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Behind the country stars that dazzle the masses with their twangy voices and impeccable strumming is what makes the true magic of a country song possible: the Nashville songwriter. For those who may not possess the star power of Dolly Parton or John Prine but have a true love of the genre, Nashville is often the destination to write the songs that define generations. But that doesn’t necessarily mean inspiration only comes from within the same genre. In fact, one of the most memorable, chart-topping country hits of the ’80s was inspired by a Motown classic.

In 1988, Randy Travis was coming off his beloved hit “Forever and Ever, Amen,” which hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts and stayed there for three weeks. The romantic tune won a Grammy in 1988 for Best Country & Western Song and was recognized as Song of the Year by both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, according to Whiskey Riff—a pretty tough act to follow. But songwriters Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz were undoubtedly up to the challenge.

Related: ‘90s Country Legend, 55, Nails Iconic Prince Cover and People Can’t Get Over How Great He Looks

The History and Imagery Behind “Deeper Than the Holler”

According to Songfacts, the tune was modeled after the Motown hit “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” swapping the East Coast-friendly mountainous imagery for deeply Southern analogies. A “holler” is Southern slang for a valley; while technically spelled “hollow,” Appalachian folk tend to swap the “o” sound for an “er,” hence the nickname. A holler’s distinctive characteristics feature high-walled edges and often water running through it, serving as a rather poetic description of a love running deep.

Schlitz’s romantic song even features a secret nod to his wife. The line, “From the back roads to the Broadway shows with a million miles between,” references his actress wife, who had a deep love of Broadway show tunes.

“Deeper Than the Holler” appeared on Travis’ third album, Old 8×10, and gave the country crooner his eighth No. 1 hit. It surpassed its predecessor on the country charts, spending four weeks in total at the top spot.

Randy Travis’ Unbreakable Spirit

In 2013, Travis contracted a viral upper respiratory infection that led to viral cardiomyopathy. During that hospital stay, he suffered a stroke that left him dealing with aphasia—a condition that makes speaking difficult—giving him a 1% chance of survival.

In a 2019 interview with TODAY, Travis’ wife, Mary Davis, opened up about what inspired her to help him defy the odds.

“Even in his state, his semi-coma state, he squeezed my hand,” she said. “And he laid there, and I just, I saw this tear just fall. And it was, you know, one, two at a time. And I just went back to the doctors and I said, ‘We’re fighting this.’”

Fast forward to 2026: in April, he kicked off an 11-show tour entitled “The More Life Tour.”

If there is anything true about Travis, it is that he has proven time and time again he will never stop pushing himself to the next level.

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Actor Joshua Malina appeared as the Big Bang Theory character, Caltech’s President Siebert, in the show’s fourth, fifth, 11th, and 12th seasons. However, nine out of the 13 episodes he filmed were for the 12th and final season of The Big Bang Theory, which ended in 2019.

During an appearance on a September 2026 episode of The Big Bang Theory Podcast, Malina explained that he joined the cast of The Big Bang Theory toward the end of its 4th season, around the same time he began playing David Rosen in the ABC drama, Scandal.

“I got Scandal. I think I maybe would have been a greater presence on The Big Bang Theory had I not gotten Scandal,” said the actor, who played David throughout Scandal‘s seven-season run.

He said that once Scandal came to an end in 2018, he was recruited to film the final season of The Big Bang Theory.

“I enjoyed Big Bang Theory, but I kind of forgot about it in terms of my involvement. And then Scandal ended, and Big Bang was still going, and they asked me to be a significant part of the final season. I think I did another 10 episodes, and so I was really psyched to come back and do that,” said the 60-year-old during the podcast interview.

While recording The Big Bang Theory Podcast episode, Malina said he appreciated being a member of The Big Bang Theory cast.

“I’ve been very lucky. I mean, I’ve done all sorts of stuff that’s very obscure and people have never heard of and very few people have seen, but I’ve also been lucky to get gigs on things that are sort of like significant and culturally relevant like Big Bang and Scandal and the West Wing. And it’s been just a nice lucky thing for me,” said Malina.

For the people born on the following three birth dates, a major life redirection is underway as Venus retrograde prepares to set into full gear. This astrological transit has a reputation for being rough. As the planet of love and luxury appears to backspin from our perspective on Earth, there’s relationship drama, money shifts, questioning of values, and the works.

These birth dates are using this cosmic moment to reassess everything they’ve been tolerating, settling for, and what stopped making sense a long time ago. As the cosmos whispers, “What are you willing to release to find your way back to yourself?” individuals born on these dates will channel the bravery to follow a greater call. The following birth dates are ruled by Venus, making this planetary backspin an especially sensitive, destiny-shifting time. While the transit is exact from October 3 to November 14, 2026, many are already beginning to feel its impacts.

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Born on the 6th: Releasing What Dimmed Your Light

If you’re born on the 6th, Venus retrograde is giving you permission to stop performing. For a while now, you’ve been in relationships—romantic or otherwise—that required you to be less than you are. You’ve softened your voice and made yourself smaller. Convincing yourself that compromise meant erasing parts of yourself has been your greatest thief of joy. Now is the time to look at people-pleasing habits directly and honestly, to question whether any of it was worth it.

Your redirect isn’t about finding someone better. It’s about remembering what you actually need. Since you’re ruled by the planet of love, your planetary ruler will be reminding you of the difference between love and obligation. The universe will reveal where you’ve crossed that line. Take this as your moment to reclaim what you’ve lost—your voice, boundaries, refusal to settle for less than you deserve.

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Born on the 15th: Reclaiming Your Values

The universe is challenging you to question what you’ve been valuing and why. Venus retrograde brings introspection for people born on the 15th. While you’ve been making choices based on what looked good, felt safe, or kept the peace, somewhere along the way, these paths stopped aligning with who you actually are. Pull back the curtain. What is truly the disconnect? Have you compromised any of your innermost needs to fit into another’s idea of who you should be?

The cosmos is nudging you to return to what matters to you. Not what matters to your partner, your family, your job, the world—what matters to you. In your heart, you’re a grounded and discerning soul. You know the difference between what’s valuable and what’s just shiny. This retrograde is reminding you to trust your instincts.

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Born on the 24th: Stepping Into Your Own Authority

Born on the 24th? You’re shifting your entire relationship dynamics, with others and with yourself. How you show up no longer requires permission. If you’ve been waiting for someone to tell you that your needs matter, your voice counts, or that you’re allowed to take up space, Venus retrograde is here to awaken you from unconscious autopilot. You don’t need anyone’s approval to be authentic to yourself.

As a creative, expressive, and inherently magnetic person, you’re born to spread your gifts. However, you’ve recently been dimming your light to make others comfortable. Maybe you’ve gotten hung up on editing, second-guessing, or trying to portray perfection. Perhaps doubting whether you’re allowed to want what you want has bred indecision paralysis. This retrograde is reminding you of the cost of avoidance. Your redirect is about stepping into your own authority. Not as an apology, not as an explanation—just as a fact of your right.

UP NEXT:

Dunkin’ Donuts is giving away 1 million free coffees on Thursday, Sept. 24!

The limited-time promotion will give the first 1 million customers who claim the offer a free hot or iced coffee.

Here’s everything to know about the free drink deal—and how to claim yours before the offer ends.

How to get a free coffee from Dunkin’

The first 1 million customers to enter promo code in the “Offers & Rewards” section of the Dunkin’ Donuts app on Thursday will be able to redeem a free coffee.

The promo code will be revealed on the coffee chain’s social media accounts midday on Thursday.

Once claimed, the offer can be redeemed through Sunday, Sept. 27.

RELATED: Dunkin’ and L.L.Bean Made a Tote Just for Your Coffee

More Dunkin’ deals ahead

In celebration of National Coffee Day on Tuesday, Sept. 29, Dunkin’ Rewards members can enjoy a free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase through the Dunkin’ app.

The chain is also partnering with L.L.Bean for a full week of freebies and festivities in celebration of the holiday.

Dunkin’s L.L.Bean merch collection includes three limited-edition collectibles: a cozy crewneck sweater, a new Boat and Tote design, and a co-branded holster for coffee—hot or iced—as well as a giveaway tour across parts of the East Coast.

Starting Tuesday, Sept. 22, guests can also score a limited-edition Dunkin’ x L.L.Bean Birdseye Sweater Cup Sleeve with any hot or iced coffee order, while supplies last.

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For a small-business owner, a social media shoutout can mean a lot. But for Eric Powell Jr., a recent post from Ms. Rachel did something he never expected. It sent people straight through the doors of his New Jersey coffee shop.

Powell, a U.S. Air Force veteran, father of four, author and entrepreneur, is one of the partners behind Blended Joe Coffee Bar in Washington Township, New Jersey. He said the connection with Ms. Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Accurso, began after she saw his posts on Threads and eventually contacted him through Instagram.

At the time, Powell said, he and his partners never imagined the interaction would become such a big moment for their business.

“We never looked at it as something that was going to turn into this huge moment,” Powell tells PARADE.

So when Ms. Rachel ultimately shared Blended Joe with her audience, Powell wasn’t expecting it.

“Not at all,” he says when asked if he knew the post was coming. “That’s what made it so special.”

On Sept. 7, the beloved educator and activist known for her children’s series Songs For Littles, wrote on Threads, “If you’re ever in South Jersey, go see Eric at Blended Joe Coffee Bar ☕️ — 421 Hurfville-Cross Keys Road, Sewell, NJ” alongside a photo of the entrepreneur holding a cup of coffee.

Powell replied, “I can’t wait to wake my sons up and show them this, as a single father this made me cry!”

View this post on Instagram

The post on Threads garnered more than 5,000 likes and 250 shares, but for Powell, the moment was about more than social media exposure. After spending years building businesses and working toward creating something meaningful for his family and community, he said the recognition felt personal.

“As a small-business owner, you spend so much time working when nobody is watching,” Powell says. “There are long days, sacrifices and moments when you wonder whether people even see what you’re building.”

Then someone with a platform as large as Ms. Rachel’s took the time to shine a light on what they were doing.

“That meant more than the exposure itself,” Powell says. “It felt like someone saw us.”

And the shoutout didn’t just generate likes and comments – people actually started showing up at Blended Joe.

“We’ve had people physically walk into Blended Joe and tell us, ‘Ms. Rachel sent us,’ or that they discovered us because of her post,” Powell says.

For a neighborhood coffee shop, it’s the kind of social media attention that can make a tangible difference.

“Social media numbers are one thing,” Powell says. “But watching an online gesture turn into actual people walking through the door, ordering coffee, meeting us and supporting a local business makes it real.”

Powell hopes the experience also reminds people of just how much impact they can have when they use their platform to support someone else. He describes Blended Joe as more than a place to grab a cup of coffee. The goal, he said, is to create a space where people can connect, collaborate, and feel like they belong.

While Ms. Rachel’s post brought new attention to the business, Powell said what mattered most was the generosity behind it.

“Ms. Rachel didn’t have to do what she did,” he says. “There was nothing transactional about it. She simply chose to shine a light on a small business, and we’ve gotten to watch that kindness ripple outward. Sometimes supporting a small business isn’t a small thing at all.”

Nearly 62 years after The Zombies released “Tell Her No,” the 1964 rock song remains one of the British band’s most recognized hits, helped by its memorable melody, unusual arrangement and the distinctive voice of Colin Blunstone, who was only 19 when the song was released.

“Tell Her No” was released on Dec. 28, 1964. Blunstone, who was born on June 24, 1945, was 19 years old at the time. The song was written by Zombies keyboard player Rod Argent and later became a major hit in the United States.

The song reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1965. It became one of three major American hits for The Zombies, following “She’s Not There” in 1964 and preceding “Time of the Season” in 1969.

The Zombies posed for a photo in 1964.

Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage

In the United Kingdom, however, “Tell Her No” had a much smaller chart run. It reached No. 42 on the UK Singles Chart in February 1965.

The different results in the United States and Britain became part of The Zombies’ unusual career. While the group struggled to match its American success at home, its music continued to find listeners outside the U.K.

“Tell Her No” followed the success of “She’s Not There,” the song that first brought The Zombies major attention in 1964.

The band had formed in St. Albans in the early 1960s. Rod Argent led the group as its keyboard player and vocalist, while Colin Blunstone became known for his lead vocals. The original members met while they were young, and the group developed its sound during the early years of the British rock boom.

The story behind “Tell Her No” also came after a disappointing release in Britain. According to Rod Argent, The Zombies believed “Leave Me Be” was the wrong choice for a follow-up to “She’s Not There.” The group then recorded “Tell Her No,” which performed strongly in America.

Argent said in a Songfacts interview about the earlier decision: “They put out a song called ‘Leave Me Be,’ which we all thought was absolutely the wrong choice, and absolutely not a hit.”

“Tell Her No” had a sound that stood apart from many straightforward rock songs of its era. Argent said the song was influenced by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. 

Blunstone’s vocal performance is another part of the recording that continues to attract attention. One line in the second refrain was mumbled during the recording. Blunstone wanted to record it again, but producer Ken Jones liked the original take and kept it.

That decision left listeners wondering about the exact words being sung. Blunstone thinks the words were “Don’t love this love from my arms.”

Blunstone’s age adds another detail to the story of “Tell Her No.” When the single was released in December 1964, he was still a teenager.

At the time, The Zombies were only a few years removed from their beginnings in St Albans. Their early success came quickly, and Blunstone later recalled that he did not expect music to become a lifelong career.

“When the Zombies first became a professional band I didn’t realize you could have a lifetime career in the music business, I thought it was a two-year adventure,” he said, according to BBC.

The Zombies eventually broke up in 1967. Their final album from the original era, Odessey and Oracle, was released in 1968 after the group had already split. The album gained wide recognition, while “Time of the Season” became a major American hit in 1969.

The band’s story did not end with the breakup. Blunstone and Argent reunited around the turn of the century and eventually began performing again under The Zombies name. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.

“Tell Her No” also continued through later recordings. Juice Newton released her version in 1983, taking the song to No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 14 on the Adult Contemporary chart in the United States, per Elpee.

More than six decades after its original release, “Tell Her No” remains tied to the story of The Zombies: a British band that found major American success and a teenage singer whose voice became part of that sound.

Related: 1975 Rock Song, Recorded in a Castle in England, Is Still a Generational Hit 51 Years Later

The Geico Gecko and his iconic marketing friends are hitting the road—and have one important stop on their upcoming road trip.

The insurance company announced on Wednesday, September 23, that their beloved mascots will all make their debut during the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this November.

In addition to the Gecko, the Caveman, Caleb the “Hump Day” Camel, and Maxwell the Pig, will be aboard the first ever Geico float.

Geico

Designed by Macy’s Studios artisans, the float illustrates a classic American road trip and celebrates 90 years of GEICO helping customers protect what matters most while highlighting the journeys that connect families, friends and communities, the company announced.

“For decades, the GEICO brand has connected with people through entertainment, storytelling and characters they’ve invited into their homes,” Arianna Orpello, GEICO’s chief marketing officer, said Wednesday. “As we celebrate our 90th anniversary, there’s no bigger stage in America than Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It’s the perfect place for the Gecko and some of his favorite friends from the past to meet fans in a whole new way.”

Ahead of their Macy’s debut, the Gecko will embark on a 10-week cross-country road trip. With 12 stops along the way, the road trip will conclude with the iconic parade.

Well, the “open era” of Survivor 51 is certainly opening with a bang! 21 new castaways are being thrust into the Fijian islands, ready to take part in their adventure of a lifetime. They have no idea, however, what’s in store, as they’re incidentally ushering in a brand new phase of the CBS reality show, where anything from the past 26 years can appear. But even in this period of “permanent uncertainty,” there is one thing certain: Somebody, unfortunately, has to be the first one out.

We’ll update this story throughout the Survivor 51 premiere as we find out who’s voted out, as well as all the idols and advantages found, as well as any new shocking twists.

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Who got voted off on Survivor 51 tonight? Aaliyah Puglia Aaliyah Puglia on ‘Survivor 51’

Robert Voets/CBS

When the cast was divided into two tribes to start the game, Aaliyah Puglia thought she had something cooking. While she was thrust into a tribe of 10, she had a locked-in alliance with Devin Way and Angelica “Jelly” Loblack. Plus Jenna Doore had become the immediate target for the group, considering how withdrawn and shady she was acting. The first challenge, however, proved to be a recipe for disaster for the chef, as her performance failed to impress the group. And, when Jenna found out she was in danger, she proceeded to throw Aaliyah under the bus, embellishing that she had said Brady Booker was acting “too aggressive” in the heat of competition. Suddenly, the heat was turned up, prompting a chaotic Tribal Council that featured multiple pockets of whispering and a historic two plays of the Shot in the Dark. And, in a battle of the big boys, Devin did not get his way, as the majority decided Aaliyah’s Survivor meal would end with the appetizer.

Were any idols or advantages found or played on Survivor 51 tonight?

Yes! Lewis Kelly chose to volunteer to stay on Exile Island, where, during his extended stay, he was given a mission. If he could chop down a wooden mast with a small axe within the allotted time, he would get the idol that lay on top. Unfortunately, while the farmer put in a massive effort, it was all for naught, as he couldn’t make it happen.

Fortunately, we did get another idol find in the premiere. The morning of Day 3, Rob Antonson took to the jungle, deciding to search while he was away from camp. And his efforts were immediately successful, as he found the first idol of the season. Interestingly, the prize came with no Beware Advantage (i.e. no task to accomplish to activate the idol, or lost vote

Were there any twists on Survivor 51 tonight?

Of course, Survivor kicked off the open era with a good handful of twists. The 21 players were thrown immediately into their first test when they were tasked with electing one person to immediately leave camp. Lewis volunteered, sending him to Exile Island for the episode. This ensured he wouldn’t be the first person voted out, and he would join the tribe that lost the first Immunity Challenge after the vote.

At the challenge, Jeff put a rare opportunity in the hands of the players to determine an important part of the season. If everyone agreed, they would get rid of Final Four firemaking in Survivor 51. Unfortunately for the naysayers, that wound up not being the case, and it seems like firemaking is here to stay for the next 26 days.

But there was one other twist Jeff announced that is out of the castaways’ hands — well, with one exception. The coin flip from Survivor 50 is back, but in a new form that could affect not only this season, but many to come. Once again, one person will be given the opportunity to flip a coin at Tribal Council. If they call it correctly, they get immunity, an idol, and the prize pot goes up to $2 million. If they call it wrong, they’re instantly eliminated without a vote. Additionally, the extra million dollars rolls over to the next season, when another coin flip will happen.

Who is left in the game on Survivor 51? Aaliyah Puglia Alexis Levine Ana Sani  Brady Booker Carter Krull Cristian Chavez Devin Way Eric Macksoud Angelica “Jelly” Loblack Jenna Doore Danny “Kilby” Kilby Kristin Flickinger Lewis Kelly Linnea Capobianco Maggie Nestor Mike Pinsky Ori Jean-Charles Patt Cannaday Rob Antonson Sharonda Cox An “Thien An” Nguyen

Related: Jeff Probst Reveals How ‘Survivor’s ‘Open Era’ Came to Be: ‘There is No Evolution’ (Exclusive)

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Switching to plaid bedding as temperatures drop is one of the easiest ways to give your bedroom a cozy seasonal refresh. The classic pattern instantly brings warmth and character to the space, making your bedroom feel a little more inviting when it’s cold and gloomy outside. 

One fantastic option that won’t break the bank is the Danny Plaid Reversible Microfiber 3-Piece Comforter Set. Right now, it’s on sale for 69% off at Macy’s, bringing the price down from $80 to just $25. It’s an affordable way to give your bed a whole new look while adding a soft, comfortable layer for the colder months.

Danny Plaid Reversible Microfiber 3-Piece Comforter Set, $25 (was $80) at Macy’s 

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

The set comes in twin, full/queen, and king sizes, so you can easily find an option that works for your bed. The twin set includes one comforter and one sham, while both of the larger sizes come with two shams for a coordinated look. 

The reversible design gives you two looks in one set. One side features a bold navy plaid pattern accented with red for a classic, traditional feel, while the reverse is a solid navy that creates a cleaner, more understated look. You can flip the comforter whenever you want to change things up without buying another set.

The rich plaid pattern is especially well suited to a cozy cold-weather aesthetic. It can complement traditional and lodge-inspired rooms, but it also fits naturally into modern rustic and farmhouse-style spaces. Pair it with warm wood tones, chunky throws, neutral pillows, or woven accents to create a welcoming fall and winter retreat.

The microfiber construction is designed to provide comfortable warmth throughout the year. The 100% polyester shell and fill give it a soft feel, while the durable, fade-resistant fabric is made to hold up through regular use. It’s also machine washable, making it easier to keep your bedding fresh. The set is Oeko Tex– certified, meaning it has been independently tested for more than 1,000 potentially harmful substances.

Shoppers praised its lightweight feel and quality construction. One reviewer said it’s “a great reversible comforter set that’s usable all year,” writing, “It’s not too overly filled, lightweight, and not too thick. It also seems to be very breathable material and is very nicely stitched together.” Another said it’s “very beautiful” in a five-star review.

Shop More Deals

• Annie Plaid Reversible Microfiber 8-Piece Comforter Set, $37 (was $100) at Macy’s
• Emmett Plaid 8-Piece Comforter Set, $37 (was $100) at Macy’s
• Francesca Patchwork 3-Piece Comforter Set, $24 (was $80) at Macy’s

Related: JCPenney’s Beautiful Autumn-Inspired Bedding Set Is Under $70

If you’re ready to give your bedroom a cozy fall and winter update, the Danny Plaid Reversible Microfiber 3-Piece Comforter Set makes it easy. And with Macy’s current 69% discount, you can get it for just $25 and save $55.

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.

John Ritter was one of television’s most beloved comedic actors, best known for playing the lovable Jack Tripper on Three’s Company. The role made him a household name, but the actor’s career stretched well beyond the sitcom, including work in Hooperman, Sling Blade, Problem Child and, later, 8 Simple Rules. He appeared in more than 100 television shows, films and stage productions by the time of his death. Despite being one of the most famous television actors of his generation, to Jason Ritter, John Ritter was simply Dad.

John Ritter Died When Jason Was Just 23 @modestseinfeld

Jason Ritter dancing to the Three’s Company theme and it fits. 🙂❤️ #dance #likefatherlikeson #threescompany

♬ Threes Company Theme – Dominik Hauser

John Ritter died suddenly on Sept. 11, 2003, at the age of 54, after initially being treated for a heart attack that was later diagnosed as an aortic dissection. His son Jason was only 23 when his father died, but he had already launched an acting career of his own.

Jason made an early acting appearance as a child in the opening credits of Three’s Company and went on to carve out a successful career separate from his father’s.

Related: These 2 Beloved ’80s Actors Were Friends for 35 Years Before They Quietly Eloped in 2021

Jason Ritter Built a Career of His Own @mrsalabamaworley

Replying to @moms.on.tik.tok As I said, his appearance was unplanned, but the producers liked it, so they kept it in. It may have been his “tv debut” but it wasn’t an actual role. #jasonritter #johnritter #threescompany

♬ original sound – Mrs. Alabama Worley

Jason Ritter has had roles in Joan of Arcadia, Gravity Falls, Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, Raising Dion, Matlock and Parenthood, for which he earned a Primetime Emmy nomination.

Despite their different careers, it’s hard to deny the striking resemblance Jason Ritter bears to his famous father.

On a recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Ritter channeled John Ritter’s gift for physical comedy as he entered the show’s signature human tunnel.

With the Three’s Company theme song playing, Jason entered the hallway, doing pratfalls, funny faces and dance moves reminiscent of his father on Three’s Company. In addition to sharing the same physical moves, Jason Ritter looks almost exactly like his father.

“He has really embraced being compared to his dad,” observed one fan on social media. “I love John Ritter.”

Another added, “He is so his dad, yet so Jason Ritter.”

“He’s so funny just like his dad,” another shared.

Jason Ritter Is Embracing the Comparisons to His Dad

Twenty-three years after his father’s death, Jason Ritter is embracing the comparisons rather than trying to avoid them.

In a September 2026 interview with PEOPLE, Jason said that as he gets older, he notices more of his father in himself, including his mannerisms and expressions.

He’s also shared that sometimes he feels like his comedically gifted father takes over in the middle of an acting scene or an audition.

Jason Ritter may have spent decades establishing himself as his own actor, while also becoming increasingly comfortable with being compared to his famous father.

Related: Princess Alexandra Rewears Her Grandmother Grace Kelly’s Givenchy Gown Six Decades Later

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Born on Sept. 26, 1925, the late, great Marty Robbins would have celebrated 101 years this month. A country music legend whose career produced a remarkable string of 17 No. 1 hits, Robbins was also the undisputed king of gunfighter ballads like “El Paso,” which became a defining part of his legacy.

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But Robbins had far more to offer than cowboy songs, with one surprising passion taking him far beyond the dusty trails of the American West. But first, the music.

View this post on Instagram The Song That Became Part of His Mythology

Robbins released his classic Western ballad “El Paso” in September 1959 on his album Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs, followed by its single release in October that year. He wrote the song after becoming captivated by El Paso and its romantic-sounding name, creating a fictional story about a cowboy, a love named Feleena, and a fatal gunfight. Robbins later described the story as unfolding in his mind “like a motion picture.”

A fan of traditional Western stars like Gene Autry, Robbins channeled that energy into his music, and it all paid off.

The song became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on both the Billboard country chart and the Billboard Hot 100. It spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the country chart and became the first No. 1 hit of the 1960s on both charts. It later earned a Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Performance in 1961. But the story didn’t end there.

Years later, Robbins revisited the world of “El Paso” in another song. While flying over the West Texas city in 1976, Robbins became inspired again, reportedly writing “El Paso City” in about four minutes and 14 seconds—the exact length of the song. But it wasn’t simply a sequel to “El Paso.” It revisited the song’s world in a strange, almost dreamlike way.

Instead of playing the cowboy, Robbins sings as a modern-day passenger looking out the window of a commercial jetliner. As he peers down at the desert floor, he admits he feels a profound, chilling connection to the land below. Remembering the events from 1959—the gunfight, Rosa’s Cantina, and Feleena—he openly contemplates whether he is the reincarnation of the dead gunfighter.

Could it be that I could be the cowboy in this mystery
That died there in that desert sand so long ago?

Musically, the track features producer Billy Sherrill’s production and reunites Robbins with guitarist Grady Martin, who played on the original “El Paso.” The connection helped give the song the feeling of a musical echo across time.

Like its predecessor, “El Paso City” was a massive success, landing Robbins his 15th No. 1 on the U.S. country chart and his first in six years. It spent two weeks at the top.

The Connection to Country Royalty

Though strange and, in today’s terms, meta, the song and its predecessor turned Robbins into a household name. He wasn’t some fringe Western singer; Robbins was genuine country royalty, sharing the era with icons like Miss Loretta Lynn.

While peers like Johnny Cash brought gritty counterculture and honky-tonk legends like George Jones sang about heartbreak, Robbins was a polished Nashville chameleon, anchored in country but celebrated for his crossover abilities.

The Country Music Hall of Fame described him as one of country music’s most successful crossover artists, noting that he recorded country, Western, rockabilly, Hawaiian, gospel, and pop music.

Robbins’ concrete link to Lynn came on a legendary television broadcast. When NBC’s The Midnight Special aired its country edition on Aug. 24, 1973, Lynn and Robbins co-hosted.

During the show, the two performed “Singing the Blues,” which Robbins had taken to No. 1 on the country chart in 1956. Robbins also performed “A White Sport Coat,” “Devil Woman,” and “El Paso.” The episode also featured a who’s-who of country music, including George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Conway Twitty, and Charlie Rich.

The Completely Unexpected Second Career

But Robbins had another side that had nothing to do with Nashville.

While he rubbed elbows with country legends, he also competed in the highest echelons of professional stock car racing, rubbing car doors with icons like Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, and other NASCAR stars.

A racing fan since childhood, Robbins grew up rooting for open-wheel legends like Jimmy Bryan. When his music career brought him to Nashville, he lived a stone’s throw from the historic Nashville Speedway.

In the 1960s, he decided he was done being a spectator and got behind the wheel. He began racing modified stock cars at Nashville Speedway and even adjusted his Grand Ole Opry schedule to race. The Country Music Hall of Fame noted that by 1965, Robbins was performing on the final segment of the Opry so he could race at Nashville Speedway.

Between 1966 and 1982, Robbins competed in 35 NASCAR Grand National/Winston Cup races, recording six Top 10 finishes. He also competed in the Daytona 500 and raced at some of NASCAR’s biggest tracks. Coming full circle in 1976, around the same time “El Paso City” reached No. 1, Robbins served as the pace-car driver for the Indianapolis 500.

The Legend of 2 Martys

Marty Robbins’ true genius lies in a striking paradox: The same man who became famous for singing about cowboys, gunfighters, and the American West was also deeply immersed in high-speed motorsports. To the casual listener, he is simply the vintage baritone narrating a bygone frontier, but a closer look reveals an artist whose life tore down boundaries.

Though he left the world too soon, dying at just 57 of a heart attack in December 1982, his would-be 101st birthday is another opportunity to celebrate his duality and enormous musical legacy. Part cowboy, part daredevil, part cosmic storyteller, Robbins wasn’t just a midcentury country star and race car driver, but one of the most uniquely captivating American icons to ever live.

“I’ve done what I wanted to do,” he said in an interview near the end of his life, according to Biography. “I’m not a real good musician, but I can write [a song] pretty well. I experiment once in a while to see what I can do.”

You done good.

Related: Garth Brooks Makes Shocking Announcement That Will Have Significant Impact on His Fans

Nearly 30 years after sharing the stage with Celine Dion, fellow renowned singer Josh Groban shows no signs of slowing down.

A little help from the great David Foster once upon a time, and now, the beloved Grammy nominee, 45, is releasing yet another album — which comes with a highly anticipated residency in Las Vegas, by the way.

Oh, and Groban is also newly engaged. In a new cover-story interview with Reader’s Digest, the Sweeney Todd performer opened up about his headline-making proposal to longtime girlfriend and actress Natalie McQueen.

Reader’s Digest took to social media on Wednesday, September 23 to promote its new issue, given that Groban serves as the magazine’s first celebrity cover in more than a decade.

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Fans have since commented on the Instagram post to show their support for the multi-platinum-certified artist. “Great cover choice! Josh Groban is extraordinary. “Great cover choice! Josh Groban is extraordinary,” wrote one user, while another person commented, “The BIG Josh Groban 🌹🌹🩷🌷🌹💐💐💐🌷 YES!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻”

But more on that epic life moment back in April, when the Tony nominee proposed to McQueen, 37, in the happiest place on Earth — also known as Disneyland.

“That’s probably the best decision I’ve ever made in my life, asking that question,” he told Reader’s Digest in the interview article published Wednesday. “It was also a decision for myself. I’ve carried this feeling of expectation. There’s always something next. You’re never slowing down; the train just keeps moving. And to get down on one knee and ask that question to me was like, ‘Right, you also deserve this.’ It took a lot for me to finally give myself that permission.”

Another choice that came to mind, in reflecting on the “best decision” Groban has ever made, is saying “yes” to making a Broadway debut.

“Revisiting a dream that I’d had since I was a kid, knowing full well that it could go sideways and the critics and audiences could say ‘Go back to your home.’” he told the magazine.

It’s the end of an era — for now!

The iconic Santa Monica Pier sign, which has stood above the Los Angeles-area landmark since 1941, is set to be dismantled. However, the move is only temporary, as the sign undergoes a multi-year refurbishment in Las Vegas.

A smaller, half-scale replica will be erected just left of the original near Pier Burger after the original comes down this fall.

The refurbishment comes as the pier bridge prepares for a $35 million reconstruction project ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“The sign, truss, and Crown Sign will then be secured, braced, and protected with wrapping before being loaded onto separate flatbed trailers for transport to Las Vegas,” the city’s website reads.

The Santa Monica Pier sign originally cost $2,000 and was commissioned by the Santa Monica Pier Business Men’s Association. Pan-Pacific Neon Sign Company designed and constructed the would-be landmark.

“The Sign is unique in and of itself, and there are no other extant examples of its type and style, an arched neon Streamline Moderne sign, within the City of Santa Monica, the broader Los Angeles metropolitan area or other Southern California beach cities,” the city’s landmark designation states.

The restoration project will be handled by Las Vegas-based YESCO, an award-winning company that “specializes in the design, manufacture, install and maintenance of custom electric signs [and] displays.”

As chaos swirls around the estate of late entertainment icon Dolly Parton, with her nephew Bryan Seaver questioning his firing as head of security for her estate and a restraining order filed against him, one of Dolly’s sisters has spoken out regarding the situation.

On Wednesday, September 23, Dolly’s younger sister, Freida Parton, posted a statement on Instagram with white text on a purple background. Though it did not address the security situation directly, she assured fans that there are not problems within Dolly’s immediate family, including with Seaver.

Sisters Stella Parton, Freida Parton, and Dolly Parton at Bearsville Studios in North Hollywood, California for the recording of Freida Parton’s Self-Titled Album-‘Freida Parton’ on January 15, 1981.

Ron Galella / Getty Images

“I will say this and this only,” Freida wrote. “There is no feud within our family. No one among the Parton/Owens family is fighting over Dolly’s estate. We all love Bryan, just as we all love each other. 🩶 I love you all!!”

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Seaver, who is the son of Dolly and Freida’s sister, Cassie Parton, announced Dolly’s death on behalf of the family on August 25. He has served as the head of her security for two decades, and said his Aunt Dolly had asked him long ago to be the one to deliver the news after her eventual passing.

Twenty days later, on September 15, Seaver was fired, TMZ first reported, as new guards descended upon the singer’s home in Nashville. “Her museum, downtown residence and warehouse were also taken over by the new security team,” per TMZ.

The estate, overseen by Dolly’s longtime manager, Danny Nozell, has been granted a restraining order against Seaver and his private security company, according to The Guardian, after claiming that he made “relentless” threats against Nozell and others working at Dolly’s properties.

Billboard reported on September 22 that the lawsuit, filed in Tennessee, claimed that Seaver’s alleged threats “were not ordinary workplace disputes or heated words; they were deliberate threats from a self-proclaimed heavily armed, former security operative with a military-contractor background. Many of [Parton’s staff members] are now afraid to come to work or have resigned entirely because they do not feel safe.”

On September 23, hours before Freida’s Instagram post, Seaver told ABC News that he believes the order is “spurious and simply a publicity stunt.”

“Dolly called me her killer,” her nephew said. “It was a joke we used around her camp. I was her ‘baby boy ninja’ and Danny Nozell took that text out of context to somehow imagine that I was threatening him. He’s always called me The Killer.”

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Protecting an off-grid cabin is different from securing a typical suburban home. Electricity may come from solar panels, batteries or a generator rather than the grid. Broadband may be slow, intermittent or unavailable, and the property itself may sit miles from the nearest neighbor. That makes reliability more important than loading the property with internet-dependent devices.

A useful off-grid security setup needs to keep core intrusion detection working when household power or Wi-Fi drops. Thankfully, ADT now offers an ADT+ configuration that can operate entirely over a cellular connection, specifically for homes where broadband is unavailable. The cellular-only option is available through ADT’s direct channel.

So, what should you prioritize when securing an off-grid cabin? Here’s everything you need to know.

If unreliable power or broadband has made home security difficult, ADT can evaluate whether cellular service at the property can support an alarm system and which equipment makes sense for the location.

What Is the Best Security System for an Off-Grid Home?

The best off-grid security system uses cellular communication for critical alarm signals, battery backup for short-term outages and sensors that do not depend individually on Wi-Fi. For remote properties, that usually matters more than having a large collection of smart-home devices. Here are some options to consider:

Feature

Why It Matters Off-Grid

Cellular alarm communication

Reduces dependence on broadband

Battery backup

Keeps core equipment running during outages

Door/window sensors

Protects entry points without video

Motion detection

Adds interior coverage

Professional monitoring

Provides another response path when nobody is there

Local controls

Allows arming/disarming without relying entirely on an app

Separate camera strategy

Useful when Wi-Fi or continuous power is unavailable

ADT’s current Base communicates with compatible sensors over a dedicated 1.9 GHz connection and supports cellular communication. It also includes a rechargeable battery rated for up to 24 hours of backup operation.

Related: Can You Use a DIY Security System Without Monthly Fees?

Can ADT Work Without Wi-Fi?

Yes, in qualifying configurations. ADT introduced a cellular-only ADT+ setup in 2025 that allows the security system to use cellular service as its primary connection rather than requiring home broadband. Customers can still use the ADT+ app and supported security-service tiers.

That can be especially useful for cabins where installing fixed broadband would be impractical. ADT also uses cellular communication as a backup on supported monitored systems. If Wi-Fi disconnects, alarm events can still be transmitted from the Base through cellular data or SMS. However, cellular coverage still needs to be strong enough at the property.

What Happens When an Off-Grid Home Loses Power?

Battery backup becomes especially important when the property relies on solar, batteries or a generator. ADT’s current Base includes up to 24 hours of backup battery operation, allowing supported security functions to continue during shorter power interruptions.

That backup should not be confused with a long-term off-grid power source. If a cabin regularly goes without AC power for days at a time, the alarm hub still needs a dependable way to recharge. A properly sized solar-plus-battery system or generator may therefore be part of the larger security plan.

ADT’s Base itself requires AC input during normal operation, so it is best suited to off-grid homes that still maintain an electrical system rather than completely unpowered structures.

What Is the Best Security Camera With No Power or Wi-Fi?

This is where off-grid security gets more complicated. A property with no continuous power and no Wi-Fi generally needs a battery- or solar-powered camera that communicates over a cellular network rather than a conventional home Wi-Fi camera.

ADT’s current Google Nest camera options are not designed for completely disconnected properties. ADT states that features such as mobile notifications, remote control, video streaming and video history require working internet and Wi-Fi.

Google’s battery-powered Nest Cam does have an internal rechargeable battery, but Google still lists a Wi-Fi network and broadband internet connection among its operating requirements. For a truly remote outbuilding or cabin with no Wi-Fi, a cellular camera designed specifically for off-grid use may therefore be more appropriate for video coverage.

For remote properties, an ADT consultation can help determine whether cellular service is sufficient before you build the rest of the system around it.

Check Cellular Coverage Before Buying Anything

Cellular-only security is only useful if the signal reaches the property. The FCC’s National Broadband Map allows homeowners to compare reported 4G and 5G mobile coverage from different carriers. The FCC cautions that its mobile maps represent modeled outdoor coverage and do not guarantee indoor service.

Terrain matters too. Mountains, dense trees and distance from towers can all affect signal quality at a remote cabin. Actual testing at the property is therefore more useful than relying entirely on a coverage map.

If both broadband and cellular service are poor, a satellite-based internet connection or a different security approach may be necessary.

Related: Should You Finance a Home Security System?

Which Security Features Matter Most at a Remote Cabin?

Start with intrusion detection. Door and window sensors, motion detectors and a monitored alarm system can protect the building without requiring constant video streaming.

Cameras are useful, but they consume more bandwidth and usually depend more heavily on reliable internet and power. That means a practical off-grid system often works best in layers: First, make sure the alarm hub can stay powered and communicate over cellular. Then add sensors at doors and accessible windows. Finally, add cameras only where connectivity and power can support them reliably.

Is ADT a Good Choice for an Off-Grid Cabin?

ADT is worth considering when the property has usable cellular service and enough electrical capacity to keep the Base powered. Its cellular-only ADT+ option removes the need for traditional home broadband for core security, while the Base provides battery backup and dedicated communication with compatible sensors.

The main limitation is video. Current Nest camera features still depend on Wi-Fi, so a completely disconnected property may require a separate camera solution.

For an off-grid home, that distinction is useful rather than problematic: build the security system around the connections the property actually has instead of assuming every device needs to work the same way.

If you’re securing a remote cabin or off-grid home, ADT can help determine whether cellular-only security is available at the property and recommend an alarm setup based on its power and connectivity limitations.

We often think of grandparents as the ones who hand out butterscotch and let us stay up a little past bedtime to watch Wheel of Fortune. However, psychologists agree that
the role of grandparents in child development is vitally important—and underrated.

“Grandparents offer unconditional love and support without the added stress or pressure of parenting decisions,” explains Dr. Elizabeth Solomon Loyola, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist and the owner of Child Psychology Center, Inc. “They are typically at a stage in life where they can truly enjoy the time with their grandchildren without managing many of life’s other responsibilities.”

Dr. Loyola tells Parade that grandparents serve as a sounding board and can instill important values in their grandchildren. Intergenerational relationships can also provide an antidote to today’s always-on, fast-paced life.

“Children learn how to connect with people of different ages and abilities when they spend time with their grandparents,” she adds. “It can teach them how to be more patient, how to slow down and how to interact with people of different ages.”

She insists there’s no official manual for “how to be a good grandparent,” nor is there a single definition of what “good grandparent” even means. But genuine connection is key.

“An involved, emotionally available grandparent is so important for a child’s development,” the psychologist explains. “It is also a good idea to understand how to be a good grandparent because being connected to children is helpful for the grandparent to keep them socially engaged, increase physical activity and support healthy aging.”

Child psychologists say that we often overthink grandparent-grandchild relationships, though. To help simplify things, they share what grandkids need from grandparents the most. Plus, get expert advice for grandparents who live long-distance.  

Related: We Asked 3 Psychologists the Best Board Game for Families, and They All Said the Same Classic

The Unanimous Answer: Undivided Attention Without the Pressure To ‘Parent’

According to three child psychologists, spending quality time with grandchildren is what grandkids need from grandparents.

They explain that it taps into what’s known as “unconditional positive regard” in psychology—the idea that a grandparent loves the grandchild without strings. Unconditional positive regard helps build emotional resilience in children.

Related: We Asked 3 Child Psychologists for the Best Question To Ask Kids at the Dinner Table, and They All Said the Same Thing

Unsplash

The Psychology: Why This Builds Unshakable Emotional Resilience

By harnessing unconditional positive regard psychology, spending undivided quality time with grandkids helps build emotional resilience in children.

Now, to be clear, no one has unwavering emotional resilience.

“No child is unshakable, and that isn’t really the goal,” says Caitlin Slavens, BAACS, MC, R Psych, a registered psychologist who is also the clinic owner and co-founder of Cradles to Couples. “Emotional resilience is a child’s ability to cope with stress, disappointment, mistakes, conflict or change and eventually recover. It doesn’t mean they don’t get sad or frustrated.”

Instead, Slavens says children with emotional resilience can experience something hard without it completely defining or consuming them.

Speaking of all-consuming, these days we can become mentally swallowed by our devices. So, while spending “undivided quality time with grandchildren” sounds obvious, it’s pretty challenging. Grandparents who genuinely put down the phone, slow down, listen (even if the child tells a long story) and enter their world for a bit play a powerful role in child development.

“Responsive, back-and-forth interactions with caring adults help build children’s social, emotional and cognitive development,” states Dr. Ioana Pal, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist at Stramski Children’s Development Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach, CA. “Researchers describe these interactions as ‘serve and return.’ The child communicates, the adult responds, and the relationship becomes a place for learning and emotional regulation.”

These interactive responses help a child feel seen, especially when they come without correcting, teaching or comparing, but through genuine listening and learning. It serves as a springboard for building emotional resilience in children.

“When a grandparent spends time with a child without constantly correcting, teaching, rushing or managing them, the child gets this experience of, ‘You like being with me just because I’m me,'” Slavens tells Parade.

Again, this experience is what’s known as unconditional positive regard in psychology.

“Unconditional positive regard means that you care for someone and have positive feelings towards them regardless of the things they do,” Dr. Loyola shares. “It means that you accept someone no matter what they say, do or feel. Undivided attention is a way to show unconditional positive regard.”

She agrees that undivided quality time with grandchildren lets the child know, “You’re the important thing in this moment, and you have my full attention.”

Related: 9 Things ‘Slow-Living’ Grandparents Do Differently, According to Child Psychologists

The Golden Rule of Grandparenting: Support the Parents, Don’t Undermine Them

While intergenerational bonding benefits child development, psychologists agree that grandparent boundaries with parents are critical to preserving these relationships.

“One of the healthiest gifts grandparents can give grandchildren is supporting their parents,” Dr. Pal says. “Children feel safer when the important adults in their lives are not competing for authority and respect. Grandparents can disagree privately with their adult children while maintaining a united message in front of the child.”

She suggests saying something like, “Your mom and dad have made that rule, and we’re going to respect it.”

Slavens agrees that children shouldn’t have to choose between the adults who love them. Stability is also what grandkids need from grandparents.

“When adults undermine each other in front of a child, it can create confusion and sometimes put the child in the middle,” she warns.

That said, Slavens clarifies that there’s nothing wrong with grandparents having special traditions or slightly different rules than the parents.

“Kids are very capable of understanding that ‘Grandma does things a little differently,'” she explains. “The problem is when those differences become a competition with the parents.”

She says child safety is an exception to grandparent boundaries with parents.

“If a grandparent genuinely believes a child is being abused, neglected or placed in serious danger, then they need to do what they need to protect the child,” she adds.

Related: We Asked 4 Child Psychologists What They Wish More Grandparents Would Stop Doing—They All Said the Same Thing

Simple Ways To Offer ‘Undivided Attention’ at Any Age

What qualifies as “quality time with grandchildren” will likely change as the child ages. Below, get a child psychologist’s advice for grandparents on how to play a valuable role at every age and stage.

Toddlers/young kids

Here’s a permission slip from a child psychologist to keep it simple.

“At this age, kids usually don’t need elaborate activities,” Slavens explains. “They need someone willing to enter their world.”

Some of her favorite ways to connect with younger kids include:

• Getting on the floor and letting the child lead the play
• Reading their favorite book over and over
• Going for a walk and letting the child stop to look at every rock and bug
• Baking something simple
• Doing puzzles
• Coloring
• Playing pretend
• Building blocks
• Blowing bubbles
• Having a little dance party

“Toddlers and preschoolers spend a lot of their day being rushed from one thing to another,” she states. “When they have an adult who has time to watch them, follow their lead at their pace, and be curious about what they’re doing, it can feel very special.”

School-aged kids

Slavens says kids ages 6 to 12 feel “seen” when a beloved adult shows interest in what they care about. Grandparents can take this step by:

• Playing a board game
• Shooting hoops
• Baking
• Crafting
• Going fishing
• Playing with LEGO bricks or sets
• Learning about Pokémon
• Playing a video game together
• Going for ice cream
• Working on a project

Slavens shares that this age is also great for starting family traditions, like Saturday pancakes, a monthly movie night, a special card game or going to the library together.

“The activity matters less than the feeling of, ‘This is something Grandma or Grandpa and I do together,'” she states.

Finally, the psychologist notes it’s great to ask kids questions besides “How was school?” And ask questions that aren’t only about school. Instead, she suggests asking school-aged children:

• What made them laugh this week
• Who they like sitting beside
• What they’re obsessed with right now
• What their favorite game at recess is

Teenagers

Slavens admits teenagers are tricky.

“They often want connection without wanting to feel like they’re being pulled into a conversation,” she says. “A drive, coffee, cooking together or watching something they like can sometimes work better than sitting them down and asking a bunch of questions. You’re still showing them, ‘I like being with you,’ without pressuring them to talk.”

Don’t panic if they still don’t talk much.

“Sometimes grandparents make the mistake of thinking, ‘They don’t want anything to do with me anymore,'” she shares. “Usually that isn’t true. Teenagers are naturally becoming more independent. The relationship may just need to change.”

Related: The #1 Habit of Highly Respected Grandparents, According to a Family Psychologist

What To Do if You Are a Long-Distance Grandparent

Spending quality time with grandchildren can feel harder from afar, but child psychologists have good news.

“Physical distance does not have to mean emotional distance,” Dr. Pal states. “Consistency matters more than frequency.”

Unsure how to be a good grandparent from a distance? She says planning and creating rituals helps. You might try:

• A weekly video call
• Reading the same book together from different homes and talking about what you like and dislike
• Sending handwritten cards (yes, you can still do this) or little packages
• Celebrating birthdays and milestones together virtually
• Sharing family photographs and stories
• Recording yourself telling family stories
• Having a “special” phrase, joke or tradition that belongs to the two of you
• Asking about their interests and remembering the details the next time you talk

Slavens agrees that the goal isn’t “constant contact.”

“The goal is to create the feeling that even from far away, this person knows me, remembers what matters to me and is interested in my life,” she says.

Up Next:

Related: We Asked 3 Child Psychologists What Hobby Is Best for Grandparents and Grandkids—They All Said the Same Thing

Sources:

• Dr. Elizabeth Solomon Loyola, Psy.D., is the owner and a licensed psychologist at Child Psychology Center, Inc.
• Caitlin Slavens, BAACS, MC, R Psych, is a registered psychologist and the clinic owner and co-founder of Cradles to Couples.
• Dr. Ioana Pal, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist at Stramski Children’s Development Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach, CA.
• A Guide to Serve & Return. Harvard University.

More than five decades after Funkadelic recorded “Maggot Brain” in Detroit, the 1971 track remains one of the most recognized guitar-driven recordings of its era. 

The song, built around Eddie Hazel’s extended guitar performance, has continued to reach new listeners and influence musicians across rock, funk, soul and hip-hop.

Released as the opening track of Funkadelic’s third studio album, Maggot Brain, in July 1971, the song runs for 10 minutes and 21 seconds. The album was recorded at United Sound Systems in Detroit during late 1970 and early 1971.

Funkadelic pose for a portrait in 1971.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The recording has also received renewed attention in 2026. Org Music and Westbound Records announced a new Maggot Brain reissue for September, with the album remastered directly from the original analog tapes. According to Relix, the new edition is being released on vinyl, CD, SACD, cassette and digital formats.

“Maggot Brain” is unusual even by the standards of early-1970s psychedelic rock and funk. The recording has only a short spoken introduction before Hazel’s guitar takes over for most of the track.

George Clinton, Funkadelic’s leader, produced the album and gave Hazel a powerful emotional direction before the recording. Per Songfacts, Clinton told Hazel to play as if he had just learned that his mother had died.

The song was recorded in one take. Clinton had Hazel surrounded by a large number of amplifiers, while other musicians also played during the session. Clinton later faded much of the other playing from the final mix, leaving Hazel’s guitar as the clear center of the recording.

Hazel used fuzz and wah effects, drawing from the sound of his guitar hero, Jimi Hendrix. Clinton later added delay and other effects during the mixing process.

The result was a long, emotional guitar performance that moves slowly rather than following a traditional verse-and-chorus structure. There are very few lyrics. Instead, the track begins with Clinton’s spoken words before Hazel’s guitar carries the rest of the piece.

Rolling Stone included “Maggot Brain” in its 2026 list of the 100 greatest guitar solos of all time, describing Hazel’s performance as a cornerstone of his musical legacy.

The song has also appeared on lists and discussions of great guitar performances for years. Guitar World ranked Hazel’s solo on its 2015 list of the greatest wah solos.

The Maggot Brain album was released by Westbound Records in July 1971. It reached No. 108 on the Billboard 200 and entered the top 20 of the Billboard R&B album chart.

The title track was only one part of the album. Other songs included “Can You Get to That,” “Hit It and Quit It,” “You and Your Folks, Me and My Folks” and “Super Stupid.” The album closed with the nearly 10-minute “Wars of Armageddon.”

In Cleveland, the full version of “Maggot Brain” has been played as part of a long-running late-night and early-morning radio tradition.

The album itself has also gained stronger recognition with time. Rolling Stone ranked Maggot Brain No. 486 on its 2003 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, then No. 479 in 2012. In the magazine’s 2020 version of the list, the album rose to No. 136.

Fifty-five years after its original release, “Maggot Brain” remains closely tied to Eddie Hazel’s guitar playing and George Clinton’s vision for Funkadelic.

Related: 1975 Rock Song, Recorded in a Castle in England, Is Still a Generational Hit 51 Years Later

Sorry Ella Fellas! It looks like Ella Langley may be off the market. 

According to a TMZ report, the country music superstar, 27, has been dating fellow country singer-songwriter Tucker Wetmore, 26. 

A video shared by the outlet and posted on TikTok appears to show Langley and Wetmore leaving a building together, with fans in the background asking the pair for photos.

Langley and Wetmore, per the outlet, were recently in Nashville, Tenn, on Tuesday, Sept. 22, where they attended the 9th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards, held at the Ryman Auditorium. 

@tmz

🚨🤭 EXCLUSIVE: Ella Langley and Tucker Wetmore are officially an item … TMZ has learned the country stars have been dating for quite some time and are enjoying their time together. 🎥: @backgrid_usa

♬ original sound – TMZ – TMZ

The evening was a major one for Langley, who took home the Song of the Year award for her history-making single, “Choosin’ Texas,” written alongside Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick, and Joybeth Taylor. 

For the evening, as shown in the TikTok clip below, Langley joined HARDY, Jordan Schmidt, and Smith Ahnquist for a performance of her song “Be Her” before launching into a rendition of “Choosin’ Texas” with two of her co-writers, Taylor and Dick, backing her up. 

@visitmusiccity

And what perfect timing! 👏 We loved seeing @Ella Langley take the stage with HARDY at the Nashville Songwriter Awards! #Nashville #MusicCity #EllaLangley #Hardy

♬ original sound – Nashville, TN

Langley has plenty to celebrate at the moment. “Choosin’ Texas” recently made Billboard Hot 100 history after spending its 23rd week at No. 1, surpassing Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which previously held the record with 22 weeks at the top.  

Now, she may have someone to share the special milestone with. 

It is unclear exactly when Langley and Wetmore officially became an item, but according to TMZ, sources close to the situation say the two met through mutual friends and their connections within the music industry. The outlet reports that they have been seeing each other romantically for “quite some time” and are enjoying each other’s company. 

The report comes after the two country stars have been seen in the same circles, fueling speculation about a possible romance. Eagle-eyed fans previously speculated about a romance between Wetmore and Langley back in December 2025 when the pair were spotted vacationing together in the St. Barts with friends.

@todays.country.tea

@Ella Langley and @Tuck spotted together!!!

♬ Rihanna Umbrella – Sᴛᴜɴɴɪɴɢ Mᴜsɪᴄ

At the time, the pair took a photo with their group of pals, but did not disclose anything more than friendship. TMZ’s latest report, however, is the first to characterize their relationship as romantic. 

Wetmore, a Washington native, is known for songs like “Wind Up Missin’ You,” “Wine into Whiskey,” and “Brunette.” 

Neither Langley nor Wetmore has publicly confirmed the relationship at the time of this report.

Related: 1971 John Denver Hit, Reimagined by Ella Langley, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Country Songs of All Time’

Nickelback has hit another major milestone in its career after achieving its ninth radio No. 1 hit.

“Rattle the Cage,” featuring John 5, rose to the top spot on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, marking the beloved band’s first No. 1 in the format since 2014.

According to Billboard, the fan-favorite track, which was released on July 14 via Nickelback II/Virgin Music, “Rattle the Cage” leads via an 8% increase in plays at the format Sept. 11-17, per Luminate.

The song first hit the charts in August, becoming the 32nd charting track for the Canadian rockers. It’s the lead single from Nickelback’s upcoming 11th studio album, Everything Under the Sun, which will be released on Oct. 30. The band announced the much-anticipated release in July, with Chad Kroeger stating that the forthcoming record has “every side of the band on it.”

“There are songs that hit as hard as anything we’ve ever done, songs that take chances, and songs that remind us why we’ve been doing this together for so long,” the front man said in a statement. “‘Rattle The Cage’ felt like the perfect way to kick the door open – it has the energy we’ve been feeding off every night on stage, and we can’t wait for people to hear it.”

Nickelback first made the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart in March 2000 with “Leader of Men,” which climbed to the No. 8 spot. The following spot, “How You Remind Me,” one of the band’s biggest — and TikTok viral — hits reached the top spot, where it remained for 13 weeks. At the time, it was one of only eight songs to dominate the chart for so many weeks.

In 2023, the band starred in its own Netflix documentary, Hate to Love: Nickelback, a 90-minute look into the band’s rise to fame in the 2000s and the online backlash it has faced in more recent years thanks to social media, with the film’s producer stating that the hitmakers had a “Marmite” reputation.

Related: ’90s Rock Band With a No. 1 Hit Returns With Powerful New Ballad ‘Leave Me Behind’ 31 Years After Forming

Linda Thompson, 76, stunned with her “ageless beauty” in a string bikini in an end-of-summer photo dump.

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, the Hee Haw actress and former girlfriend of Elvis Presley took to Instagram with a carousel of snapshots.

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The featured photo showed Thompson rocking a blue string bikini while posing with her hair in a braid. “And just like that, summer of 2026 comes to an end,” Thompson captioned her update. “More memories, more good times & love shared.”

After the Bodyguard actress plugged her son Brandon Jenner‘s new music, she hoped for a “peaceful autumn, winter, and spring season and that fate will be kind until summer rolls around again.”

Thompson (Caitlyn Jenner‘s second wife) then concluded, “I feel extraordinarily blessed with my beautiful family, and that we get to live in such a temperate climate as Southern California. 💜🌴🌝.”

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In the comments, Thompson’s followers showered her with compliments, with one Instagram user writing, “You are ageless and such a beauty inside and out.”

Another pointed out, “Look like you[‘re] 35.”

Someone else marveled, “How is it that you can still look this great in a bikini? Ageless beauty for sure !!!!! ♥️.”

A different follower declared, “You look amazing, as a second agreed, “Wow!!! Your[‘re] still a #10.Totally beautiful!!!!”

Meanwhile, yet another Instagram user commented, “How is this possible? Please share your secrets 🙏 I love you & your beautiful family.. I was a kid when I saw you & E..) on magazine covers.. you haven’t changed 💞.”

Thompson was married to Jenner from 1981 to 1986 and to David Foster from 1991 to 2005. She dated Presley from July 1972 until late 1976.

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