Parade

For all the fancy kitchen gadgets that come and go, the microwave still earns its spot as the MVP of busy days. It's there when you're reheating last night's pasta at 2 p.m., reviving a forgotten cup of coffee, or popping in a frozen meal because cooking just isn't in the cards tonight. Sure, microwaves have spent years getting side-eyed as the home of TV dinners and questionable leftovers, but let's give credit where it's due: they've rescued countless meals and busy schedules.

It's comforting knowing you can press a few buttons and have something hot to eat in minutes. There's the convenience you don't have to think twice about, and sometimes that's exactly what you need. New models are starting to borrow tricks from air fryers, adding crisping technology that promises food with a little more crunch and a lot less of that soggy, just-microwaved texture.

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Ninja

Ninja has made everything from blenders to ice cream makers household favorites, but somehow it never ventured into microwaves until now. And instead of releasing a standard model, the brand is shaking up the category. The new Ninja microwave uses its FusionCrisp technology, which starts by microwaving your food for speed, then automatically switches to air frying to finish the job. Ultimately, the result is frozen foods, leftovers and snacks that come out crispy instead of disappointingly soggy, all in a fraction of the time it would take to use a conventional oven.

Let's face it — almost none of us microwave pizza because we want a bit of crisp instead of a super soggy crust. This takes those worries away.

Related: Marshalls' Stunning Stoneware Casserole Dish Comes From a Beloved Brand and It's Only $25

How Much Does the Ninja Crispi Microwave Cost?

As of July 16, the Ninja Crispi Microwave is available for $449. Now that may seem steep for a microwave when you consider you can get many other versions for under $60. But do those come with Ninja's FusionCrisp technology? They do not.

Not to get all car salesman on you, but this isn't just a microwave. It packs 14 cooking functions, including familiar microwave presets, along with air fry, air roast, air bake, air broil and max crisp settings, into one small appliance. The roomy glass cooking basket is another standout, with enough space to fit an eight-pound chicken, a nine-by-11-inch casserole dish or four slices of pizza.

Between the generous cooking capacity, faster cooking times and the promise of finally giving microwaved food a crispy finish, Ninja's first microwave feels less like a reheating machine and more like a true all-in-one countertop cooker. As someone with very little kitchen counterspace, I appreciate that.

Related: Target's Chic New Table Lamp Looks Straight Out of an Art Boutique

Zach Top is keeping the momentum going as the country star announced more stops for his Cold Beer & Country Music Tour.

In an Instagram update, the 28-year-old hitmaker sparked excitement by revealing three new dates and locations for his North American tour.

The expanded tour now includes stops in Oregon, Texas and Arkansas, giving fans in those states the chance to experience a night filled with good times and country music.

As the country star continues one of his biggest touring years to date, Top also appeared to tease additional announcements.

“Saskatchewan, Alberta, Montana, what do you want to hear this week?” he added, according to his Instagram post.

Zach Top performs on stage during day three of the 2026 CMA Fest

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

The "I Never Lie" hitmaker is currently touring and will be on the road for months, performing in major cities across the U.S. and Canada.

His itinerary includes Montana, Wyoming and other locations this July before continuing through August with stops in Ontario, New York and Massachusetts. He will then kick off his fall tour in September before concluding the trek in October.

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As part of his Cold Beer & Country Music Tour, Top will be joined by supporting acts on certain dates, including Lukas Nelson, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives and Wyatt McCubbin.

In addition to his headlining tour, the Washington-born singer will also perform on several stops of Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show.

Top emerged as one of country music’s rising stars with his breakthrough single, “Sounds Like the Radio.”

According to Top, he considers the late Keith Whitley to be his “biggest influence” in music, alongside Merle Haggard and George Jones.

“I was always drawn to the way those guys sang and that country style of turning the phrase and throwing a little lick on something. I love that!” he shared in an interview with Songwriter Universe. “So that’s what I always tried to do. I still listen to some of the radio from the early 2000s and up into the 2010s and all that. But that old stuff, that’s what I always kept coming back to and what I always try to emulate with my music. And that’s kind of the only thing I know how to do.”

With his rapidly rising popularity, the musician won his first Grammy Award this year, taking home Best Traditional Country Album for Ain't In It For My Health.

Zach Top's Cold Beer & Country Music Tour

July 15 – Saskatoon, SK @ SaskTel Centre (with Lukas Nelson)
July 16 – Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place (with Lukas Nelson)
July 18 – Whitefish, MT @ Under the Big Sky Festival 2026
July 23 – Minot, ND @ North Dakota State Fair
July 25 – Cheyenne, WY @ Cheyenne Frontier Days 2026 (with Jo Dee Messina)
Aug. 6 – Toronto, ON @ Rogers Stadium (with Chris Stapleton & Allen Stone)
Aug. 7 – Ottawa, ON @ Canadian Tire Centre (with Wyatt McCubbin)
Aug. 8 – Canandaigua, NY @ CMAC (with Wyatt McCubbin)
Aug. 13 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell at Jones Beach Theater (with Marty Stuart)
Aug. 14 – Boston, MA @ Fenway Park (with Chris Stapleton & Allen Stone)
Aug. 15 – Boston, MA @ Fenway Park (with Chris Stapleton & Allen Stone)
Aug. 20 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena (with Marcus King)
Aug. 21 – Allentown, PA @ PPL Center (with Marcus King)
Aug. 22 – Bangor, ME @ Maine Savings Amphitheater (with Marcus King)
Aug. 27 – Dieppe, NB @ YQM Countryfest 2026 (with Eric Church & Post Malone)
Aug. 28 – Gilford, NH @ BankNH Pavilion (with Marcus King)
Sept. 10 – Bend, OR @ Hayden Homes Amphitheater (with Wyatt McCubbin)
Sept. 11 – Lake Tahoe, NV @ Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic (with Wyatt McCubbin)
Sept. 12 – Stateline, NV @ Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic (with Wyatt McCubbin)
Sept. 17 – San Diego, CA @ Pechanga Arena San Diego (with Wyatt McCubbin)
Sept. 18 – Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center (with Wyatt McCubbin)
Sept. 19 – Fresno, CA @ Boots in the Park 2026 (with Max McNown & Jo Dee Messina)
Sept. 24 – Hidalgo, TX @ Payne Arena (with Wyatt McCubbin)
Sept. 25 – Corpus Christi, TX @ Hilliard Center Arena (with Wyatt McCubbin)
Sept. 26 – San Antonio, TX @ Frost Bank Center (with Wyatt McCubbin)
Oct. 1 – Decatur, AL @ Rock the South 2026 (Festival lineup)
Oct. 2 – Jacksonville, FL @ VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
Oct. 3 – West Palm Beach, FL @ iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Oct. 8 – Des Moines, IA @ Casey's Center (with Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives)
Oct. 9 – Rosemont, IL @ Allstate Arena (with Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives)
Oct. 10 – Saint Paul, MN @ Grand Casino Arena (with Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives)
Oct. 15 – Sioux Falls, SD @ Denny Sanford PREMIER Center (with Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives)
Oct. 16 – Milwaukee, WI @ Fiserv Forum (with Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives)
Oct. 17 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena (with Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives)
Oct. 23 – Lafayette, LA @ CAJUNDOME (with Lukas Nelson – SOLD OUT)
Oct. 24 – Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP (with Lukas Nelson)
Oct. 29 – Atlanta, GA @ Gas South Arena (with Lukas Nelson)
Oct. 30 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena (with Lukas Nelson – Tour Finale)

Related: Country Music Star, With Best-Selling '90s Song, Involved in First-Ever Move

There are some exciting sequels arriving throughout 2026, and For Ever After by Sue Lynn Tan is one of them.

The highly anticipated sequel to Never Ever After, For Ever After is perfect for readers 14 and up. It’s packed with more Chinese mythology in this Cinderella retelling, and it’s out on Oct. 27. 2026. Parade is fortunate to be able to share an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming story.

Set directly after the explosive events of Never Ever After, we pickup with Yining fleeing to the Iron Mountains. She needs to understand her newfound powers now more and ever, and the only way she can do that is by trusting her unlikely allies. 

Of course, nowhere is safe. The traitorous queen is now ruling the Three Kingdoms, and Yining needs to find a way to keep her family safe while she also uncovers the secrets of her ancestral home.

Readers with advanced copies are already sharing their praise. It currently holds a 4.38-star rating on Goodreads, with the majority of the reviewers giving the full 5 stars. 

One reader shared, “Tan effortlessly blends mythology and fantasy into a world that feels both enchanting and deeply human. Every page is rich with vivid imagery, making it easy to become completely immersed in the story.”

Another reader said, “Magic, dragons, and more peril make this YA fantasy an entertaining read.”

Courtesy of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

The excerpt picks up with Yining back home, for now. You’ll have to see how long that lasts, considering she’s sure to be pulled back across the lands in search for answers and the truth.

She and Jin get to spend a moment together, but everything has changed. Feelings have shifted, as Yining becomes someone Jin barely recognizes, and he’s not afraid to say something. All Yining can do is smile and do her duty, because with everything that she’s been through, this is all her life is for now.

Jin rows swiftly toward me, just as the net of fireflies beneath scatters. Dropped lower, my heart hurtles into my throat as I fall—

He catches me, pulling me close, my breathing ragged from terror. A rush of sensations floods me: his scent of rain‑drenched grass, the familiar strength of his grip as his heart thuds against mine. When I draw away, his hands tighten.

“Since you left, I’ve dreamed of this,” he says quietly. “Let it last a moment longer.”

We stare at each other in silence—I could drown in the depths of his gaze, this dangerous sense of rightness at being with him again. But fury stirs, tangled with resentment, and when I push against him, he lets go.

His head slants back. “Are you still angry with me? After these weeks—”

“If you imagined my anger faded so easily, then you don’t know me at all.” I fold my arms across my chest, my expression stony. “Your ‘messenger’ interrupted an important gathering where an Elder was present. The firefly was recognized as one of your creatures, my family cast under suspicion.”

Jin’s eyes darken. As he whistles, the firefly darts toward us, landing on his knuckles. “You were careless, little one,” he chides the creature,

though his tone is gentle. He bends as though listening to the firefly, then turns to me. “He apologizes. He was searching for you, and in his excitement forgot to dim his light.”

“You understand what he says?” I ask.

“I understand most creatures in Thorn Valley, an ability of my bloodline.” His brow creases. “Except for those corrupted by the decay. It’s been spreading beyond the plants, even reaching the animals, distorting their nature.”

I sit down in the boat, straightening my skirt, pretending not to care. “Is this why you summoned me?”

“How cold and unwilling you sound, Yining,” he drawls.

“Did you expect anything else?” I toss back. “I’m here to fulfill my obligation to you, nothing more. But if you risk my family again—our deal is ended.” My hands clench over my knees as I quell the impulse to stare at the striking planes of his face. “How can I be of service, Lord Jin‑Yong?”

“Obligation? Service?” He sounds stung, the muscles along his arms straining as he thrusts the oars into the water. “You speak with such hostility. Aren’t you glad to see me? Don’t you trust me?”

Gone is the light in his eyes from when he first saw me. I’ve erected a wall between us to prevent him from using me as Dian warned—to avoid dividing my loyalties, being forced to choose. Now, I have more to lose.

“I trusted you until you forced a promise from me when I had little choice. You endanger my safety by making me come to you. What if the Elders catch me going to Thorn Valley? Would you care?”

“Of course I would,” he grinds out. “I spent weeks devising a way to bring you safely from the place you call home, one fortified like a prison. I endeavor to keep you safe. If anyone harms you—Elder or not—they will pay.”

My heart constricts, but I conceal it. “Do you care about me or what I can do for you? Are you even capable of setting aside self‑interest?”

“My people’s well‑being is not ‘self‑interest.’ Whatever you think, I’m not the one using innocents as pawns.” His furious gaze pierces me.

“You’ve changed since returning home, Yining. In these few weeks, you’ve inherited a good dose of Mist Island’s prejudices and their callousness for lives beyond their island.”

My face burns as I swallow my insults, pasting on a blank smile. Curses won’t aggravate Jin the way indifference will. “My time at home has been most illuminating. I’ve been warmly welcomed by my father, my people, even the Elders. I have made many friends,” I add with a flash of pettiness.

He drops the oars into the boat, leaning toward me. “Did you kiss all of them too? Or just the Prince of the Iron Mountains?”

My hand flies up to slap him, but he catches my wrist. His eyes blaze molten gold as rage throbs through me—heat igniting as his body slants to mine, the urge to push him away colliding with the yearning to yank him closer.

“Are you still jealous about that?” I tilt my head to his recklessly, wanting to force a crack in his façade, to break him first.

A wicked smile stretches across his lips. “Not a day goes by that I’m not tempted to thrust a knife into the prince’s heart for it.”

My throat goes dry. Instead of revulsion, a dark satisfaction clasps me. “You’ve lost your mind, Lord Jin‑Yong.”

“Only with you.” He releases me abruptly, his gaze sliding from my face to my clothes. “You look well.”

“As do you,” I say grudgingly. The hue of his eyes seems richer, his skin tanned like he’s spent more time outdoors since returning home. Silver embroidery gleams from his black robe, fastened with a leather belt, more formal than his usual attire.

He picks up the oars once more. “I am glad you’ve been warmly welcomed home, Yining. You deserve no less.”

At the firefly loops around us, I ask, “Was there no other way for me to leave?”

“Not unless you’ve learned to summon the lotuses. The waters around your island are treacherous and closely guarded. A larger creature would be detected.”

The boat glides seamlessly as Jin rows without pause. His eyes narrow as he searches the night, his features glazed by moonlight. I thought him handsome the first time we met—and now, even more annoyingly so.

“Since you are a lord here, why not bring someone to help you row?” I’m seeking fault, my anger unquenched. My tone implying that I don’t enjoy being alone with him.

“Unlike you, I’m here because I want to be,” he replies.

“Why don’t you tell me what you need of me?”

“The decay in Thorn Valley is worsening. It began long ago but the deterioration was gradual then, affecting the plants and crops. Now hostile thorns flourish, those that harm instead of shielding us. More animals are affected, turning violent. Magic once helped us contain the decay—now Mist Island denies support, ignoring our decline. Yet they expect us to continue guarding the border of our realm and the Iron Mountains,” he says harshly. “Your people have forgotten that they need us too. We are their source of information, their first defense. Should we fall—so will they.”

Zooey Deschanel had to "fight" for the New Girl cast that fans came to love so much.

The actress, who led the Fox sitcom as Jessica Day for seven seasons, revealed that she was heavily involved in the casting process when the show was first being produced during a recent appearance on the Zach Sang Show.

“I love that I got to like be there for their auditions and see them come to life and really come into their own as actors,” Deschanel said of co-stars Lamorne Morris, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, and Hannah Simone. “I got to see kind of the beginnings of their careers, because they all have gone on to do incredible things.”

But while Greenfield and Johnson were "cast very quickly" as Schmidt and Nick, respectively, and Simone's deadpan take on Cece wasn't a "super hard sell," Deschanel revealed that getting everyone on board with Morris as Winston was much more difficult.

Morris had originally auditioned for the role of Coach, which ultimately went to Damon Wayans Jr. in the pilot before he exited for Happy Endings and his character was replaced with that of Winston. And while executives were already "familiar" with Wayans' career, it was Morris who "was the one that we had to fight for."

“I was just like, 'What about Lamorne? That guy’s so good. He’s so talented,’” she recalled of casting Winston, noting that Johnson and Greenfield also agreed. “They all knew him because they’d all been in the audition process together originally. And so we did this thing where I wrote to the heads of the studio and the network and Jake wrote to [executive producer] Jake Kasdan.”

"I was like, I can’t see anybody else playing this part, and I know they’re going to see it eventually," she remembered thinking.

Ultimately, their campaigning worked, and Morris was cast as fan-favorite character Winston, whom he played throughout the whole of the series.

Now, looking back, Deschanel pointed out, "He was the one that everyone’s like, ‘Uh, I don’t know, like, you know.’ And now I’m like, ‘Guys, he has an Emmy and he’s killing it.’”

For most of their career, people called The Monkees a fake band.

They were put together for a TV show. They didn't write their own songs. Their music was handed to four young men who looked great on camera. That was the argument. It was made loudly and frequently, and it followed the band for decades.

Here's what that argument missed: the people writing their songs wereNeil Diamond, Carole King and John Stewart.

Any one of those three belongs in a conversation about the greatest pop songwriters of the twentieth century. The idea that their songs somehow became less impressive because The Monkees were singing them has never made sense. The Beatles did cover songs throughout their early career, and nobody called them fake. The Monkees had better writers and got treated completely differently.

Sixty years later, three of the four original members of the Monkees are gone, and the last remaining one is still out on the road performing every word. The songs speak for themselves.

"Last Train to Clarksville" came first, in 1966, written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, the duo who became The Monkees' most consistent hitmakers. It was the band's debut single and their first No. 1, introducing their harmonies and their energy to an audience that had no idea the songs would still be playing sixty years later. The Four Tops recorded it. Even Pam Tillis recorded it. The song outlasted its critics.

"I'm a Believer" has one of the best origin stories in pop history. Neil Diamond wrote it, but he didn't write it for The Monkees. He originally wrote it for Eddy Arnold, the country legend, with something completely different in mind. Arnold never recorded it. The song ended up with The Monkees instead, and the rest is history.

But there's a subplot. Michael Nesmith, the most musically serious of the four, heard "I'm a Believer" and told people it wasn't going to be a hit. He was completely wrong. The song spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in late 1966 and became one of the defining singles of the decade. The man who said it wouldn't be a hit was on stage singing it every night to sold-out crowds.

Thirty-five years later, Smash Mouth recorded it for the Shrek soundtrack. Kids who'd never heard of Micky Dolenz were singing along to every single word.

"Daydream Believer" was released in 1967, written by John Stewart of the Kingston Trio. It spent four weeks at No. 1. The fact that a folk singer from the Kingston Trio wrote a pop No. 1 for a TV band that Anne Murray then turned into a country hit twelve years later tells you everything about how far outside any particular box this song has always lived.

Related: Linda Ronstadt Hired Two Unknowns for 1971 Disneyland Concert — Accidentally Assembling One of Rock's Greatest Bands

"Pleasant Valley Sunday" is the most surprising one on this list. Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, it came out in 1967 as a demure piece of social commentary about suburban sameness. King and Goffin wrote it as outside observers of American life, which is why it has an almost journalistic quality: rows of houses, charcoal burning everywhere, nobody caring. It's a portrait of life, not a complaint.

The same Carole King who'd go on to write Tapestry, one of the best-selling albums ever made, wrote this song for a band that critics were calling a fraud.

The Last Monkee Is Still Singing All of Them

Davy Jones was the face most people pictured when they thought of The Monkees. Peter Tork was the one who fought hardest for the band to play their own instruments. Michael Nesmith was the one who said their biggest hit wasn't going to be a success.

The Sydney Morning Herald / Getty Images

Davy Jones died on February 29, 2012. Peter Tork died on February 21, 2019. Michael Nesmith died on December 10, 2021.

The songs outlived all of them.

Micky Dolenz is the last remaining member of the band. He's currently on the "60 Years of The Monkees" tour across North America, performing the hits in chronological order alongside his own stories about what it was like to live inside one of the strangest and most debated careers in pop history.

The tour has a special show in Los Angeles on and ends on September 12, 2026. That date isn't coincidental. It's exactly 60 years to the day since The Monkees made their first appearance on NBC. The tour wraps up on November 15, 2026.

"What I want to do, as the 60th anniversary of that wonderful moment is upon me," Dolenz said, "is to look back and share with the fans the sheer joy of what we accomplished, and what it all still means to so many."

In 1967, The Monkees put four albums at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in a single calendar year: their debut, More of the Monkees, Headquarters, and Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. The Beatles never even did that. And nobody has since.

The songs that made it possible were written by Neil Diamond, Carole King, John Stewart, and Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. Not one of them was a Monkee. And yet sixty years later, everyone still remembers every word.

That's definitely not what a fake band sounds like.

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Shopping for clothes online can feel like a gamble at times, but for petite shoppers (typically defined as 5 foot 4 and under), the process is uniquely challenging. Most standard sizing is designed around taller models, so simply ordering a smaller size doesn't always solve the problem. As a shopping writer, I spend my days researching clothing and reading customer reviews, and one thing I hear again and again is how difficult it can be for petites to find pieces that fit properly right out of the package.

Common complaints include waistlines that hit in the wrong spot, pants and sleeves that are too long, excess fabric through the hips or torso, and necklines or armholes that don't sit quite right. The good news is there are plenty of shopper-approved styles designed to work better for smaller frames. If you're looking to refresh your wardrobe this summer, we've rounded up eight petite-friendly finds from Amazon and Walmart, including lounge sets, jeans, rompers, and more, starting at just $15.

Lillusory Two-Piece Lounge Set, From $20 (was $45) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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The Lillusory Two-Piece Lounge Set starts at $20, down from $45. Made from 60% polyester, 35% rayon, and 5% spandex, the machine-washable set comes in nine colors and offers a comfortable amount of stretch. It's versatile enough to wear while lounging at home, traveling through the airport, or heading out for brunch with a few accessories added.

Several reviewers specifically mention that the pants’ length works well for petite frames. One shopper said the “sizing is good for petite women,” sharing, “I am petite, and it is difficult to find clothes that fit me from Amazon. I am 5 foot 2 and weigh about 115 pounds. The extra small fits me perfectly. The pants do not drag on the floor and the top can be tucked in.”

No Boundaries Mid-Rise Baggy Jeans, $17 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Denim can be especially difficult for shorter shoppers since even small proportion issues tend to stand out. In general, you'll want to pay close attention to the waist, hip, and rise measurements when shopping to make sure the fit aligns with your proportions. 

The No Boundaries Mid-Rise Baggy Jeans help solve some of those challenges by offering three inseam lengths to accommodate different heights. Available in several washes and sizes 00 through 20, they feature a relaxed leg and classic five-pocket styling that pairs easily with everything from tanks to sweaters.

Btfbm Wrap Midi Dress, From $45 at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Midi dresses can present their own challenges since what hits mid-calf on one person can look like a maxi dress on another. That's why adjustable silhouettes can be especially helpful. The Btfbm Wrap Midi Dress comes in sizes small through XXL and is available in 45 colors and prints, including florals, polka-dots, and solids. 

One reviewer wrote, “This dress is very cute. It fits perfectly and I got a ton of compliments. I am petite with a larger bust and tummy. The stretchy part under the bust gives the shape I need without being tight.”

Fantaslook Overalls Romper, $15 (was $28) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Rompers and jumpsuits are often considered one of the toughest categories for petite shoppers because the torso length has to be just right. That's why relaxed, overall-style designs tend to work best. The Fantaslook Overalls Romper is currently available in nine colors and sizes XS through XXL. 

The adjustable straps make it easier to customize the fit, while the loose silhouette eliminates the issue of a poorly placed waistband. One shopper shared, “I am petite, so nothing fits me properly. However, this Fantaslook Jumpsuit fits best so far. Adjustable straps are a must.”

Luvamia High-Waisted Denim Shorts, From $20 (was $30) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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For summer, a good pair of shorts is essential. The Luvamia High-Waisted Denim Shorts start at $20 and feature a petite-friendly 3.5-inch inseam. Made from 98% cotton and 2% elastane, they're available in eight colors and sizes small through XXL. 

One reviewer wrote, “The shape is adorable, and they are the perfect length for a petite frame. They come up a little higher than my belly button. I’m 5 feet tall, around 120 pounds, and got a small size.”

Lands’ End Petite Starfish Mid-Rise Straight Leg Pants, $47 (was $70) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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If you can find clothing offered in dedicated petite sizing, shopping becomes significantly easier. The Lands' End Petite Starfish Mid-Rise Straight Leg Pants are available in standard, petite, and tall sizing from extra small through extra large. Made from a jersey blend consisting of 89% cotton and 11% spandex, they're soft, breathable, and machine washable. 

One shopper said the pants were “perfect” for their 5-foot-3 frame, adding, “These pants are just wonderful! The fabric is a medium weight — smooth and comfortable. I ordered a petite extra large (my normal size) and they fit beautifully.”

Lk Luv High-Waisted Satin Midi Skirt, From $31 at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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A satin midi skirt is another wardrobe staple that's surprisingly versatile. The LK LUV High-Waisted Satin Midi Skirt comes in 28 colors and sizes extra small through XXXL. It can be dressed down with a simple T-shirt or elevated with a blouse for dinner and special occasions. 

The high-waisted design creates a flattering silhouette, while the length works particularly well for shorter frames. One reviewer shared, “This is so fun! I got plenty of compliments and I loved the way it looked on me. I’m petite so I always worry about length, and it falls in all of the right places!”

Puimentiua Cotton-Linen Pants, From $19 (was $30) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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No summer wardrobe feels complete without a pair of breezy linen-blend pants. The Puimentiua Cotton-Linen Pants start at $19 and are made from 55% cotton and 45% linen. The tapered-leg silhouette helps prevent excess fabric from overwhelming a smaller frame, while the elastic drawstring waistband allows you to customize the rise and fit. 

One shopper wrote, “I absolutely love these cotton/linen pants. I am only 5 feet tall. It is hard to find pants with a rise and length that I do not have to alter. These pants are perfectly proportioned for my petite body type.”

Related: Mesh Ballet Flats Are Summer’s Sweetest Shoe Trend, and Amazon Has an ‘Adorable’ Pair for Just $26

Finding clothing that fits well shouldn't feel like a full-time job. Whether you're packing for vacation, updating your work wardrobe, or simply looking for comfortable everyday staples, these petite-friendly picks help take some of the guesswork out of online shopping. With prices starting at just $15 at Amazon and Walmart, refreshing your closet is easier and more affordable than ever.

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On July 16, 1981, the death of Harry Chapin shocked the world.

The legendary folk singer, known for his poignant, storytelling style, was just 38 years old when he died tragically in a car accident after being hit by a tractor-trailer on the Long Island Expressway in New York. According to an obituary posted by the New York Times, Chapin, a father of five, had been scheduled to perform at a free concert in Westbury, L.I., on the day he died.

Forty-five years after his death, Chapin’s music lives on.

Best remembered for the songs “Taxi,” “W.O.L.D.," the 1974 Billboard Hot 100 hit "Cat’s in the Cradle” and many more, Chapin was a master songwriter known for lyrics that became sadly prophetic.

His official website opens with a tearjerker line from his song "Wonder What Would Happen to This World”: “Oh if a man tried to take his time on earth, and prove before he died what one man's life could be worth, I wonder what would happen to this world.”

Chapin once said that many of his songs were based on real-life situations but weren’t completely autobiographical.

In an interview with Studs Terkel, he explained, “Well, the song is about 60 percent true. I believe that a performer owes only emotional reality to his songs, that he should talk about things that he understands intuitively, but doesn't have to make it literally [about] himself. Hopefully, a good song or a good work of art is like a well-brought-up child; it has reflections of the parent, but it's got its own personality, its own realities, and hopefully can be larger than the parent. And so when I start writing a song, if it tends to, you know, go in a different direction then it actually happened to me, I'm very willing to let it go because I hope it can be larger than me.”

Chapin was most often asked about "Cat’s in the Cradle,” his No. 1 hit song about a disconnected relationship between a father and son. According to Rolling Stone, the song was inspired by a poem written by Chapin’s wife, Sandy, which hit close to home given his busy career.

In a resurfaced interview, Chapin revealed that his wife often got on him for being away from the family and even sang the words to "Cat's in the Cradle" back to him when he made a call home from the road.

“So my son gets on the phone,” he shared. “He doesn't know what he's doing. He goes, ‘When are you coming home, Dad?’ And my wife…picks up the extension.  It was very quick. She goes, ‘Don't know when, but we'll have a good time then, son. You know, we'll have a good time then.’"

Chapin also said of the classic tune, “Frankly, the song scares me to death.”

In addition to his musical legacy, Chapin was a humanitarian. Fighting hunger was a cause dear to the late singer's heart, and in 1980, he founded Long Island Cares, a food bank that is still in operation today. Accoing to the Long Island Herald, an annual fundraiser for Long Island Cares is still held in Chapin's honor 45 years after his death.

Related: 1974 No. 1 Hit Named One of the ‘Saddest Songs of All Time’ Became Heartbreakingly True 7 Years Later

Will Ferrell made his name—and massive net worth—over the last three decades as one of America’s foremost comedians, a transcendent voice known for his physical humor, commitment to bits and iconic characters. He captivated older generations during his time in the 1990s on Saturday Night Live, then after several critically acclaimed cameos (like in Zoolander and Austin Powers), he officially made the jump to movies with the classic comedy Old School in 2003.

Since then, Ferrell has appeared in some of the genre’s most groundbreaking films, from Elf and Anchorman to Talladega Nights and Eurovision Song Contest. During this time, he also flexed his voice acting chops, appearing in animated movies like Megamind and The LEGO Movie. He often teams up with other famous stars in movies, such as John C. Reilly, Mark Wahlberg, and, recently, Reese Witherspoon in 2025's You're Cordially Invited.

It’s safe to say that Will Ferrell’s career is legendary (almost as legendary as those Ron Burgundy Anchorman best lines), but let’s take a look at his net worth and how he got started.

Related: All About Will Ferrell's Wife, Viveca Paulin

How did Will Ferrell become famous? 

Will Ferrell was born in Irvine, Calif., in 1967, the son of a teacher and a musician (who, funny enough, played for the Righteous Brothers). When he was 8 years old, his parents divorced, and he found solace in making others laugh.

“Growing up in suburbia, in safe, master-planned Irvine, there was no drama so we had to create it in our heads. My main form of entertainment was cracking my friends up and exploring new ways of being funny,” Ferrell said in an interview with the Orange County Register. “I didn't have to have the survival mode instinct like other comics, who grew up in tough neighborhoods. I had the opposite. For me, I grew up in Mayberry, and the humor broke the boredom. And there was a lot to make fun of.”

Ferrell’s interest in the arts grew along with his interest in sports, so when he enrolled at USC for college, he chose to study sports broadcasting. He received a degree and found an internship at a local television station, but decided it didn’t suit him. After his mother urged him to pursue a dream, Ferrell moved to Los Angeles and joined The Groundlings, an improvisational comedy group.

After minor successes that included small-time movie roles and shows across Los Angeles, Ferrell was invited to audition for Saturday Night Live. He joined the cast in 1995 and became one of the show's most famous cast members. 

In 2002, Ferrell left Saturday Night Live and began to star in movies. His first big film successes were the mid-life crisis examination of Old School (2003) and Elf (2003), the story of a man raised in the North Pole. And his success only built from there.

Outside of acting, Ferrell expanded to executive producing (The Other Guys, Succession and Eastbound & Down) and podcasting (The Ron Burgundy Podcast). He also launched Funny or Die with director Adam McKay in 2007, a website dedicated to comedic online shorts that launched the careers of many famous comedians today.

Ferrell never lost interest in sports. In 2016, he became a part-owner of the then-new Major League Soccer team Los Angeles FC, along with other celebrity owners like Magic Johnson and Mia Hamm. He also bought a minority stake in the English football club Leeds United in 2024. 

Over the years, Ferrell has developed his own style of comedy and become a household name. We may be far from his Saturday Night Live stardom (creator Lorne Michaelsonce said he was in the top two or three comedians to ever be on the show), but he parlayed his successes into other great endeavors over the course of his long career.

Related: 20 Richest ‘SNL’ Cast Members of All Time, Ranked by Net Worth

What is Will Ferrell's net worth? 

Will Ferrell’s net worth in 2026 is estimated at a hefty $160 million. This comes not just from acting—at one point, he was one of the highest-paid actors in the world, making upwards of $20 million per film—but from other endeavors like Funny or Die, sports ownership, sponsorships and real estate.

How much does Will Ferrell make per movie? 

Will Ferrell has had a hand in over 80 movies and 55 television shows, spanning all budgets and styles. Because of that, the amount Ferrell makes per movie varies. While he's certainly acted in low-budget films, when he was among Hollywood’s highest-grossing actors in the mid-2000s, he demanded upwards of $20 million per role (for movies like Kicking & Screaming, Semi-Pro and Talladega Nights), one of the highest marks ever.

How much did Will Ferrell get paid for Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy?

After the success of his major debut as a lead with Old School, Will Ferrell showed his big-screen success wasn’t a fluke as Ron Burgundy in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. He reportedly made $7 million for Anchorman, but that would be the last time for almost a decade that his salary would be that low.

How much did Will Ferrell get paid for Elf? 

Elf was Will Ferrell’s second box office hit. He reportedly received a whopping salary of $17 million for that film alone, more on par with what his talents would dictate in the mid-2000s. He was allegedly offered $29 million to act in an Elf sequel, but couldn’t get his heart into it, so he turned it down.

How much did Will Ferrell get paid for Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby? 

Will Ferrell captivated a comedic generation with the movie Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, a movie about a mentally underdeveloped but charismatic and successful NASCAR star. It’s reported that he made $20 million for the movie, as it came during one of his most successful eras. Ferrell dictated this salary for many other movies he did during the same era, such as Semi-Pro, Kicking & Screaming, Bewitched and Land of the Lost.

Related: Everybody Pays Chris! Find Out Chris Rock’s Net Worth

How much did Will Ferrell get paid for Saturday Night Live? 

In 2001, Will Ferrell reportedly became one of Saturday Night Live’s highest-paid cast members, with a season salary of $350,000. Ferrell was on the show for seven seasons from 1995 to 2002, so he earned quite a nice sum negotiating his contract for the final years.

How much does Will Ferrell make on sports ownership and executive producing? 

Will Ferrell makes money off many other endeavors, including his part-ownership of the Major League Soccer team Los Angeles FC and minority stake in the English football club Leeds United, as well as his executive production roles in both television and film. It was reported in 2023 that Los Angeles FC was worth $1 billion, becoming Major League Soccer’s first billion-dollar team only nine years after it joined the league at a reported valuation of $110 million. At one point, Ferrell's digital web company Funny or Die was worth $300 million alone.

Ferrell’s real estate holdings also contribute to his net worth, with his Los Angeles property valued at around $20 million. 

Is Will Ferrell married?

Yes, Will Ferrell is currently married to Swedish actress Viveca Paulin. The pair tied the knot in 2000 and have three children together.

Related: Kevin Hart's Net Worth in 2026 and How the Hardworking Entertainer Got So Crazy Rich

Saturday Night Live’s Marcello Hernández had one job at the ESPYs: make people laugh. But after the comedian took a shot at last year's host Shane Gillis during his monologue, many viewers found themselves talking about something else entirely — who exactly is Marcello Hernández?

Hernández, who has become one of SNL's breakout cast members, joked about Gillis’ controversial past during the awards show, sparking a wave of reactions online. While some fans praised the roast and said Gillis himself would likely appreciate the joke, others were less focused on the punchline and more confused about Hernández’s rising profile, asking why they were just now discovering the 28-year-old comedian.

"Did he win a radio contest or something? The only offensive thing about this joke is how generic it is. Y'all have lowered the bar something fierce. Must have Mencia ghost writing for him," one person remarked on X.

"I also want to shout out last year's host, Shane Gillis. He is watching from home like a true American- on his couch, drinking a beer, while a Hispanic guy does his job."

- Marcello Hernández in his ESPYs monologue pic.twitter.com/Mcol5IYL5Z

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 16, 2026

Another person wrote, "I don't know who this Marcello fella is, but maybe I should learn, cause that s—t is hilarious!!!" Still, not everyone was impressed. Some viewers criticized the monologue, while others claimed they had heard similar punchlines before.

Hernández didn’t stop with Gillis. He also took a shot at golf legend Tiger Woods, referencing Woods’ past legal troubles with a joke about the “Grand Theft Auto” video game franchise. Woods was arrested and charged with driving under the influence following a rollover crash in Florida in March, marking his fourth reckless driving incident since 2009.

“I love you, Tiger,” Hernández said. “I’m a big fan, man. It was just written so well.”

The SNL comedian, best known for his character Domingo, also poked fun at longtime NFL coach Bill Belichick, the former New England Patriots head coach who made headlines last year for his relationship with 24-year-old former cheerleaderJordon Hudson.

During his monologue, Hernández joked about how much the sports world has changed, saying, “In 1973, hockey players didn’t wear helmets. Basketball had no three-point line. And in 1973, Bill Belichick was the age his girlfriend is now.”

While some viewers may not have known who Hernández was before the ESPYs, boxer Jake Paul, who was in the audience, played along with the comedian’s joke about his tendency to face older opponents in the ring. “My dad and my stepdad are both here, and they’re over 50, and I know that’s how you like ’em,” Hernández joked.

Bunnie Xo and Jelly Roll may seem like friendly exes, but Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia thinks there's more going on with their divorce dynamic.

"She's still under the mind control of him," the Barstool Sports personality, 27, alleged during the Sunday, July 12, episode of her Plan Bri Uncut podcast, claiming that "all of [Bunnie's] closest friends" are reposting "the most asinine videos about Jelly Roll and how he’s the worst person and how people only like him because of Bunnie."

Related: Bunnie Xo Shuts Down Body-Shaming After IVF Weight Gain

"Bunnie is just doing the thing where she’s still protecting him," said LaPaglia, who said she had been through a similar experience of wanting to "protect" and "encourage" an ex when she wasn't "fully stepped out of the situation yet," seemingly referring to the tumultuous end of her relationship with singer Zach Bryan in October 2024.

LaPaglia also claimed that Jelly Roll's "only redeeming thing" was "how much he loved his wife," adding of the Grammy winner's 275-pound weight loss, "It’s like, to finally amount to this point of your life where you’ve made it, and then you lose all this weight and you start talking different, you start acting different and then you drop the woman that saved you and, kind of, made you. I don’t think there would be Jelly Roll at this level if it wasn’t for Bunnie.”

Jelly Roll, 41, filed for divorce from Bunnie, 46, in May after nearly 10 years of marriage, but the pair have maintained a positive relationship publicly. In June, Bunnie even revealed on her podcast that she and the "Save Me" singer were still planning on having a child together and co-parenting, calling him her "best friend," despite their split.

"Nobody cheated on the other person. It’s literally just we served our purpose for each other," Bunnie said at the time. "And I’m excited to discover myself single, and single and sober, which is crazy."

And while neither Jelly Roll nor Bunnie has addressed LaPaglia's criticism of their relationship, Jelly Roll told the audience at his concert last month that Bunnie "will probably be the only woman I’ll ever love the way I loved her," as per PEOPLE.

If your idea of a perfect vacation has shifted from packing every hour with sightseeing to unplugging completely in a place where your biggest daily decision is choosing a massage, you are part of a massive movement in travel.

The demand for dedicated wellness getaways is skyrocketing, particularly among women over 50 who are looking to trade standard sightseeing for a deeply immersive escape. Instead of trying to check every tourist box, these travelers are looking for a true physical and mental hard reset with a luxury experience that centers entirely on depth, presence, and coming home feeling whole.

But while the luxury wellness market is more crowded than ever, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort and its signature AVI Spa stand out by completely redefining what holistic restoration looks like.

Suspended over the turquoise waters of the remote Raa Atoll, this stunning property has designed a retreat where wellness isn't just an item on an itinerary—it's woven into the entire island experience. The heart of this sanctuary is AVI Spa, featuring six private overwater treatment villas specifically built to harness the calming effects of natural light, ocean breezes, and the gentle rhythm of the waves.

We spoke with Jean Claire Riveral Sumayod, the property's Director of Spa and Wellness, about how the resort is leading the charge in this new era of personalized wellness.

Related: 15 Best Spa Retreats for Women Over 50

Moving Beyond One-Size-Fits-All Wellness

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Step inside AVI Spa and you won't find a standard massage and treatment menu. Instead, the property focuses entirely on targeted wellness tracks built around personal recovery, clinical skincare, or energy work. Guests can choose custom tracks focused on deep relaxation, skin rejuvenation, or energy restoration, using formulas from world-class signature brands like Biologique Recherche, The Organic Pharmacy, and Margaret Dabbs London.

Whether you're looking to book an ancient Ayurvedic ritual like Shirodhara, a detoxifying body wrap, or a specialized facial, the program is designed to meet you exactly where you are. According to Sumayod, expanding these services was essential to capturing what true, modern wellbeing actually means: "At AVI Spa, we recognize that wellbeing means something different to every guest. Expanding our offering allowed us to create experiences that go beyond traditional spa treatments, supporting relaxation, movement, rest, and overall balance in ways that feel relevant to each individual."

Sumayod notes that this highly tailored, thoughtful approach is what ultimately separates Maamunagau from other luxury resorts in the region: "From therapeutic treatments and visiting practitioner residencies to sleep-focused experiences and guided movement sessions, each journey is shaped around the guest's needs and interests. Set within the natural surroundings of the Maldives and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Raa Atoll, AVI Spa offers a deeper connection to both place and self."

Related: You’ve Put Everyone Else First for Years—Why This Bahamas Resort Is the Ultimate Gen X Reset

Overwater Sanctuaries Built for Healing

AVI Spa at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

What makes a visit to AVI Spa so deeply therapeutic is the environment itself. The spa's overwater treatment rooms are designed so that the natural world actively participates in your healing process.

These stunning villas remain the ultimate draw for travelers looking to escape the noise of daily life. Sumayod explains why these spaces are so uniquely restorative: "Our overwater spa treatment rooms have been part of the AVI Spa experience since the resort's opening. Suspended above the turquoise lagoon, they provide a unique setting where the natural elements become part of the treatment itself. The movement of the water, the sound of the ocean, and uninterrupted horizon views create a profound sense of tranquillity, allowing guests to relax more deeply and engage more fully with the experience."

Related: Mexico's Newly Facelifted Resort is Perfect for Gen-X Travelers—And Here's Why

The One Can't-Miss Treatment for Women Over 50

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

For women navigating the unique transitions that come with being over 50, AVI Spa has introduced innovative, low-impact therapies that offer profound mental and physical relief.

If you only book one treatment during your stay, make it the resort's signature Floating Sound Therapy. It's an incredibly restorative sensory experience that combines the weightless, gentle support of warm water with targeted sound vibrations, breathwork, and guided mindfulness to quiet a busy mind.

Sumayod emphasizes how powerful this therapy is for women who simply need permission to stop rushing:

"Our Floating Sound Therapy is a particularly restorative experience. Combining the gentle support of water with sound vibrations, breathwork, and guided mindfulness, the treatment encourages deep relaxation, restful sleep, and a greater sense of balance. It offers a rare opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and embrace a quieter pace—something many women come to value even more with time."

Related: I Often Travel with My 80-Year-Old Mom and Teens—Here’s the One Thing I Always Do Differently

The Ultimate Multigenerational Group Getaway

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Days can be spent practicing sunrise or sunset yoga, participating in guided meditation sessions, or even sharing a gentle wellness day with younger family members thanks to their dedicated Teen Spa. For those looking for a truly unforgettable bucket-list moment, the resort even offers a specialized "Swim with Nurse Sharks" package, allowing you to connect with the ocean's gentle giants in a completely immersive, safe, and educational way.

Ultimately, Sumayod believes that the true luxury of Maamunagau lies in the quietness of its protected marine surroundings, making it the premier destination for women looking to step back and reflect: "For many guests, the greatest luxury is the opportunity to pause. Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a protected marine region known for its exceptional biodiversity, the resort offers a sense of calm and space that is increasingly difficult to find.

Whether celebrating a milestone, travelling with friends, or seeking time for oneself, guests can embrace experiences that encourage presence and reflection, from oceanfront yoga and spa rituals to encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, and other gentle giants of the ocean. For many, these moments in nature become a meaningful part of the experience, offering a renewed appreciation for the world around them and a deeper sense of connection."

In a world where we are constantly rushing from one commitment to the next, a trip to this Maldivian sanctuary is more than just a vacation—it is a rare opportunity to pause, breathe, and return home feeling genuinely whole.

Related: This Is the Top Multigenerational Trip According to New Research—And It’s Not an All-Inclusive or Vacation Club

Thirty-eight years after it reached the top of the charts, Cheap Trick's power ballad "The Flame" remains the band's only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and one of the defining rock songs of the late 1980s.

The song climbed to No. 1 in the United States on July 9, 1988, giving the Rockford, Illinois band its first chart-topper after more than a decade of success with fan favorites such as "I Want You to Want Me," "Surrender" and "Dream Police."

Released as the lead single from Cheap Trick's 10th studio album, Lap of Luxury, "The Flame" spent two weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 before being replaced by Richard Marx's "Hold On to the Nights." The song also reached No. 1 in Australia and Canada.

For Cheap Trick, the achievement marked the end of several years of declining commercial success and launched one of the biggest comebacks of the decade.

By 1988, Cheap Trick had already built a reputation as one of America's most respected rock bands. The group had earned major hits and sold millions of albums, but a No. 1 single had remained out of reach.

Before "The Flame," the band's highest-charting hit was the live version of "I Want You to Want Me," which peaked inside the Top 10. After "The Flame," Cheap Trick would score only one more Top 10 hit, "Don't Be Cruel," which reached No. 4 later in 1988.

The success of "The Flame" also helped turn Lap of Luxury into the band's comeback album and returned Cheap Trick to mainstream radio and MTV audiences.

The song was written by British songwriters Bob Mitchell and Nick Graham and produced by Richie Zito.

Ironically, the band members were not excited when they first heard it.

Rick Nielsen, Cheap Trick's longtime guitarist and principal songwriter, reportedly disliked the song so much that he "yanked it from the tape player and ground the cassette beneath his boot heel."

Producer Richie Zito later recalled having "some pretty good arguments" with the band over recording the track.

According to drummer Bun E. Carlos, the band was offered a choice between recording "The Flame" and another outside song, "Look Away."

Carlos told Songfacts,  "[Grierson] goes, 'I'll give you first pick. The other one I'm going to give to Chicago.' He played us 'Look Away' first, and we were like, eh. Then he plays us 'The Flame,' and we're like, 'Well, that ain't as bad as the first one.'"

"Look Away" later became Chicago's own No. 1 hit.

Epic Records had encouraged Cheap Trick to work with outside songwriters for Lap of Luxury as the label searched for a commercial breakthrough.

Although the band initially resisted the idea, Zito found a way to move the recording forward by convincing members to record their parts one at a time.

He began with lead singer Robin Zander, whose emotional vocal performance became one of the song's defining features.

Today, "The Flame" stands as one of the era's best-known power ballads and an important chapter in Cheap Trick's history.

While the song arrived during the peak of the power-ballad era, it became more than a radio hit.

It gave Cheap Trick their long-awaited chart breakthrough, introduced the band to a new generation of listeners, and secured a permanent place in their legacy.

The group continues to perform and tour decades later, including an expanded North American run in 2026, but "The Flame" remains the song that delivered the milestone they had chased since forming in 1973.

For Cheap Trick, the fire never completely went out.

Related: 1972 Rock Song With Zero Chart History Remains a Classic 54 Years Later

When Glenn Frey passed away in 2016, many believed the curtain had permanently closed on The Eagles. The legendary band had lost its co-founder and musical heartbeat, and filling that monumental void on stage seemed impossible.

However, instead of looking to the rock-and-roll world for a replacement, the surviving members made an unexpected call to a beloved country music giant. For Vince Gill, stepping up to help keep his late friend’s legacy alive was a "surreal" honor he never could have anticipated.

When Gill spoke to Taste of Country in 2018, he shared his genuine surprise and delight at being invited into the fold. The Eagles didn't just recruit him for his musical chops. They chose him because of his deep personal bond with Frey, long-standing friendships with Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit, and a warm relationship with Glenn’s son, Deacon Frey.

"Just gratitude that I was the guy they decided would work. Just that," Gill began.

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"Because Glenn was a great friend, and in my heart of hearts I wish I wasn’t doing it. That would mean Glenn would still be around, but life is what it is, and you just go do what you can do because of what happens. Those songs deserve to live on as long as they can," he continued.

Gill added, "I think they enjoy having me in the band and want me to stay as long as they want to do it. I think until they hang it up I’ll probably be around."

Additionally, the country superstar told The Los Angeles Times, “In my mind, I always thought I’d have made a good Eagle. In a million years, I never would have seen this coming. It’s pretty surreal."

The roots of Gill and the Eagles' unexpected partnership actually went back decades. He first crossed paths with their music catalog back in 1993, delivering a gorgeous cover of "I Can’t Tell You Why" for the tribute album Common Thread.

Years later, in 2016, Gill lent his signature guitar work and vocals to Henley’s solo album, Cass County. That same year, the country megastar stood on stage at the Kennedy Center Honors to perform a tribute to the Eagles, a moment the Los Angeles Times reported was the exact spark that convinced the band they had found their replacement.

Gill appeared on the Stephan Hogan Podcast in 2025, where he further discussed his work with the legendary country-rock band.

"What I do is important to make what they do work," Gill explained. He said Don Henley was asked, "Why did you get the country guy to be in your band?" Henley answered, "Cause he knows how to be in a band."

"I knew going in that what they needed was a singer," Gill added. "I think we were getting ready to do the first gig and Don heard me singing 'Whenever You Come Around' at soundcheck. He said, 'What's that?' I said, 'Its a song I had out 15 years ago.'"

Henley wanted to include the song in the set, but Gill responded, "With all due respect, I'd rather not. I don't want to give these people one more reason to not like me. I don't want anyone sitting there to hear [my] songs.' They came to hear The Eagles."

Vince Gill continues to tour with The Eagles. He will perform with the band on select dates during their residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, in November and December this year.

Related: Forgotten 1980 Country Pop Hit Made Vince Gill Famous Before Anyone Knew His Name

Maggie Grace is most well-known known for her iconic role as Shannon Rutherford on Lost, but she also starred in Fear the Walking Dead, Taken, Taken 2, and Taken 3. The actress, who is now 42, filed for divorce from her husband in the state of Washington in May 2025 after 8 years of marriage.

Grace and Brent Bushnell got engaged in early 2017 and had their wedding in May of the same year. The pair welcomed a son in October 2020. They also share a daughter who was born in 2023.

Related: Season 1 ‘American Idol’ Star Splits From Wife After 15 Years of Marriage

According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, “the marriage is ‘irretrievably broken.’ The filing says she and Brent actually began living in separate households in October 2024. The docs show the couple already worked out many of the details before heading to court, referencing both a premarital agreement and a property settlement and separation agreement signed in March 2025.”

The outlet continued, “According to the petition, neither Maggie nor Brent are seeking spousal support. Maggie is also asking the court to restore her legal name to Margaret Grace Ives. Brent signed the joint petition as well, signaling the divorce appears to be uncontested.”

Related: Stanley Tucci, 65, Discusses 21 Year Age Gap With His Wife: ‘We Had Nothing in Common’

In 2020, when their first child was born, Grace shared a photo of the baby on her social media. "The BEST mornings!” it was captioned, as reported by PEOPLE. “The shift to parenthood has been the most profound and beautiful experience of my life. 2020 is a wild time to have a baby. We long to offer him a better, more compassionate world, and we want to equip him to make it better. Let's elect leaders our kids can look up to. Please vote.”

She concluded the post by showing her support for President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris.

Grace is an award-winning actress who won a Screen Actors Guild Award along with the cast of Lost for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. She also received a Teen Choice Award nomination and a nomination for a Young Artist Award.

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With the beautiful weather outside, itonly makes sense that you're taking more walks. If you're hitting the pavement a lot this summer during runs or adventurous trips, then you'll want to invest in dependable footwear. Some of our favorite comfortable styles stem from Macy's sales section, because they're long-lasting and budget-friendly. We're currently eyeing the Clarks Cloudsteppers Solevana Style LaceUp Sneakers, which are 40% off now.

The sneakers originally cost $95, but have been reduced to $57. You can shop for the footwear in eight colors, ranging from minimalist to slightly more bold: light blue, black, navy, off-white, pale green, beige, light pink, and white. The classic colors are perfect for those who want an everyday shoe that matches with nearly every outfit, while hues like pink are fun for a bolder pop of color.

Clarks Cloudsteppers Solevana Style LaceUp Sneakers, $57 (was $95) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

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The sizes range from 5 to 12, including half sizes, with medium and wide widths available. Shoppers say that the sneakers are true to size, but sometimes Clarks shoes do run large, so we recommend utilizing the available size chart for best results. The style features a 1.625-inch flat heel, classic lace-up closure and a round toe. The upper is made of nubuck (which is leather), while the outsole is synthetic. 

Clarks Cloudsteppers Solevana Style LaceUp Sneakers, $57 (was $95) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

Due to the material, it's advised to spot clean the sneakers to ensure they keep their quality. The best part about this design is that the insole consists of soft foam layers underneath the foot that provide instantaneous comfort, whether you're walking for long periods or just heading to the store. The leather is perforated so that the shoe is breathable and your feet won't overheat — which is especially helpful during the summer. 

Related: Macy’s Charming $24 Comforter Set With ‘Unmatched Softness’ Channels the French Countryside at Home

Shoppers described the sneakers as "very supportive," "comfortable," "super soft," and "cloud-like." Some customers who need extra arch support may want to invest in orthotics that can be placed in the shoe, because they're fairly flexible. Reviewers wear them with both light and heavy socks, so you can easily wear them all year-long. 

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Make your strides as comfy as possible with shoes that you can count on. These lightweight Clarks sneakers are so affordable and available in so many colors that you can even shop for a few pairs. Add them to your shoe collection while they're 40% off at Macy's!

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A 95-year-old pop culture icon is performing a heavy metal set at one of America's biggest rock festivals this September.

He'll have 35 musicians behind him. He's covering Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest. He calls the entire project "chaos with purpose." And he'd very much like you to take all of this seriously.

His name is William Shatner, and if you think this is a joke, you haven't been paying attention.

Before you assume this is some novelty act, it helps to know what his musical history actually looks like.

His 1968 spoken word album "The Transformed Man" is still being discussed and argued about nearly 60 years after it was released. Shatner’s version of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" alone has generated more commentary than most artists produce in their entire career. In 1978, he performed Elton John's "Rocket Man" at the Science Fiction Film Awards as a dramatic monologue, cigarette in hand, staring into the middle distance. It became one of the most replayed clips in internet history before the internet even existed to replay it. In 2004, he released "Has Been," produced by Ben Folds, an album that critics who had every reason to write off ended up genuinely praising instead.

He's been making music that refuses to be predictable for nearly six decades. The heavy metal album isn't a left-turn choice. It's the next logical step for anyone who's never made the expected or traditional choice.

Shatner's been added to the Riot Fest lineup, the three-day festival running September 18-20 at Douglass Park in Chicago. The bill already had Tool, Twenty One Pilots, Pierce The Veil, Morrissey, Alanis Morissette, Patti Smith, the Pixies, Nas, and Rise Against. Then someone decided to book a 95-year-old with a full heavy-metal band.

Iggy Pop's also on the bill, and at 79, he'll be the next oldest performer by 16 years.

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Here's what Shatner had to say about it all.

"I've always believed that music, like space, is about exploration," he said. "Riot Fest is exactly the kind of place where anything can happen. We're bringing volume, intensity, and a few surprises. With this incredible band behind me, I expect nothing less than lift-off."

Lift-off from a 95-year-old at a heavy metal festival in Chicago this September.

The album doesn't have a title or release date yet, but according to what Shatner's shared so far, it’s genuinely extraordinary. He’ll be performing with thirty-five metal musicians. Covering Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest alongside original material he describes as "forged in the same cosmic fire."

"Thunderous guitars," he said. "Chaos with purpose. Loud imagination. Honest intensity. Unapologetic exploration."

Riot Fest will be the first public preview of what any of that actually sounds like.

At 95, He's Still Going Where No One Has Gone Before

Captain Kirk first appeared on NBC on September 8, 1966. The character was a man in his thirties, commanding a starship, making unexpected decisions under intense pressure, going where no one had gone before. The actor who played him just booked a heavy metal festival.

In October 2021, Shatner flew to space at age 90 aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket, becoming at the time the oldest person to do so. After landing, he described looking up into the blackness of space and seeing death. "Deep into my bones," he said. Then he called it "the most profound" experience of his life. Apparently, when a 90-year-old man goes to space and comes back talking about death and the profundity of life, a heavy metal album at 95 is the only logical response.

Shatner doesn't do what people expect of him. He didn't in 1968 when he turned Beatles songs into spoken word performances. He didn't in 1978 when he performed "Rocket Man" as a dramatic monologue at the Science Fiction Film Awards, cigarette in hand. He didn't in 2004 when he made an album with Ben Folds that nobody could put in a box. And he didn't in 2021 when he flew to space at 90.

He's not going to start now.

Riot Fest runs September 18-20 in Chicago. The bill includes Tool, Alanis Morissette, Patti Smith, the Pixies, and Iggy Pop. Somewhere on that stage, a 95-year-old man with 35 musicians behind him is planning lift-off.

Captain Kirk would definitely approve.

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Long before he co-founded the Divinyls, guitarist Mark McEntee helped launch another legendary band.

McEntee, who turns 71 on July 16, was an original member of Air Supply, joining Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock after the trio met during the Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar in the mid-1970s. As the band's original lead guitarist, he played on Air Supply's self-titled 1976 debut album before leaving later that year to pursue a different musical direction.

Although McEntee's time with Air Supply was brief, the band would go on to become one of the biggest soft rock acts in the world, selling more than 100 million records and scoring eight top-five hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including "Lost in Love," "All Out of Love," "Every Woman in the World" and "Making Love Out of Nothing at All."

In 1980, McEntee reunited with former Air Supply bandmate Jeremy Paul for a new project with an electrifying young singer named Chrissy Amphlett. The result was Divinyls.

As guitarist, songwriter and co-founder, McEntee became one half of the band's creative engine, co-writing many of its biggest songs with Amphlett. While the lineup changed repeatedly over the years, the two remained Divinyls' defining partnership, creating hits including "Boys in Town," "Science Fiction," "Pleasure and Pain" and, eventually, the international smash "I Touch Myself."

Released in 1990, "I Touch Myself" became the band's signature hit, reaching No. 1 in Australia, No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 10 in the United Kingdom. Its provocative lyrics made headlines around the world, but the song's infectious melody and fearless attitude helped cement the Divinyls' place in rock history.

Behind the music, McEntee and Amphlett shared one of rock's most famously complicated creative partnerships. The two met in 1980 and became romantically involved two years later after McEntee separated from his first wife.

In her 2005 memoir "Pleasure and Pain," Amphlett described him as her "most intense friendship," but acknowledged that their relationship was often fueled by alcohol, drugs and explosive arguments. She wrote that the pair endured "screaming matches" that sometimes escalated into physical fights, while longtime manager Vince Lovegrove later said their "weird, foaming-at-the-mouth furious, loving, hopelessly dependent relationship was the magic of Divinyls."

After the band split in 1996, McEntee and Amphlett barely spoke for years. The release of Amphlett's memoir created another rift, but they eventually reconciled when the Divinyls were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2006. The reunion led to a new single, a national tour and hopes of another studio album. Reflecting on their renewed partnership, Amphlett said, "When we play music, when we're together and we perform, that's what it's all about for us… The music is what brings us back together."

When Amphlett died in 2013 following battles with breast cancer and multiple sclerosis, tributes poured in from around the world. Hugh Jackman called her "one of a rare breed," while Russell Crowe remembered her as someone who loved life until the very end. Their loss underscored just how influential the Divinyls had become, not only in Australia but across the international rock community.

Today, McEntee's career stands as a remarkable bridge between two very different chapters of music history. He helped launch one of the world's most successful soft rock bands before co-founding one of Australia's most influential rock acts, leaving an enduring mark on both along the way.

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Billy Joelknew the moment he was done writing pop songs, and he can still name the exact feeling that told him.

In a new interview with music producer Rick Beato, Joel said that when he finished writing 1993's River of Dreams, something in him simply stopped. He didn't want to sit down and start another album from scratch. He had a wife and a young daughter, and the old life of disappearing into songwriting for months at a time no longer made sense to him.

Joel compared his own catalog to one of his biggest influences to explain the decision. He noted that the Beatles released 12 studio albums, and reasoned that if that body of work was enough for them, 12 albums was enough for him too. He said he didn't want to keep making records just because he was Billy Joel, and that he recognized his own motivation had changed.

The bigger fear, Joel explained, was what happens to artists who don't know when to stop. He said some musicians keep releasing albums well past their creative peak, and that doing so can end up diluting an artist's legacy rather than adding to it. "I didn't want to go like that," he said. Rather than risk it, he chose to walk away from pop songwriting after River of Dreams.

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That didn't mean he stopped making music. Joel described turning instead to a full album of classical piano compositions, something he said he'd wanted to do for years. Because he doesn't read musical notation in the traditional sense, he said he taught the pieces to a classical pianist section by section, and the pianist then performed the completed compositions live in Europe, including in Germany, Austria and Spain.

Joel traced that same instinct for knowing when something is finished back to his songwriting method itself. He said he almost always writes the music before any lyrics, with one notable exception in "We Didn't Start the Fire," and that he considers a strong melody the foundation everything else has to serve. He also pointed to 1982's The Nylon Curtain as the album where the writing, playing and production came together most completely, even though he called it one of the hardest records he ever made.

Throughout the conversation, Joel traced that instinct for knowing when a song, or an era, is finished back to his earliest years learning piano by ear in his mother's house on Long Island, and to his lifelong habit of tearing apart his own performances in the studio rather than settling for good enough. He said a producer once had to talk him into keeping a piano solo he was ready to scrap, and that his own harshest critic has always been himself. More than three decades after River of Dreams, Joel has continued to perform live regularly, including a long-running residency at Madison Square Garden, without releasing another pop album. His decision to stop writing new pop material while continuing to tour has become a defining part of how he's discussed among musicians and songwriters who cite him as an influence.

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“Hanky Panky” was originally written by Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich for the Raindrops, their pop group. However, another version was much more popular. Tommy James and the Shondells released the song in 1966, and it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 60 years ago today.

In an interview with North Coast Music Beat, frontman Tommy James spoke about the recording of the song. “It was a song that I heard another group play,” he said. “I saw the reaction from the dancers, and they must have requested it a half a dozen times. I said, ‘We gotta record that.’ I had two little label deals before I got out of high school, and this was from the second one. Jack Douglas was a DJ who owned Snap records and he asked if me and my band would record a couple of sides. I said, ‘Hell yes!’ and one of those songs was 'Hanky Panky.' Two years later, I got a call from Pittsburgh saying ‘Hanky Panky’ was sitting at number one. I went there with the producer of the record, and outside the city limits I’m a nobody, but inside the city of Pittsburgh, I’m a rock star.”

James continued, “I can tell you right now, if we had been with any other label, we would have been lucky to have been one-hit wonders. Especially with a record like 'Hanky Panky.' Roulette did right by us on a creative level, getting paid was a whole other story. We ended up with twenty-three gold singles and nine platinum albums, and we sold over one hundred and ten million records.”

However, not everyone was a fan of the song, which only took 20 minutes to write. InThe Billboard Book of Number One Hits, one of the original writers, Barry, said it was “just a B-side.” He added, “As far as I was concerned, it was a terrible song.”

Barry is known for co-writing many hits, including “Tell Laura I Love Her,” “Chapel of Love,” “Then He Kissed Me,” “Sugar, Sugar,” “Leader of the Pack,” "River Deep - Mountain High,” and “Be My Baby.”

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Tommy James and the Shondells also had several hits over the years. They include “Crimson and Clover,” "I Think We're Alone Now," "Mirage," "Mony Mony," "Sweet Cherry Wine," and "Crystal Blue Persuasion." James is now 79 years old.

Alan Fitzgerald launched his career with a bass, but some of his most beloved work was created after a shift to keyboards.

The musician, often referred to as "Fitz," turns 77 on July 16. More than five decades ago, he began a career that has stretched from Montrose's early hard-rock years to Night Ranger's MTV breakthrough, with additional work alongside Sammy Hagar, Van Halen, and the melodic rock supergroup Alliance.

Fitzgerald joined Montrose in 1974, replacing original bassist Bill Church. He played on the band's next two albums, Paper Money and Warner Bros. Presents... Montrose!. After leaving the group, he reunited with Hagar as the keyboardist in his solo band.

His change of instruments helped lead Fitzgerald into the most successful era of his career. In 1980, he and guitarist Jeff Watson joined three former Rubicon members in the lineup that became Night Ranger.

Fitzgerald's synth parts became an important part of the band's sound, working alongside its two lead guitars. He played throughout Night Ranger's original hitmaking run, which produced several rock favorites such as "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" and the Top 5 ballad "Sister Christian."

Fitzgerald left Night Ranger in 1988, then returned for the band's reunion during the 1990s and recorded two more albums with the group. Beginning in the early '90s, he also handled live keyboards for Van Halen during the band's concerts through 2004.

He later became a founding member of Alliance with Gary Pihl, David Lauser and Robert Berry, all of whom arrived with experience in successful rock acts. Pihl recalled that the musicians first gathered at Hagar's home studio and began sharing their song ideas.

"The four of us met actually in Sammy's home recording studio and we showed each other all our song ideas," Pihl told MisplacedStraws.

Fitzgerald appeared on Alliance's first four albums before retiring from touring. His work also remains an important part of the Night Ranger catalog, which the band is revisiting with a new Best Of collection scheduled for release on Aug. 28.

At 77, Fitzgerald can now look back on a unique and prosperous career, finding major success first on bass and then all over again on keyboards.

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