand Duchess of Russia.

Blending romance, adventure and a sweeping musical score, the film quickly became a standout of late-’90s animation, thanks in part to songs like "Journey to the Past" and its fairy-tale-meets-history premise.

But unlike characters like Ariel or Belle, Anastasia wasn’t created by Disney.

The film was produced by Don Bluth and his longtime collaborator Gary Goldman under the banner of 20th Century Fox Animation. At the time, Bluth was known as one of Disney’s biggest animation rivals, having left the studio years earlier and built a career creating films that directly competed with Disney’s releases.

For decades, Anastasia existed outside the Disney umbrella—until 2019, when The Walt Disney Company acquired 21st Century Fox. With that deal, Anastasia suddenly became, at least on paper, a Disney-owned character.

And that’s where things get complicated.

Despite now owning the film, Disney has largely left Anastasia untouched. She hasn’t been added to the official Disney Princess lineup, hasn’t appeared in major crossovers and hasn’t been reintroduced to a new generation in the way other acquired properties sometimes are.

Part of the hesitation may come from the film’s origins. Bluth, who famously built his career outside of Disney, has spoken in the past about wanting to create something that stood apart from the studio’s formula as something that could rival it. That legacy still shapes how the film is viewed today.

There’s also the question of tone. While Anastasia has all the hallmarks of a Disney-style fairy tale, it draws loosely from real historical events, giving it a slightly different edge than the traditional princess narrative.

All of this has left the character Anastasia in a kind of pop culture limbo: widely recognized, often grouped with Disney heroines in spirit, but not officially part of the brand.

And that’s where the conversation continues.

Some fans see her as a natural fit for the Disney Princess lineup, pointing to her story, songs and enduring popularity. Others feel she belongs to a different era of animation—one defined by competition with Disney, not inclusion within it.

"It would be an insult to Don Bluth," one Redditor pointed out. "This was not made by Disney, and it deserves to hold on tight to its identity and unique pedigree."

"Don Bluth himself said he doesn’t want this, so let’s honor his wishes and drop it!" another said.

In 2022, Bluth said Disney would take care of his story "very well" in an interview with The Los Angeles Times. "Now, if they start marketing her as just another Disney princess, I should probably frown a little, but I think it’s in good hands right now," he elaborated.

"I would scream if they did," another Redditor said of the motion. "In a bad way. Leave her alone. She is singular."

And so for now, Anastasia remains something rare: a "princess" who exists just outside the castle gates.

RELATED: 62 Years Ago, George Harrison Had a Surprise Night Out With a Disney Star

It was the year 2000, and one of the hottest boy bands in the world, NSYNC, just released their third studio album.

Fans everywhere were running to the record store (or wherever CDs were sold) to get their hands on it, though plenty of others turned to the rising wave of peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms like Napster or LimeWire to get their music fix.

Still, that didn't stop No Strings Attached from achieving massive success as one of the biggest album debuts in music history.

On March 21, 2000, the album introduced the fandom to songs that would go on to define an era, including chart-toppers "Bye Bye Bye" and the song that inspired a now-viral meme, "It's Gonna Be Me."

While the album was released at the height of NSYNC's fame, it marked a creative evolution for the band—diversifying their sound by incorporating more distinct pop and R&B influence, all while capitalizing on the Y2K aesthetic and bringing the world into the digital age.

The era of space-age optimism and millennium futurism was evident as the band crossed genres with groundbreaking songs like "Space Cowboy" and "Digital Getdown."

While Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, LanceBass and Chris Kirkpatrick were already household names by the 00s, the album was a roaring success, with music critics and fans praising the production that redefined the pop music genre.

But it was the chart performance that really brought the noise, as the album debuted in the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart, staying there for eight consecutive weeks and becoming one of the longest-running number-one albums of the year on the chart.

In its first week, it sold 2.4 million copies, setting a record for one-week sales in the country.

And NSYNC held that record for 15 years!

Given how huge the music industry was in the early 2000s, and how many albums were released, it was a huge feat for the band, with the record only surpassed in 2015 by Adele with her third studio album, 25.

It also became the first album to sell more than two million copies in a week since Nielsen SoundScan began its tracking in May 1991.

While the lead single "Bye Bye Bye" is the one credited with building the buzz around the album, a total of four singles were released, along with "It's Gonna Be Me," the ballad "This I Promise You," which allowed the group's vocals and harmonies to shine, and "I'll Never Stop."

Not only was No Strings Attached the best-selling album of the year, garnering 9.4 million sales by the end of 2000, but the supporting tour, the No Strings Attached Tour, was the second-highest-grossing tour in North America.

'N SYNC
Teen-pop idols 'N Sync dance as they perform their hit 'I Want You Back' Tuesday night, May 30, 2000, at the Compaq Center as the 'No Strings Attached' tour stops in Houston. (Photo by Smiley N. Pool/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images) 05/30/00. HOUCHRON CAPTION (06/01/2000): `N Sync performs its hit "I Want You Back" Tuesday night at Compaq Center.

NSYNC took home four awards for the album at the 2000 Billboard Music Awards, including Album of the Year. Billboard also called it the top album of the decade, while the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified No Strings Attached nine-times Platinum a month after the album's release.

However, it did more than set records—it became the soundtrack to our youth, blasting in car radios, dominating TRL and the go-to at school dances and sleepovers.

The album captured and shaped the turn-of-the-millennium pop moment, and the songs became part of the cultural zeitgeist and everyday life.

A quick listen in the present instantly transports listeners back to more carefree days; there's a real sense of nostalgia tied to the slick production of the songs and the synchronized choreography, reminding us of a simpler, pre-social media era where boy bands ruled the world.

It should also be noted that while No Strings Attached was blaring through every speaker and headphone, Timberlake was also making his acting debut in Disney's Model Behavior.

26 Years Ago, ’90s Music Icon Made His Acting Debut in a Beloved Disney Movie

We didn't know it at the time, but the move was setting the foundation for his future solo career, which came after NSYNC released their fourth and final studio album, Celebrity, on July 18, 2001.

Though it did not sell as many copies, it was seen as a successful follow-up, bringing NSYNC into an even more experimental sound. Following the Celebrity tour in 2002, the group went on an indefinite hiatus as Timberlake expressed interest in recording a solo album—and never looked back

Type 2 diabetes has serious health implications (including increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease), yet according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27.6 million of the 40.1 million people in the U.S. with diabetes don’t know they have it. 

Undiagnosed diabetes is dangerous because when chronically high blood sugar is left untreated, it can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. This can cause irreversible harm to the body’s organs before symptoms even start. This is why it’s crucial to know your diabetes risk and know how to manage your diabetes if you do have it. 

Related: 'I'm an Endocrinologist, and This Is the Best Afternoon Drink To Avoid Blood Sugar Crashes'

“Most patients [with type 2 diabetes] are asymptomatic because of its slow onset,” says Dr. Kevin Pantalone, DO, an endocrinologist and the director of diabetes initiatives at Cleveland Clinic. Related to this, Dr. Pantalone explains that many people have type 2 diabetes for a full five years before it’s diagnosed. “This is why screening for diabetes is so important."

Dr. Pantalone explains that diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests that measure blood sugar levels. Preventing and managing your risk for type 2 diabetes looks slightly different, depending on your age. Here’s how you can manage your risk depending on how old you are.

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Allen Chen/Getty Images

How To Lower Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Your 20s and 30s

The number of people under 40 being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is on the rise. Dr. Pantalone says that while there are genetic and environmental factors that influence the risk of type two diabetes, one primary reason for this is due to obesity. “Obesity increases insulin resistance, which makes it harder for the individual to control their blood sugar,” he notes. 

This means, he says, that habits that cause obesity (including improper diet and lack of exercise) directly contribute to the risk of type 2 diabetes. With this in mind, if you are in your 20s or 30s and want to lower the risk of diabetes, the most powerful way to do this is by having healthy diet and exercise habits in place.

“While one can’t change their genetics and may not be able to change their environment, one can try to lead a healthy lifestyle largely through maintaining physical activity levels and following general nutrition recommendations,” Dr. Pantalone explains.

Related: 'I'm an Endocrinologist—This Popular Smoothie Ingredient Sends Blood Gugar Soaring'

How Type 2 Diabetes Risk Changes in Your 40s

Dr. Pantalone says that type 2 diabetes risk increases drastically after age 45 and continues to increase with age. That makes getting screened for diabetes in your 40s especially important. 

If you are a woman and developed gestational diabetes during pregnancy (which Dr. Pantalone explains is due to changes in hormones and weight), it’s important to know that you have a higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. With this in mind, it’s crucial to be screened for type 2 diabetes in your 40s if you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

The same diet and lifestyle habits that lower the risk of diabetes in your 20s and 30s also apply to your 40s. Especially because metabolism can slow after 40, making it easier to gain weight, maintaining a nutrient-rich diet and exercising regularly becomes especially important.

Related: 'I'm an Endocrinologist, and This Is the #1 Type of Fruit (Yes, Fruit) I Recommend to Everyone With Diabetes'

How Type 2 Diabetes Risk Changes After 50

For women, menopause can impact the risk of type 2 diabetes. “Menopause is associated with many hormonal changes, especially lower levels of estrogen, and women will report weight gain during menopause. Weight gain is often accompanied with a change in body composition, specifically a reduction in muscle mass and an increase in fat mass, which can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Pantalone says.

What can you do to mitigate this risk? Again, it comes back to having healthy habits in place, but in addition to having a nutrient-rich diet and exercising regularly, Dr. Pantalone says it becomes increasingly important to consistently get enough sleep and have healthy stress management habits in place. He explains that this is because lack of sleep and prolonged stress can both influence weight gain, which in turn increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. 

Dr. Pantalone reiterates that the risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age; the older you are, the more important it is to be screened for diabetes. That said, he emphasizes that maintaining healthy habits plays a major role in reducing this risk and is something people of all ages should keep in mind. “A person in their 20s with severe obesity could have a higher risk than a 55-year-old person of normal weight; there are lots of factors that influence one’s risk across the age spectrum,” he says.

With that in mind, it’s never too early—or too late—to start implementing healthy habits. They’ll lower your risk of type 2 diabetes both now and in the decades to come.

Up Next:

Related: This Is the Best Cheese for Blood Sugar Balance, According to Diabetes Doctors

Sources:

• Heart disease and Diabetes. National Library of Medicine
• National Diabetes Statistics Report. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Untreated Diabetes: What to Know. UnityPoint Health
• Dr. Kevin Pantalone, DO, endocrinologist and the director of diabetes initiatives at Cleveland Clinic
• OY Luk, A, Wu, H., Fan, T., et al. (2025). Young-onset type 2 diabetes—Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management. Journal of Diabetes Investigation. 16(7):1157-1172
• Papatriantafyllou, E., Efthymiou, D., Zoumbaneas, E., et al. (2022). Sleep Deprivation: Effects on Weight Loss and Weight Management. Nutrients. 14(8):1549
• Kumar, R., Raza Rizvi, M. and Saraswat, S., (2022). Obesity and Stress: A Contingent Paralysis. International Journal of Preventive Medicine.13:95. doi: 10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_427_20

Plenty of celebrities have a famous doppelgänger—and Elijah Wood is no exception.

Through the years, The Lord of the Rings actor, 45, has admittedly been confused for fellow actor Daniel Radcliffe and while it may bother some stars to be incorrectly identified, the pair have never been fazed by the comparisons. In fact, they've each had a little bit of fun with the mix ups.

During an appearance onThe Drew Barrymore Show on Friday (March 20), Wood was shown a clip of Radcliffe admitting that he had signed autographs that were meant for the other actor.

Thankfully, Wood found the whole thing "so funny," adding that people come up to him thinking he's Radcliffe "all the time."

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As for why Wood thinks that people confuse him for Radcliffe, he explained that it goes beyond their similar facial features. Instead, Wood says he has theorized that people mix them up because their franchises,Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, were box office hits around the same time.

"I think it's because those two film franchises came out around the same time," Wood shared.

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Radcliffe has also reflected on the confusion, admitting that he felt bad about it at times considering the comparisons began when he was just a preteen and Wood was in his 20s.

"I really like him and felt so bad that we have been mixed up so much because also I was getting it when, at the start of Potter when Lord of the Rings was coming out, he was, you know, a man in his 20s. I was 12 or 13,” Radcliffe told CBR. "A 13 year old doesn’t mind getting mistaken for a man in his 20s. I can only imagine it would have been very annoying for a 20 year old to be mistaken for a child.”

He continued, "He’s very, very gracious and always, you know, I feel like we’ve got very similar outlooks on our careers and that we just do what we like. He’s a very nice person to get mistaken for as well. He’s got a lovely reputation and he’s done lovely, great films.”

If you’ve ever scrolled through travel TikTok and found yourself dreaming of those futuristic, pod-style seats that look more like a tiny apartment than an airplane chair, United Airlines just raised the stakes. Starting today, travelers can officially book seats on United’s most premium international aircraft yet: a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring the highly anticipated "United Elevated" interior.

Set to make its debut on April 22, with a flight from San Francisco to Singapore, this plane is less of an aircraft and more of a boutique hotel in the sky. While most long-haul planes are designed to pack as many people in as possible, United is leaning into the "more is more" philosophy for the front of the cabin. The aircraft boasts a staggering 99 premium seats, making it the crown jewel of the fleet for anyone who prioritizes comfort (and a good night's sleep) above all else.

Related: Travelers Are Rushing to Download United's New App for This One New Gamechanging Feature

The "Polaris Studio" Experience

The real star of the show is the brand-new United Polaris Studio. There are only eight of these suites on the plane, and they are designed to be a significant step up from the already-beloved Polaris experience.

In these suites, the lie-flat seats are 25 percent larger than the standard version. But it’s the little luxuries that really sell it: we're talking full privacy doors, an extra ottoman seat (perfect if a travel companion wants to sit and chat) and a massive 27-inch 4K OLED screen.

If that’s not enough to keep you entertained, United is also debuting an Ossetra caviar amuse-bouche service and exclusive entrée options specifically for the Studio cabin. It’s a level of service that feels more like the "Golden Age" of flying than a modern-day commute.

Tech Meets Tranquility

Beyond the caviar, the "Elevated" interior is packed with the kind of tech that makes a long travel day feel a lot shorter. Every seat in the Studio features wireless charging and Bluetooth connectivity, so you can finally ditch the tangled cords.

As Andrew Nocella, United’s EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, put it: "The new era of premium air travel is coming soon... Our new aircraft redefines international long-haul flying, providing travelers upgraded amenities and experiences in every cabin."

Related: United Airlines is Making a Major Change to Its Onboard Wi-Fi

Where You Can Fly It

While the San Francisco to Singapore route gets the first honors in April, London travelers won't have to wait long. The second "Elevated" route launches between San Francisco and London on April 30.

United isn't stopping there, either. The airline plans to have 30 of these 787-9s with the upgraded interior flying globally by the end of 2027. Whether you’re a frequent business traveler or planning that once-in-a-lifetime trip, the bar for international flying just got a lot higher.

Related: JetBlue and United Quietly Rolled Out a Change Frequent Flyers Have Been Waiting For

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If you're looking for a quick and easy way to brighten up your outdoor space this season, Amazon's Homight Solar Butterfly Garden Lights are worth checking out. They provide a soft, magical glow that's perfect for lighting up spring and summer nights, and they're currently available for up to 50% off. 

Featuring 13 LED butterflies draped over a metal agave plant sculpture, these unique outdoor decorations add a touch of whimsy to yards, gardens, porches, and patios. The three-piece set is now on sale for just $28, down from $57, in the light green color. It also comes in blue, dark green, and red shades at $52, and there's a two-piece version available at $36. 

Homight Solar Butterfly Garden Lights, From $28 (was $57) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Powered by solar energy, these garden lights charge up during the day and automatically turn on once it gets dark. At night, they shine a variety of rainbow hues, creating a cozy, romantic atmosphere no matter where you place them. Featuring IP67 waterproof bulbs, the lights are durable enough to stay outdoors year-round and remain operational in any weather. 

Installing these lights is easy and hassle-free. Simply place each metal sculpture where you want it, turn on the switch to the solar panel, and allow the lights to charge up in the sunlight — no batteries or additional wiring required. 

Related: Amazon’s 'Colorful' $23 Solar Light Wind Chime 'Looks Magical' on Patios and Porches

Multiple shoppers praised the vibrant garden lights for their "gorgeous" design. One reviewer said they "look so pretty at night," while another noted that they add a "whimsical" touch to any outdoor space. A third buyer said the pretty patio upgrade "lights up beautifully at night." 

Shop More Deals

• Kooper Solar Lantern 2-Pack, $12 (was $24) at Amazon
• Toodour Solar Wind Chime, $8 (was $10) at Amazon
• Zeilluled Solar Butterfly Wind Chime, $12 (was $16) at Amazon

Spruce up your outdoor space this spring and summer with this gorgeous set of solar butterfly garden lights. Grab a three-pack while it's still on sale for under $30 at Amazon. 

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.

Owning a cast-iron pan can give you a bit of a pause in the kitchen. After all, there are so many conflicting pieces of advice when it comes to taking care of the heavy-duty cookware. These pans have been around for generations, passed down from grandparents to grandchildren, and yet much of the advice circulating online treats them like fragile antiques. The internet has us thinking that one wrong move will land the pans in the trash.

Depending on whom you ask, cast iron is either a completely indestructible heirloom or the most high-maintenance tool in your kitchen. It’s no wonder so many people feel intimidated by it, especially when they’re just simply trying to make dinner.

In reality, cast iron is pretty tough, but it does have rules that you need to follow to keep the cookware looking and cooking its best. We wanted a little cast-iron pan primer, so we turned to a pro in the cast-iron world to get our burning questions answered.

According to Kent Rollins, YouTube star, real-life cowboy cook and host of The Cast Iron Cowboy on The Outdoor Channel, there is one thing you should always do with your cast iron pan after using it—and it has nothing to do with soap or scrubbing. His simple advice on how to season a cast iron pan will help make sure your pans stay in great shape for you and for generations to come, so you can pass down your pans with pride.

Related: We Ranked 12 Olive Oil Brands and You Can Buy the Winner at Whole Foods

The #1 Thing You Should Always Do When You Use Your Cast Iron Pan

According to Rollins, seasoning your cast iron pan the right way can change it from becoming a discarded pan in the back of your cabinet to your most reached for tool from everything from a single fried egg to a batch of fried chicken.

Rollins says this is his most important piece of advice: "You’re gonna re-season every time you use that skillet," he tells Parade. "If I used it three times today, I’m gonna re-season it three times. I like the slick glossy black finish and that’s how you get it, by re-seasoning every time you use that skillet."

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Why Is Seasoning a Cast Iron Pan So Important?

Seasoning a cast iron skillet isn’t about flavor; it's more about chemistry. When oil is heated on cast iron, it polymerizes and bonds to the surface, forming a hard, slick layer that protects the metal and creates its naturally nonstick finish.

Over time, those layers build into the glossy black patina that makes cast iron such a prized kitchen tool. Pretty cool, right? And a cast iron pan needs this loving care. Without proper seasoning, food sticks, moisture seeps in and you get the dredded rust rings.

How To Season a Cast Iron Pan

Courtesy of Kent Rollins

Here's how Rollins re-seasons his cast iron pan: He says after he cooks in his skillet, he scrubs it, rinses with hot water, dries over heat (either the stove or a campfire, if he's cooking outdoors) and then adds some oil.

"When the skillet is hot and when it begins to smoke, I turn off the heat and wipe any excess," he says. Let cool before storing.

Courtesy of Kent Rollins

As far as what kind of oil to use? Kent has his favorites for both the initial season as well as maintenance.

"I have three that I really love," Rollins says. "Grapeseed oil is what I use most, next would be beef tallow and then avocado oil."

Related: How To Make Cornbread 10x Better, According to the ‘Cast Iron Cowboy’

How To Season a New Cast Iron Pan for the First Time

Rollins says that if you buy a secondhand pan or spring for a brand new one, you still need to season it first before you start to cook in it. The process may seem labor-intensive, but it sets your pan up for easy use later on.

Rollins starts the seasoning process the same way as a well-loved pan: on the stovetop, very hot, with about a tablespoon of oil rubbed in. The skillet then goes into the oven.

"Place a cookie sheet on the bottom rack or aluminum foil on the bottom of the oven to catch any drips and place the skillet upside down and bake for one hour at 400°F," he tells Parade.

After baking, he lets it cool completely.

"Let the skillet come to room temp," he recommends. "I do this a minimum of three times, then deep fry [potatoes] in it."

That initial deep fry will help supercharge the seasoning and set you up for nonstick cooking success. Bonus: deep-fried potatoes are delicious.

Related: My Chef-Husband Made Me His Marry Me Potatoes and I Would Definitely Say 'I Do' All Over Again

Courtesy of Kent Rollins

2 Additional Cast Iron Pan Tips1. Be careful with temperature

According to Rollins, when you’re heating or cooling your skillet, you should do it gradually. "You gotta be careful not to shock cast iron from one extreme to the other, hot or cold," he says.

Cast iron is durable, but rapid temperature changes can cause it to warp or crack, especially during seasoning when the metal is expanding and contracting as oil bonds to the surface.

2. Be mindful of what you're using to clean it

Rollins also cautions against using paper towels when applying oil.

"Don’t use a paper towel for that because they contain lint, and when you’re wiping something down, you’d be transferring lint to your cast iron," he warns. "I prefer a bandana or an ol’ T-shirt works too."

Up Next:

Related: This Popular Cast-Iron Skillet Was Just Voted #1 by Experts

Source:

Courtesy of Kent Rollins

• Kent Rollins, cowboy chef and star of the Outdoor Channel series Cast Iron Cowboy

Singer Claudine Longet set off a life-altering sequence of events when she killed her Olympian boyfriend, Vladimir “Spider” Sabich, on March 21, 1976.

Prior to the incident, Longet’s singing career took off in the 1960s, with hits such as “Hello, Hello” and “Love Is Blue.” She also made her mark as an actress in the 1968 film The Party and with guest roles on TV shows including Hogan’s Heroes and McHale’s Navy.

Longet received additional attention due to her marriage to Andy Williams. The couple tied the knot in 1961 and shared three kids, Noelle, Christian and Robert. Longet and Williams ultimately separated in 1970 and divorced in 1975, but they remained friends.

Following her split from Williams, Longet moved on with Sabich, whom she met at a 1972 celebrity ski race in California. The alpine ski racer competed in the 1968 Winter Olympics and became the top earner on the pro circuit in 1971 and 1972. Despite injuring his back in 1973, he continued to compete until 1976, though his career suffered a major setback due to his physical ailments.

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On March 21, 1976, police were called to Sabich’s Aspen, Colorado, home, where they found his body on the master bathroom floor with a gunshot wound in his abdomen. After losing a significant amount of blood before an ambulance arrived, Sabich died en route to Aspen Valley Hospital. He was 31.

Longet, then 34, was arrested and charged with Sabich’s death, though she claimed it was an accident. At her 1977 trial, Longet testified that the gun accidentally discharged while Sabich was showing her how to use it. She also denied pointing the weapon at Sabich, alleging that the weapon was lying flat in her palm.

“I would like you to tell me more about the gun and what the safety means,” she alleged she told Sabich, claiming that after the weapon discharged, Sabich “called my name three times” and then slipped into unconsciousness.

Multiple errors made during the investigation into Sabich’s death contributed to Longet’s defense at trial, including a blood sample and diary that were taken from her without warrants as well as the authorities’ mishandling of the gun.

Prior to her trial, Longet was charged with reckless manslaughter rather than homicide. To convict Longet of reckless manslaughter, the jury had to be convinced she exhibited a “conscious disregard” of a “substantial risk” in her actions that resulted in Sabich’s death, per a 2013 British GQ report on the case.

However, the judge also gave the jury the option to convict Longet of criminally negligent homicide, a misdemeanor that meant Longet showed a “gross deviation from the standard of caution that a ‘reasonable person’ could be expected to exercise” in an incident resulting in death.

In January 1977, the jury found Longet guilty of criminally negligent homicide, which carried a maximum sentence of two years behind bars and a $5,000 fine. The judge ultimately sentenced Longet to 30 days in jail to be served at a time of her choosing.

Sabich’s family later filed a civil suit against Longet, which was settled out of court.

Five decades after Sabich’s death, Longet, now 84, continues to live in Aspen with her husband, Ronald Austin, whom she married in 1985 after he served as her defense attorney in the case. She maintains a low profile and has not spoken out about Sabich’s death since her trial.  

Sweeping across the Western Canada frontier in a rickety covered wagon, Rebecca Clarke (Bethany Joy Lenz) and her 11-year-old daughter, Sarah, arrive in Hope Valley in 1874, determined to start over – regardless of the cost.

The journey is harsh, and the setbacks are relentless, yet Rebecca, a fiercely independent widowed mother to Sarah (Mila Morgan), understands the courage, resilience, and bravery it takes to start anew. She also sees early on that perhaps she needs to accept help from local rancher Tom Moore (Benjamin Ayres), as she becomes an integral part of the close-knit town of Hope Valley.

Hope Valley: 1874, the new Hallmark series is a prequel to the popular historical drama, When Calls the Heart, which finishes up its dramatic Season 13 on Sunday, March 22. Preparation for Season 14 is already underway, according to the producers.

Early in the series, Rebecca’s fresh start quickly unravels: her wagon breaks down, and the boardinghouse she bought is not what was advertised. Still, she finds an unexpected connection with Tom and develops a friendship with tenacious pioneer woman and the owner of the trading post, Hattie Quinn (Jill Hennessy), and her artistic daughter, Olivia, (Roan Curtis).

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Benjamin Ayres and Bethany Joy Lenz on the Hallmark+ series 'Hope Valley: 1874'

Hallmark Media/Photographer: Jeff Weddell

At its core, Hope Valley: 1874 showcases themes of perseverance and resilience amid the tremendous odds and harsh conditions of the rugged and hopeful Pioneer era, highlighting how a group of scattered settlers slowly forms the tight-knit community that viewers already know and love.

Known for nearly a dozen Hallmark original movies and the series, One Tree Hill, Lenz says that she was attracted to the period story for a myriad of reasons.

“What actor doesn’t dream of working with a community that’s been proven to be supportive and a wonderful place to work,” Lenz exclusively told Parade about the enthusiastic fan base known as The Hearties. “I’ve got friends on set and in the area. So there was so much about this role that felt like it was right for me.”

Related: When Does ‘Hope Valley: 1874’ Come Out? How to Watch the ‘When Calls the Heart’ Prequel

Ayres said there was a cloak of secrecy when he first read the script, which was entitled 1874, and he had no idea it was a Hallmark production.

Among the attractions, he said, “was that I get to play a cowboy back in 1874, getting to ride a horse in the mud, spending time outside, and I get to work with Bethany, and we get to tell this incredible story. All of this was there even before we started reading the amazing script for the first episode.”

When it comes to the scenes that find Rebecca on horseback, Lenz, an experienced rider since age 18, says that was a perk of the job. She has enjoyed owning horses over the years. “I would say I’m an intermediate rider, who really enjoys it. The horses feel very grounding for me, so I’m so happy to be around them every day. Often, if they can’t find me on set, I’m in the barn, cuddling with the horses.”

Related: ‘When Calls the Heart’ Prequel ‘Hope Valley: 1874’ Premieres Tomorrow — Watch an Exclusive Sneak Peek

Bethany Joy Lenz on the Hallmark+ series 'Hope Valley: 1874'

Hallmark Media/Photographer: Jeff Weddell

Lenz, Hennessy, and the other women in Hope Valley: 1874 are well aware how difficult life was for women in the rugged frontier, and that resilience and tenacity are just a few of the character traits they need to survive.

For Lenz, the first aspect of pioneer women she noticed had everything to do with the clothing at the time. “When I stepped into the corset, I immediately saw how incredibly efficient it is at keeping women helpless,” she said.

“You can’t move, you can’t use the restroom easily, you can’t breathe very well.  It’s easy to faint. You don’t want to eat because it gets all kind of stuck, and you don’t want to drink too much because it’s difficult to take the time to undo everything to use the restroom. It’s so complicated that you really need help.”

(L-R) Mila Morgan, Bethany Joy Lenz on the Hallmark+ series 'Hope Valley: 1874'

Hallmark Media/Photographer: Jeff Weddell

As a result of this newly-found constriction, Lenz found it extremely “frustrating, especially as someone who is a very physical person. I like to use my body and dig into whatever I’m into, so that was a whole new challenge. It was very different from the freedoms that I experience on a day-to-day basis.”

But in addition, she said that it helped her understand the women of the time period. “The corset, which every woman wore, helped put me in the mindset of how women used to feel constrained. It was such a social norm and such a fundamental piece of their lives and existence, it would be like the townsfolk going without a shirt.”

Related: Hearties, You Need to See This—Our Exclusive ‘When Calls the Heart’ Finale Sneak Peek Teases Nathan’s Next Move

Lenz said she quickly became humbled by the challenges faced by Rebecca and other women in that time period. “Think about what this woman has to do amid all of these physical and social constraints. Any woman back in that time who was living on the prairie was digging, plowing, cooking, and taking care of babies.”

She added that simple actions cannot be taken for granted, including “walking up a flight of stairs while carrying your child. You can’t carry anything else because your other hand is gathering your skirt. So I am in awe of the fact that Rebecca is so capable and has figured out all these other life hacks that I didn’t think I would ever need to know.”

For Ayres, who has starred in a dozen Hallmark movies since 2016, he appreciates “the sacrifices our grandparents and great grandparents have made, and how difficult life was in that time period. They lived without modern technology and medicine, yet look how fulfilled they were, and the genuine sense of community they created.”

Related: ‘When Calls the Heart’ Star Pascale Hutton Teases Rosemary’s Bold New Role: ‘She’s in Her Prime and Glory’ (Exclusive)

He added that while we have all of the “beautiful things” that make up modern technology.  “We actually don’t really have the same type of obstacles that require being outside and working hard and, at the end of the day, feeling accomplished alongside a supportive group of people. I hope that those who watch it can appreciate what our families did to get us to where we are now, and also maybe inspire us to do some more of that ourselves.”

When it comes to the romantic aspects of the show, both Lenz and Ayres agree that it wouldn’t be a Hallmark series or a compelling story if there weren’t heavy doses of love and romance, alongside the period drama.

Among the romantic storylines are younger couples in their 20s, as well as the more mature Rebecca and Tom, who are in their 40s, which can be trickier. “Here we are trying to figure out how to negotiate a new connection with somebody that we don’t know, Lenz explained.

“It’s about building trust in a time when so many people were strangers. You couldn’t just go up and say, ‘Hey, friend, do you vouch for this person?’  You really have to trust your gut, watch somebody, and let the thing grow and slowly build. Trying to figure out how to do that when we’re coming together with a backpack full of life experience that we have to unpack together, it’s hard.”

Ayres added that any potential relationship between Rebecca and Tom “would take place amid the tragedy, and all of the trauma, that’s yet to be dealt with. Early on, they are at the stage of trying to trust one another. What’s so beautiful, as the audience will see right from the get-go, there is a spark, and it’s about the two of them not allowing them to ignite it.”

He added that he sees that “they’ve built these walls up and we’re going to see them slowly pull them out brick-by-brick. There is this ice in Tom’s heart that’s being thawed by Rebecca. Ultimately, they both want the same thing: they want to build something that lasts, they want to support a younger generation, and they both want to protect others.”

Benjamin Ayres on the Hallmark+ series 'Hope Valley: 1874'

Hallmark Media/Photographer: Jeff Weddell

Related: Brooke Shields on Her Joyful Return to ‘When Calls the Heart’: ‘It Felt Like Coming Home’ (Exclusive)

Lenz agrees with her co-star about their characters. “I think that they are both really caring people who have been hurt, and it takes time to learn how to trust again, but when people who’ve experienced that are able to trust each other, I think something really beautiful happens and can grow.”

She added that she is “looking forward to seeing the fruition of that, but also that’s the beautiful thing about a series, that we have time to build that anticipation, we don’t just have to get to it real fast. That’s something I do really love about the two of them.”

In keeping with Hallmark’s dedication to celebrating strong women, Lenz said she loves Rebecca’s grit and tenacity. “Her determination is an innate trait that I recognize in Rebecca. She has survival mechanisms in that way, to just keep going, come what may, come hell or high water.”

But Lenz sees Rebecca as a complicated female character. “I also appreciate her softness, which is just underneath the surface. It’s like there’s a layer of stone, but if you can crack it, it’s really soft and gooey underneath. It’s right there, you just have to find the cracks, I definitely relate to her in that way.”

The cast encourages everyone to watch the new series, especially fans of When Calls the Heart, who are sure to enjoy this origin story.

(L-R) Bethany Joy Lenz, Mila Morgan, and Benjamin Ayres on the Hallmark+ series 'Hope Valley: 1874'

Hallmark Media/Photographer: Jeff Weddell

Related: Chris McNally Teases a Rocky Road Ahead for Lucas and Edie on ‘When Calls the Heart’ (Exclusive)

“It’s a real fun shared experience for everyone to build what will become Hope Valley with us,” Ayres said. “And I am eager for everyone to fall in love with the characters while they are falling in love with one another. I think the show provides a safe danger from your sofa to go on a journey with us.

Added Lenz. “I believe they will love the community, the simplicity, and the legacy of what came before,” she said. “This is a show that’s going to enrich your life when you watch it. We’re really bringing something to the table that you can meditate on.”

Hope Valley: 1874 premieres on Saturday, March 21, exclusively on Hallmark+ with a new episode available every Thursday beginning March 26.

Related: Hallmark Stars Announce Long-Awaited Renewal News: ‘You Asked for It!’

Taylor Sheridan’s television universe keeps getting bigger. But with The Madison, the prolific creator takes a step away from ranch wars and frontier rivalries to tell a more intimate story. The new Paramount+ series, led by Michelle Pfeifferand Kurt Russell, follows the Clyburns, a New York City family who experience Montana’s Madison River valley after a devastating loss forces them to rebuild their lives. 

Moving between the energy of Manhattan and the sweeping landscapes of Big Sky country, the drama explores how grief, resilience and unexpected connections can reshape what family really means.

Here’s everything to know about whether there will be a Season 2 of The Madison on Paramount+.

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Will there be a Season 2 of The Madison?

Yes! According to an Entertainment Weekly interview with star Kurt Russell, the second season has already been filmed. Some schedule shifting by Taylor Sheridan and Michelle Pfeiffer, who are both executive producers on the series, was required as Russell wasn't available as he was filming the second season of AppleTV's Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.

“Michelle Pfeiffer and Taylor were able to get together with the people at Paramount+ and said, ‘Well, let's do two seasons instead of just one,’” Russell told EW. “‘And then before we start the second season next year, instead of doing that, we will start with Kurt's stuff. We really do want him to play the guy. And we'll get his first season out of the way first, and jam all that in there, and then go into the second season and do that.’ And so we were able to do that.”

Related: Luke Grimes Reacts to Monica’s Shocking Death in ‘Marshals’ — And That John Dutton Callback (Exclusive)

Who is in the cast of The Madison?Michelle Pfeiffer (Stacy Clyburn)

Kurt Russell (Preston Clyburn)

Beau Garrett (Abby Reese)

Elle Chapman (Paige McIntosh)

Patrick J. Adams (Russell McIntosh)

Matthew Fox (Paul Clyburn)

Will Arnett (Dr. Phil Yorn)

Amiah Miller (Bridgett Reese)

Alaina Pollack (Macy Reese)Is The Madison a sequel to Yellowstone?

No, The Madison is not a direct sequel to Yellowstone, but it does take place in the same universe created by Taylor Sheridan. Instead of continuing the Dutton family story, the new series focuses on a different group of characters—the Clyburn family. While it shares the setting and thematic DNA of Yellowstone, The Madison tells its own standalone story with a new cast.

Was Matthew McConaughey supposed to be in The Madison?

Yes and no. Matthew McConaughey was originally linked to a Taylor Sheridan project rumored to be titled 2024, which was expected to film in late 2024 and serve as a continuation of Yellowstone. However, according to a report from Puck, McConaughey’s involvement may have been overstated, and he ultimately did not move forward with the project.

Around the same time, Sheridan reworked the concept that eventually became The Madison. What was initially envisioned as a series continuing the Dutton story shifted into a standalone drama set in the same universe, centered on a new family rather than the Yellowstone ranch.

Related: Beloved ‘Lost’ Actor Matthew Fox Opens Up About His Long Hiatus From Acting

Is the Beth and Rip spin-off confirmed?

Yes! The new series, Dutton Ranch, which continues the exploits of Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and her husband Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser), has been confirmed and according to recent posts on the series' social media accounts the series is "coming soon." The series doesn't have a release date yet but is expected to premiere in late 2026.

How to watch The Madison

Season 1 of The Madison is streaming on Paramount+.

How many episodes is The Madison?

The Madison Season 1 had six episodes. It's unknown whether Season 2 will have the same number or even more.

Is there a trailer for The Madison Season 2?

No trailer for The Madison Season 2 has been released. However, you can check out the official trailer for Season 1 below for a walk down memory lane!

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On March 21, 1994, Bruce Springsteen won an Academy Award for "Streets of Philadelphia," one of his most emotional and haunting songs. Unlike his songs such as "Secret Garden," "I'm on Fire," or "Growin' Up," which were used in different films, he wrote "Streets of Philadelphia" specifically for the 1993 film Philadelphia.

Seven days after it was released as a single, it was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song. Two months later, it reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. No one was more shocked than The Boss.

"I would never have thought in a million years it was going to get radio airplay," he admitted to the Asbury Park Press in 1996. "But people were looking for things to assist them in making sense of the AIDS crisis, in making human connections. I think that is what film and art and music do; they can work as a map of sorts for your feelings."

At the 66th Academy Awards, he was up against Neil Young (whose song "Philadelphia" had also been written for the film), "Again" from Poetic Justice, "The Day I Fall in Love" from Beethoven's 2nd, and "A Wink And A Smile" from Sleepless in Seattle. When Whitney Houston read his name, he looked surprised and happy.

"Thank you. See, this is the first song I ever wrote for a motion picture, so I guess it’s all downhill from here," Springsteen joked in his acceptance speech.

Directed by Jonathan Demme, it starred Tom Hanks as Andrew Beckett, a gay man and lawyer who is fired from his job after they learn he's contracted AIDS. Denzel Washington plays Joe Miller, the lawyer who agrees to represent him. Over the course of the movie, Joe overcomes his homophobia to care for Andrew and to see him as a person just as deserving of understanding and compassion as anyone else.

Two years later, Springsteen received his second Oscar nod. He wrote "Dead Man Walkin" for the film Dead Man Walking, starring Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn. Unfortunately, lightning didn't strike twice, and he lost to "Colors Of The Wind" from Pocahontas.

Forty-nine years ago, a country song with a single-word title soared to the top of the charts, putting one name in the spotlight and giving everyone who shared it a fleeting moment of fame.

Kenny Rogers dominated the country and pop charts with the song "Lucille" in June of 1977. The song told the story of a brokenhearted man whose unhappy wife had left him and their four children behind.

According to U Discover Music, the song was included as part of Rogers' self-titled 1977 album. The single crossed over for Rogers, becoming a pop hit, and reaching No. 5 on the Billboard charts by June of that year.

The Tennessean shared a deep dive into the song's creation in 2017. The song was written by Hal Bynum and in the interview, he addressed the urban legend that the song was named after Rogers' mother, Lucille.

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"No," he responded when asked if that were true. However, he added that the name "sings good."

Rogers addressed the similarities between his biggest hit and his beloved mother in an interview as reported by Taste of Country. After the song became a hit, he said his mother called him up on the phone thinking the song was about her.

"She called me up on the phone one day, and said 'Kenneth Ray, what are you doing?' I knew when she said that I was in trouble," the singer revealed.

"She thought I was putting her business out on the street," he recalls. "She said 'How dare me tell people she had four hungry children.' I told her 'First of all, you have eight kids. Secondly, I didn't write it, and thirdly, it's not about you. Then she tamed down a little bit."

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In fact, Bynum told The Tennessean that the song was inspired by a sight-impaired busker on the streets of Norfolk, Virginia, where he was on shore leave. "I was walking up this hill looking for a bar, and on my way there, there was a blind man coming down the street playing guitar and singing, and he had a cup on the end of his guitar," he explained.

"There was some people and kids going along with him and when he got through with it I went on to the bar. I kept thinking about him and finally wrote that song," he continued.

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Bynum concluded that he ultimately sat down with a fellow songwriter named Roger Bowling, and together, they finished his original song idea. "When we sat down to write, I said, 'You know I’ve got this song and I don’t know whether Kenny would want it or not.' I sang it to him, and he said, 'Man, that is a monster (for) anybody,'" the songwriter concluded.

Additionally, the song was covered by Waylon Jennings, Justin Moore, and Billy Currington.

Kenny Rogers would go on to become one of the most beloved country artists of his generation. He died on March 20, 2020, at 81.