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There’s something undoubtedly special about King’s Hawaiian rolls. The subtle sweetness and pillowy-soft bread make just about any meal a little more exciting. And just in time for cozy autumn mornings, that signature sweetness is getting a cinnamon-swirled, bite-sized twist.

Even better, Costco is now carrying them in a big, warehouse-sized tub, making it easy to keep plenty on hand for breakfast, afternoon snacking, or whenever something sweet sounds good.

Take a look at the grocery-store size in this TikTok from BJ | Food & Lifestyle Finds (@brndij):

@brndij

EXCUSE ME?! Since when did @KING’S HAWAIIAN make CINNAMON SWIRL BITES?! 😭🤤🔥 I couldn’t leave these behind! #fyp #kingshawaiian #cinnamonbites #newfinds #groceryshopping

♬ original sound – Kosi King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Soft Swirl Bites Arrive at Costco in Warehouse Size

The King’s Hawaiian Cinnamon Soft Swirl Bites combine the soft, subtly sweet bread the brand is known for with a cinnamon filling swirled through each little piece.

At Costco, they come in a generous 20.8-ounce tub for $8.89, although prices and availability can vary by warehouse. According to Warehouse Runner, the bites are Costco item #2072116, which can make them easier to track down at your local club.

And Costco’s larger size comes with a pretty significant value advantage. For comparison, Kroger currently sells King’s Hawaiian Soft Cinnamon Swirl Bites in a 10.2-ounce tub for $6.99. So for just $1.90 more at Costco, you’re getting more than double the amount. 

Related: Costco’s New Fall Dessert Is a S’mores Lover’s Dream Come True

And while you can certainly reach into the container and enjoy one as is, warming them up sounds like the way to go.

The package includes directions for heating the bites in the microwave, oven, or air fryer, so getting that soft bread and cinnamon swirl warm takes very little effort.

That idea has already caught the attention of people who have tried them. After one viewer told BJ, “These are AMAZING! Try them heated up,” she did exactly that, noting, “I did & omggggg.”

With about 10 servings per container and five bites per serving, there’s enough to set out for a weekend breakfast or brunch, share with the family, or keep nearby when the cinnamon craving hits.

They also seem especially well-timed for this part of the year. Cinnamon is one of those flavors that feels right at home as mornings get cooler, and these deliver it without requiring you to mix batter, roll dough, or wait for anything to rise.

Pair a few warm bites with a hot cup of coffee, add them to a brunch spread, or enjoy one (or three) straight from the tub. However you serve them, Costco’s newest King’s Hawaiian arrival makes soft, sweet cinnamon-bun flavor about as easy as it gets.

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If you’ve been looking for an easy way to bring more color into your home, Kelly Clarkson’s Home collection has a pretty pink option worth a look. Whether you want to brighten up a bedroom, add a playful touch to a kid’s room, or warm up a neutral living room, a pink area rug can make a space feel instantly more cheerful. 

The Kelly Clarkson Home Geometric Rose Pink Area Rug at Wayfair checks several boxes if you’re looking for a colorful rug that still won’t clash with your decor. Right now, the rug is on sale at Wayfair for $83, down from $198, for the 5-foot-3-inch by 8-foot rectangular size — that’s 58% off. Shoppers are loving the combination of style and comfort, with one reviewer calling the rug “good quality” and saying it complemented their decor perfectly.

Kelly Clarkson Home Geometric Rose Pink Area Rug, $83 (was $198) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

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This rose pink area rug pairs a diamond geometric pattern with a soft, cheerful pink that warms up a room and works with just about any decorating style. The 0.33-inch low pile feels surprisingly cushiony underfoot, which makes it an especially cozy pick for your home.  However, a rug pad is recommended for extra cushioning and to help keep it firmly in place.

The rug comes in a range of rectangular sizes, from a compact 2 feet by 3 feet to a spacious 10 feet by 14 feet, making it easy to find an option that suits your space. It also comes in octagon, square, round, oval and runner shapes. For shoppers who prefer a different shade, additional colorways such as navy, gray and yellow are also available under other labels.

The rug is power-loomed from polypropylene and designed to stand up to kids, pets and everyday wear and tear. It’s also stain-, shedding- and fade-resistant with proper care, making it a practical choice for frequently used areas of the home. 

Keeping the rug looking fresh is simple. Spot-treat stains with water and mild detergent, then vacuum regularly to keep dust and dirt at bay. 

The rug has earned positive reviews for its color and feel. One reviewer called it “super soft” and said they loved its “beautiful” color, adding that it helps hide imperfections. Another said the rug was “perfect” in their bedroom, while a third called it a “wonderful” and “easy-to-clean.” 

Shop More Deals

• Martha Stewart Murray Leaves Reversible Queen Quilt Set, $90 (was $150) at Wayfair
• Martha Stewart Bloomfield Lots of Lemons Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mat, $16 (was $21) at Wayfair
• Bayou Breeze Hence 31.5-Inch Wide Sideboard Set, $160 (was $500) at Wayfair

Related: Joanna Gaines’ ‘Super Soft’ Stain-Resistant Area Rug Has the Prettiest Vintage-Inspired Look

The Kelly Clarkson Home Geometric Rose Pink Area Rug is now just $83, making it an affordable way to add designer-inspired style to any room. If you’ve had your eye on it, this is a great time to snag it before the deal ends!

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.

If you’ve ever tried planning a cruise with your best friends or extended family, you already know the universal headache: stateroom Tetris. Cramming four adults into a single cabin with one tiny bathroom is an exercise in patience nobody actually wants on vacation—and paying full freight for a second stateroom can instantly blow the trip budget.

Enter one of the most unexpected travel hacks quietly taking off at sea: cruise casino status.

Rather than relying on standard cruise promos, Margaritaville at Sea is going all-in on casino incentives with an expanded Casino Players Club launching October 1. Buried beneath the standard casino jargon is an absolute unicorn of a travel perk: “Sail with Friends,” which hands top-tier players a completely free, second oceanview stateroom for two guests.

Yes, an entire extra cabin just so your friends or family can come along for the ride.

Even better? You don’t have to spend years grinding out slot points on Margaritaville’s ships to get your hands on high-tier perks.

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

View this post on Instagram The “Casino Offer Match”

Most casual vacationers throw away the glossy mailers they receive from land-based casinos (think Vegas, Atlantic City, or your local regional resort) or other megaship cruise lines offering “complimentary nights” or discounted getaways.

Don’t throw them away.

Under Margaritaville at Sea’s Casino Offer Match program, you can take an existing casino offer or mailer you’ve received from another cruise line or land-based casino and submit it directly on their website. Instead of forcing you to start at zero, Margaritaville evaluates your proven play elsewhere and matches your established tier from day one.

In short: that weekend trip to Vegas or local gaming floor you visited six months ago could be your ticket to immediate VIP perks at sea.

Related: The One Thing You Should Never Do the Day Before Your Cruise

Why Casino Perks Beat Standard Cruise Loyalty

Ask any seasoned cruiser about loyalty programs, and they’ll tell you that traditional cruise loyalty (where you earn one point per night sailed) is notoriously slow. You often have to spend months at sea just to earn a free bag of laundry or priority boarding.

Casino loyalty plays by completely different rules. Because gaming drives serious revenue for cruise operators, the perks scale much faster—and they cross over into everyday vacation comfort far beyond the blackjack tables.

Under Margaritaville’s revamped Gold and Platinum tiers, high-value perks that usually run up a hefty tab on your final folio are bundled in for free:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi: Gold members get basic Wi-Fi, while Platinum members receive premium streaming-speed Wi-Fi (saving you roughly $15 to $25 per day).
• Complimentary Room Service & Laundry: Platinum players can order breakfast in bed without delivery upcharges and send out laundry for free—a dream for anyone trying to pack light in a carry-on.
• Up to $100 in Onboard Credits: Usable across the ship for spa treatments, shore excursions, or the arcade.
• A Dedicated VIP Host: Personal onboard attention to handle restaurant bookings and requests, skipping the guest services lines entirely.

“Whether someone has been playing with us for years or is considering Margaritaville at Sea for the first time, we want them to feel recognized and rewarded,” says David Gromak, Vice President and Head of Gaming at Margaritaville at Sea. “Our Casino Offer Match program gives established players an easy way to experience Margaritaville at Sea for the first time, while these new benefits give our most loyal players even more value throughout their vacation, both inside and outside the casino.”

The Bottom Line for Travelers

You don’t need to be a high-stakes whale to benefit from the shifting casino loyalty landscape. With cruise lines aggressively competing to pull travelers away from traditional land-based casino resorts, loyalty programs are offering far more value outside the casino pit than ever before.

Before you book your next weekend cruise or toss out your next casino mailer, check what that card in your wallet is actually worth—you might just find yourself gifting your best friends their own private oceanview cabin on the house.

Related: Margaritaville at Sea’s New Beachcomber Is Coming to Galveston With Caribbean Cruises and a Zac Brown Venue

Mason Ramsey was just 11 years old when he stopped Walmart shoppers in their tracks with a cover of Hank Williams‘ “Lovesick Blues.”

Video of the moment — which quite literally went down in the aisle of his local Walmart — spread like wildfire, turning that yodeling little boy from Illinois into a viral moment. The original video has been seen 92 million times.

But he’s no flash-in-the-pan child star. Ramsey has been quietly laying the bricks for a long-term country music career since 2018. In fact, he just released his second full-length album in August.

That project is Outlaw in Love (Aug. 14), which follows two early EPs and 2024’s I’ll See You in My Dreams LP.

The lead single for the new album, “Hey There Trouble,” was released in July. And then there’s track No. 9, “Heart in Oklahoma,” a lost-love song that likens gambling with your heart to gambling all of your money at the blackjack table. This especially heartbreaking acoustic version is premiering exclusively on Parade.

“Filming the performance video for ‘Heart in Oklahoma’ in Oklahoma was honestly pretty special,” Ramsey tells Parade. “There’s just something different about getting to film a song like this surrounded by the people and places that make Oklahoma feel like home.”

“It was a really fun day, and I’m so glad we got to capture it there,” he says. “I think you can really feel how much the song and Oklahoma mean to me.”

It’s been a lot of years since his Walmart days, and he’s not that same kid with a comb-over and a bowtie anymore. He’s shaggier, looser, and more comfortable in his skin as an artist. His voice is a lot deeper, too.

Ramsey is putting in the work to prove himself in his chosen genre, country music, with multiple visits to perform at the renowned Grand Ole Opry under his belt.

Next up for Ramsey: Live concerts in Denver (Sept. 11) and Salt Lake City (Sept. 12) this week.

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Joe Perry is celebrating his birthday today, and at 76, the Aerosmith co-founder has spent the past year proving he’s far from finished.

The band famously stepped back from touring in 2024 after Steven Tyler suffered a vocal cord injury just days into their farewell run. But Perry and company weren’t ready to close the book completely. Last November, Aerosmith released One More Time, a five-song collaborative EP with Yungblud, the group’s first new music since 2012’s Music From Another Dimension! Perry has since told Billboard there’s still “life left” in the band, hinting at the possibility of one more show tied to an upcoming documentary.

Long before any of that, Perry was a Massachusetts teenager sent to a Vermont boarding school to get his grades in order. Instead, he discovered Jimi Hendrix and The Yardbirds, started skipping class to play guitar, and eventually left school behind entirely. He later revealed the distraction wasn’t just a form of teenage rebellion; he had undiagnosed ADHD that made traditional schoolwork a struggle.

Back in Massachusetts, Perry formed a band with bassist Tom Hamilton that would soon add singer Steven Tyler to the lineup. By 1973, Aerosmith’s single “Dream On” had climbed to No. 1 in Boston, launching a career that would eventually land Perry at No. 48 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. Funny enough, Perry plays right-handed despite being naturally left-handed, a quirk of the instructional record he first learned from.

These days, Perry isn’t slowing down even without Aerosmith on the road. Speaking to Billboard from his home in Florida, he’s been touring with a stacked new lineup of the Joe Perry Project, and this summer he hit the road across Europe with Hollywood Vampires, the supergroup he shares with Johnny Depp and Alice Cooper.

Frank Sinatra possessed an uncanny ear for timeless songs, but even he couldn’t have predicted the chaotic origin of his definitive late-career hit.

Martin Scorsese commissioned songwriters John Kander and Fred Ebb to write a new track for the soundtrack to his film New York, New York, starring Robert DeNiro and Liza Minnelli. However, one of the film’s stars wasn’t too keen on their original track.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the songwriters played “New York, New York” for the filmmaker and Minnelli, not knowing that DeNiro was also in the meeting. Kander said the moments that followed set the song on its path to iconic status.

“We saw an arm come up on the couch, and [Scorsese] said, ‘Excuse me,’ and he went over to talk to De Niro. There was a very animated conversation,” Kander began.

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“Scorsese came back and in a very embarrassed way said that, ‘De Niro feels that ‘The World Goes Round’ is a song which is attached to Liza’s character, and it’s very strong. And ‘New York, New York,’ which is attached to his character, is not.'”

The songwriters were told to work on the song. During a cab ride back to Ebb’s apartment, they came up with an idea. Forty-five minutes later, a new version of “New York, New York” was launched.

Kander explained, “We took a cab back to Fred’s apartment, and in 45 minutes, we wrote another song called ‘New York, New York,’ which is the one that you know. It has a lot of anger in it because we were really pissed off — it was like, ‘Some actor is going to tell us how to write a song?'”

However, the songwriter concluded that the revised version was better than their first crack at the song. “The fact is, De Niro was absolutely right,” Kander stated. “It’s a much better song.”

Minnelli originally performed the song for the 1977 film soundtrack and released it as a single, according to Smithsonian Magazine. However, the track found a massive second life when Sinatra, encouraged by his wife, Barbara, added it to his setlist during a legendary 1978 run at Radio City Music Hall.

Minnelli gave Sinatra her blessing to record the song. Smithsonian quoted his daughter, Tina Sinatra, who shared, “[Liza] told him, ‘It’s OK, Uncle Frank.’”

“New York, New York” landed on Sinatra’s 1980 triple LP, the hugely successful Trilogy: Past, Present, Future. Ol’ Blue Eyes version would elevate the song into an undisputed New York anthem.

Ironically, the beloved song never hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It reached a peak position of 32 on the charts after 12 weeks.

“New York, New York” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Record Of The Year, but lost to Christopher Cross’ “Sailing.” Cross later told Songfacts, “Someone joked that I beat Sinatra, so I’d better watch my back.”

Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” has since become the city’s unofficial anthem. It is played at professional sports games for the New York Yankees, Knicks, and Rangers and, since 2001, after the ball drops in Times Square every New Year’s Eve.

Related: 66 Years Ago Today, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra Made TV History

In 1970, Grand Funk Railroad soared to new heights with the release of “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home).” The Michigan-based band featuring guitarist Mark Farner, bassist Mel Schacher and drummer/singer Don Brewer delivered a song that not only became an anthem for the times but also brought them to the U.S. Billboard Top 40 for the first time ever.

More than 55 years later, “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)” remains as powerful as it was when it was first released.

Written by Farner, the 10-minute-long album track features a haunting, bluesy-rock melody that builds to an orchestral finale. Its lyrics, about a ship captain’s desperate journey home, have long been open to interpretation.

In a 2008 interview, Farner revealed that “I’m Your Captain” marked the first time that he wrote lyrics before coming up with any music for a song. He also revealed that those lyrics came to him after a prayer.

“I had gone to bed and prayed,” he told Nightwatchers House of Rock. “Our mother had taught us kids to pray the ‘Now I lay me down to sleep,’ so I finished that part of the prayer, and put a P.S. at the end of it, and I asked the Creator to give me a song which would reach and touch the hearts of people that he wanted to touch. With love, because I just felt the love. I just felt for my good friends, my high school buddies who had died in Vietnam. I saw their parents, and I saw their families, and I think that’s what inspired it.”

Farner told Songfacts that he was in a dreamlike state when he wrote down the words that came to him that night.

“I got up and I wrote it, and as I’m writing it, I’m between the state of subconscious and conscious,” he shared. “I’ve got one foot in dreamland and my pen is writing these words down. It didn’t make a whole lot of sense. It was kind of weird, I thought, as I was writing it. I didn’t sit there on the edge of the bed and read it over and over, I just wrote it down, and when I got to the end of it, I just folded it over and put it on the nightstand. There it was.”

While he didn’t realize it was a song at first, he later strummed his guitar to the words he had written down, and “I’m Your Captain” was born.

“I grabbed those words in the morning, because I was playing my guitar in the kitchen of the farm,” he told Nightwatchers House Rock. “As I was strumming the intro chords to ‘I’m Your Captain’ I went, ‘Hey man, maybe this is a song.’ So I went and got the words and started constructing the song out of it. I took it to rehearsal that day, and the guys said, ‘Man, this song’s a hit.’ And, lo and behold they were right.”

In addition to becoming a Billboard No. 22 hit, “I’m Your Captain” became an anthem for Vietnam veterans who longed to be home.

More than 50 years after its release, the song’s powerful message of hope still resonates. “That song is spiritual to me,” Farner told Goldmine magazine in 2024. “I prayed for that song.”

Related: 1965 Rock Classic, Featuring Lyrics Inspired by Reimagined Bible Passage, Ranked Among the ‘Most American Songs of All Time’

Everyone has their go-to fall coffee order—and it’s likely a reflection of their personality in some way. So, for a sense of your best bet, look no further than your birth date, which reflects your cosmic sense of self.

From toasted pecan to cranberry, pumpkin spice to cinnamon and maple, when it comes to sweet treats that channel the spirit of autumn, the sky’s the limit. While you might be a fan of baking pies, decorating cookies, or swinging by your local patisserie, there’s something universally appealing about sipping a coffee that sweeps you up in autumn vibes.

Your Birth Date’s Perfect Autumn Coffee Order Match

Read on to learn your ultimate autumn drink order, based on the day you came into the world. 

Born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, or 28th: Salted Caramel Mocha 

You were born on a date associated with the sun, the luminary that rules self-image, confidence, and purpose in astrology. You’re not shy about showing up fully in the world exactly as you are, which mirrors the vibe of an intense mocha spiked with salted caramel. It’s super-sweet, a little bit dramatic, showstopping, and bold—just like you.

Born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, or 29th: Pumpkin Spice Latte

You were born on a day that’s aligned with the moon, which rules intuition, instincts, and emotions. You’re sentimental, heartfelt, and tend to experience life through all your senses. That’s why the classic pumpkin spice latte is right up your alley. Whether you associate the flavor with sweet memories of your college days or nights cozied up by the fire with your love, the traditional favorite feels like a comforting passport to another time and place—something you can’t help but cherish.

MORE: Starbucks’ Fall 2026 Menu Causes a Stir After Fan-Favorite Drink Is Missing

Born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th: Maple Pecan Pie Latte

Your birth date reduces down to three, a number ruled by Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system that oversees abundance, expansion, and good fortune. You’re a fan of going big or going home, which is why you’re apt to choose a fall coffee drink that doesn’t mess around, serving up a punch of sweetness in every sip. A maple pecan pie latte is festive, fun, and decadent, all traits that mirror your personality.  

Born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, or 31st: Yuzu Ginger Spiced Cider 

Your birth date reduces down to four, which is associated with Uranus, the planet of rebellion, electricity, and sudden change. Conforming to anything tried-and-true, mainstream, or traditional doesn’t sit right with your quirky, unconventional spirit, so your fall coffee order is, well, not even a coffee. You’d prefer a blend of flavors that are a little bit different, like a yuzu ginger spiced cider that shakes things up with unique citrus from the yuzu and heat from the ginger.

Born on the 5th, 14th, or 23rd: Cinnamon Maple Cortado

Because you were born on a day that reduces down to the number five, your numerological planetary ruler is Mercury, the planet of technology, transportation, storytelling, and cerebral energy. You’re a master communicator who’s super-social and eager to absorb and share information at every turn, so you need a fall coffee drink that keeps you flitting from one thing to the next. With spicy cinnamon, sweet maple, caffeine-packed espresso, and steamed milk, a cortado suits your desire for a serious buzz. 

READ: The 3 Birth Months Entering Their Luckiest Era This Autumn

Born on the 6th, 15th, or 24th: Apple Crisp Cold Foam Cold Brew

If you came into the world on one of these dates, you were born with the influence of Venus, the planet of romance, art, and music. You’re drawn to pursuits of pleasure, luxury, and beauty, which is why your fall coffee order has to be as aesthetically appealing. You’d go for a cold brew with a creamy cold foam flavored like the most luscious apple pie that’s equally social media-worthy and sweet. 

OTHER: These 4 Birth Months Radiate a Nurturing Aura

Born on the 7th, 16th, or 25th: Honey Lavender Latte

Because your birth date reduces down to seven, a number aligned with Neptune, the planet of illusion, spirituality, and dreams, you’re artistic, sensitive, and even slightly psychic. Lavender might not be the flavor you necessarily associate with autumn, but paired with rich honey, it feels a little more tailored to harvest time. The combo is classic, calming, a little bit luxurious, and quite dreamy, which fits your imaginative, mystical nature.  

Born on the 8th, 17th, or 26th: French Press Iced Coffee with Homemade Cinnamon Syrup

Because you were born on a date that reduces down to the number eight, you’re industrious, tradition-loving, mature, and pragmatic, thanks to your birthday’s association with Saturn, the planet of commitment, limitations, and hard work. You have so much on your plate that you take your caffeine fix seriously, which is why a French press iced coffee spiked with a homemade cinnamon simple syrup feels aligned with your no-nonsense nature. Forget the creamer, cold foam, or anything else fluffy—you prefer to take your fall coffee order black and slightly sweet.

Born on the 9th, 18th, or 27th: Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso

If your birth date reduces down to nine, you’re a go-getter who’s motivated, youthful, impulsive, competitive, and action-oriented, given that the day you were born is associated with Mars, the planet of action, and energy. You don’t necessarily need more fuel, because you have so much innate get-up-and-go, but a little extra oomph is always welcome, given your action-oriented nature, so a shaken espresso flavored with direct, to-the-point brown sugar—which gives autumn vibes without being so on-the-nose—feels right up your alley.

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Late summer and early fall calls for clothing that moves with you, offers breathable coverage, and looks effortlessly put-together, whether you’re curled up at home or stepping out for errands. The key is finding pieces that are comfy and stylish, and we found the perfect solution at Walmart. Right now, the retailer has its bestselling Mintreus Lounge Set marked down to as low as $18, a solid savings from its original $34 price tag. 

This set is a relaxed short-sleeved combo that you can wear in and out of the house all year-round. It has a top with a crew neckline and side slits, and is paired with comfortable long pants complete with an elastic waistband and handy side pockets.

Mintreus Lounge Set, From $18 (was $34) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Made from soft, lightweight rayon fabric, this set is the perfect balance between pajama comfort and street-ready style. The oversized fit and side slit details look great on all body types, while the high-stretch material ensures you can move freely without feeling restricted. Choose from an impressive 32 colors and prints, with sizes ranging from small to 2XL.

The Walmart find has racked up over 7,600 glowing five-star reviews, so it’s obvious that shoppers adore this set. One customer raved that while it’s great for relaxing at home, the “absolutely amazing” set can also be worn out with some smart styling. “Dress them up with a little bit of jewelry and a cute sandal, and I’m ready to go. I actually just ordered two more pairs in different colors. They’re so buttery soft and cool.”

This shopper isn’t the only one who loved the set so much that they stocked up on multiple pairs: “The fabric is stretchy but not clingy. Very flattering as it does not show bumps or any imperfections. I get so many compliments on it. I have it in four colors.”

The rayon fabric gets particularly praise from customers for its subtle cooling effect, which is great for those who tend to run hot at times. As a bonus, the set is machine washable, so it’ll be easy to maintain throughout countless wears in the years ahead.

For as low as $18, the Mintreus Lounge Set delivers serious value for a piece that can easily transition from bedtime to coffee runs. Grab your favorite color while it’s marked down at Walmart. This can’t-miss deal will only last for a limited time, and the loungewear duo may sell fast at this price!

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.

Every holiday season, Don Powell’s drumming returns to the radio with the opening seconds of “Merry Xmas Everybody.”

Powell turns 80 today, Sept. 10. Born in Bilston, England, in 1946, he spent more than 50 years behind the drums for Slade, one of Britain’s biggest rock bands of the 1970s.

“Merry Xmas Everybody” became Slade’s sixth and biggest U.K. No. 1 in December 1973. The single spent five weeks at the top and has returned to the British charts during numerous holiday seasons.

Powell’s interest in drumming started in the Boy Scouts. He later studied metallurgy and worked at a foundry before deciding to pursue music full time. He joined a local group called the Vendors, where he first played alongside guitarist Dave Hill.

The Vendors became the ‘N Betweens and added bassist Jim Lea and singer Noddy Holder. After a short period as Ambrose Slade, the group dropped “Ambrose” and found its classic name.

Slade’s first U.K. Top 20 single, “Get Down and Get With It,” arrived in 1971. “Coz I Luv You” reached No. 1 later that year, beginning a run that also included “Take Me Bak ‘Ome,” “Mama Weer All Crazee Now,” “Cum On Feel the Noize” and “Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me.”

Powell’s career nearly ended at the height of the band’s success. He was seriously injured in a July 1973 car crash that killed his girlfriend, Angela Morris. The drummer survived but experienced lasting memory loss and lost his senses of taste and smell.

When Powell returned to the road, his bandmates sometimes had to remind him how a song began. Once he heard the opening, however, he could play the rest.

“I’d forgotten all the Slade songs,” he later explained in an interview. “Once they were sort of sung to me again, it was OK.”

Slade recorded “Merry Xmas Everybody” in New York during one of the hottest days of the summer. Holder and Lea wrote the song, which the band released that December.

The holiday hit has accumulated more than 2.38 million chart units, including over 1.3 million in pure sales, according to the Official Charts Company.

Powell remained with Slade until 2020 and published his autobiography, Look Wot I Dun: My Life in Slade, in 2013. In 2025, he discussed his new project, Don & The Dreamers, in an interview.

At 80, Powell is still making music. Come December, that opening drumbeat will be hard to miss.

Related: 1972 Folk Song, Covered by Elvis Presley, Is Still a Powerful Hit 54 Years Later

In the 1970s, Lynyrd Skynyrd helped define Southern rock with songs including “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird” and “Gimme Three Steps.” More than five decades later, those songs are still keeping the legendary band on the charts.

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s All Time Greatest Hits has re-entered Billboard’s Top Rock Albums chart at No. 24, adding another week to a remarkable chart history that now totals more than 1,000 weeks across multiple Billboard rankings.

Released in 2000, All Time Greatest Hits has logged 370 weeks on the Billboard 200, 287 weeks on Top Rock Albums, 382 weeks on Top Rock & Alternative Albums, 10 weeks on Top Album Sales, four weeks on Billboard Canadian Albums and two weeks on Top Streaming Albums.

Combined, that amounts to 1,055 chart weeks for the collection, counting its appearances across the six rankings.

The 14-track collection reaches back to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1973 debut (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd) for “Gimme Three Steps” and “Simple Man,” while “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Swamp Music,” “The Ballad of Curtis Loew” and “Call Me the Breeze” come from 1974’s Second Helping.

The album also includes “Saturday Night Special,” “Gimme Back My Bullets,” “What’s Your Name,” “You Got That Right” and “That Smell,” among others.

Instead of the studio recording of perhaps the band’s most famous song, the collection closes with a sprawling live version of “Free Bird,” recorded at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre in July 1976 and originally released on the live album One More from the Road.

Related: Southern Rock Pioneer, Who Launched Lynyrd Skynyrd & The Allman Brothers, Dies at 83

All Time Greatest Hits has previously climbed as high as No. 38 on the Billboard 200 and No. 8 on Top Rock Albums. The collection was certified platinum by the RIAA in 2005, signifying 1 million units in the United States.

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s longevity comes more than half a century after the Jacksonville, Fla., band released its debut album in 1973.

Rolling Stone ranks the group No. 95 on its list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time,” with the tribute written by Al Kooper, who discovered Lynyrd Skynyrd and produced the band’s first three studio albums.

Kooper recalled being struck not only by the band’s songs but also by its work ethic and meticulous arrangements, writing that Lynyrd Skynyrd eventually “transcended the Southern-rock tag.”

“They became one of the greatest rock & roll bands in history,” Kooper wrote.

The band’s original run ended tragically following the Oct. 20, 1977, plane crash that killed frontman Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and backup singer Cassie Gaines, Steve’s sister. A decade later, Lynyrd Skynyrd reunited with Van Zant’s younger brother Johnny Van Zant taking over as lead vocalist.

The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. Founding guitarist Gary Rossington, the final surviving original member, died in 2023.

Yet Lynyrd Skynyrd’s music has continued finding new generations of listeners, and All Time Greatest Hits returning to the Top Rock Albums chart after more than 1,000 combined weeks across Billboard rankings is one more indication of just how enduring that catalog has become.

Related: Doobie Brothers Rock Hall of Famer, Who Later Formed an ’80s Country Supergroup, Turns 76

One of the most beloved power pairings in travel loyalty is officially coming to an end.

American Airlines and Hyatt announced that they have “mutually decided to not continue” their enhanced loyalty partnership. For years, the cross-brand tie-up has been a goldmine for frequent flyers and hotel loyalists, allowing travelers to fast-track airline elite status from hotel stays, unlock Hyatt free night awards with flight miles, and snag free extra-legroom seat passes.

While the breakup marks the end of an era for savvy points-and-miles collectors, the curtain isn’t closing overnight. Current perks won’t vanish immediately, but there is a crucial deadline approaching that every traveler needs on their radar.

Related: How to Maximize Credit Card Points for Flights

View this post on Instagram The Critical Deadline

If you want to squeeze every last drop of value out of this partnership before it winds down, you must link your AAdvantage and World of Hyatt accounts by 11:59 p.m. CT on November 15.

If your accounts are already linked, you do not need to do anything. But if they aren’t linked by that mid-November cutoff, your window to cross-earn will close on the spot.

Related: How to Pick the Best Airline Loyalty Program

The Sunset Timeline

Once your accounts are linked, both brands are honoring reciprocal rewards through the end of their respective program years:

• For World of Hyatt Members: You can continue earning American Airlines perks (like Main Cabin Extra seating coupons and AAdvantage status milestones) through December 31. Any awards earned before the end of the year can still be selected within Hyatt’s standard 90-day selection window.
• For American Airlines AAdvantage Members: Because American’s elite status qualification year runs through late winter, members can continue earning World of Hyatt awards (including Category 1–4 and Category 1–7 free night awards) through February 28, 2027.

What Actually Survives the Split?

After the enhanced perks, status challenges, and milestone crossover awards officially conclude, one legacy perk will remain: AAdvantage members will still be able to earn a flat 500 American Airlines miles per eligible stay in lieu of earning World of Hyatt points simply by showing their AAdvantage number at hotel check-in.

You will also still be able to convert Hyatt points into American miles, though points experts universally caution against this because the transfer ratio typically offers poor value compared to free hotel nights.

What Travelers Should Do Right Now

• Link your accounts immediately: Head to either American’s or Hyatt’s site and verify that your loyalty numbers are connected so you don’t miss out on rewards you’re already on track to hit this fall.
• Check your progress toward 2026 milestones: If you are a few nights or Loyalty Points away from unlocking a seat coupon, free night award, or tier bump through the partner program, map out your upcoming travel before the deadlines hit.
• Look at Hyatt’s new horizon: The breakup follows Hyatt’s recently launched collaboration with Air Canada Aeroplan, signaling that the hotel giant is already testing new international airline waters for future reciprocal perks.

Related: Why You Need to Book Thanksgiving and Christmas Flights This Week, According to the Points Guy (Exclusive)

When someone we deeply care about is hurting, our immediate, very human instinct is to try and fix it. We see a close friend crying over a sudden job loss, a family member stressed about an unexpected medical diagnosis or a coworker reeling from a devastating breakup, and we frantically scramble for the right words. More often than not, the phrase that tumbles out of our mouths is a reflex: “I’m sorry.”

While usually well-intentioned and polite, “I’m sorry” can sometimes fall entirely flat in moments of severe emotional distress. It can accidentally shut down the conversation, placing a subtle wall between you and the person in pain. Sometimes, it feels more like a “pity” response rather than a sturdy bridge of true connection. When someone is in the thick of anxiety or grief, an apology for a situation you didn’t even cause doesn’t always offer the deep, grounding support they actually crave.

Instead of trying to search for a silver lining or offering a hasty apology, psychologists suggest a radically different approach. The fastest and most effective way to comfort someone isn’t actually about fixing their complex problem or apologizing for their pain. It’s about practicing what mental health experts call “empathic listening”—a specific communication style rooted in deep compassion, genuine presence and intentional focus. Empathic listening allows the person suffering to feel entirely seen and validated, giving them the reassurance that they aren’t carrying their heavy emotional burden all by themselves.

And according to experts, unlocking this level of interpersonal support doesn’t require a psychology degree, a perfect script or a long, poetic speech. In fact, psychologists have pinpointed a remarkably simple, three-word phrase that instantly provides comfort, de-escalates emotional distress and builds lasting trust. This specific phrase cuts directly through the noise of empty platitudes, acting as an emotional lifeline for someone who feels isolated.

If you want to transform the way you support the people you love, swapping out “I’m sorry” for this powerful alternative is the ultimate place to start.

Related: 14 Phrases to Instantly Lift Someone’s Spirits, According to a Therapist

The 3-Word Phrase That Instantly Comforts

When a loved one is pouring their heart out, the most powerful three words you can offer are simply: “I’m with you.”

This short, declarative sentence carries immense emotional weight. Unlike “I’m sorry,” which can sometimes shift the focus to your own feelings of pity or helplessness, “I’m with you” centers the person in pain. It sends a clear, unwavering signal of solidarity and empathy.

“Sometimes the most powerful thing is not advice, but presence,” licensed psychologist Dr. Brittany McGeehan previously told Parade. “This phrase reminds them they’re not alone.”

By saying “I’m with you,” you are telling the other person that you are willing to sit in the dark with them. You aren’t rushing them to heal, and you aren’t minimizing their experience with toxic positivity. For someone terrified that their struggles make them a burden, hearing that a loved one is standing firmly by their side provides an immediate sense of safety and relief.

Related: These 7 ‘Bad’ Habits Actually Signal High Empathy, Psychologist Says

Why Empathic Listening Matters More Than Fixing the Problem

Most of us are natural problem-solvers. When we hear about a conflict, our brains immediately start mapping out solutions. However, empathic listening requires us to turn off that fixer instinct.

“[It’s] the practice of tuning into someone’s experience with the intention to understand rather than fix,” Dr. McGeehan explained. “It’s more than just hearing words—it’s being present with the emotions behind them and responding in a way that makes the speaker feel seen, not analyzed or managed.”

Why is this shift in communication so critical? When someone feels truly heard and understood without the threat of judgment, their nervous system physically relaxes. Your calm, steadfast presence actually gives them the emotional room they need to process their own complex feelings and find their own clarity.

Related: 11 Phrases To Use Instead of Automatically Giving Advice, According to Psychologists

Other Validating Phrases To Keep in Your Back Pocket

While “I’m with you” is an incredible tool for instant connection, there are other three-word variations of empathic listening that can be just as impactful depending on the situation, according to Dr. McGeehan.

If someone is dealing with an objectively terrible situation that has no immediate solution, try saying, “That sounds hard.”

Many people tend to unintentionally gaslight themselves, minimizing their own pain by comparing it to others. By stating that their situation sounds hard, you are validating their reality.

“You’re not comparing or minimizing—you’re recognizing that what they’re going through matters and simply being with them,” Dr. McGeehan said.

Similarly, simply stating “I hear you” can work wonders for someone who feels invisible. It directly acknowledges that they aren’t speaking into a void, serving as a basic but incredibly effective anchor in a difficult conversation.

Ultimately, true comfort doesn’t come from having the perfect answers. It comes from being brave enough to sit with someone in their pain, offering your presence instead of your apologies.

Adapted from Parade’s “9 Empathic Phrases To Adopt To Be a Better Listener, According to a Psychologist” by Shawna Hudson

Up Next:

Related: Stop Telling People To ‘Calm Down’ and Say This Instead, Psychologists Explain

Source:

• Dr. Brittany McGeehan, licensed psychologist

If country music were a monarchy, I think it is fair to say Faith Hill and Tim McGraw would be considered a part of the royal family. The country crooners have left an immeasurable impact on the genre, from their individual careers to their powerful collaborations.

While their musical prowess is undeniable, part of what made the duo so alluring was their “scandalous” relationship. Though that “scandal” has since blossomed into a decades-long marriage with one heck of an origin story that made music history.

Related: Brandi Carlile Duets with Tim McGraw’s Daughter and She Sounds Just like Her Mama

How Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s ‘Scandalous’ Romance Started

By the time 1997 rolled around, and their hit duet “It’s Your Love” came out, the world was pretty used to McGraw and Hill’s marriage. The pair officially got together in 1996, after Hill opened for McGraw on his Spontaneous Combustion Tour, according to People, and were married by the end of that same year. The scandalous part? McGraw was dating another woman at the time, and Hill was engaged to another man. It’s not something either of them feels shame about.

“If someone is going to judge my character because I was engaged to somebody and then I left him for somebody else — ‘Oh, OK, now she’s a slut and a bad person’ — I can’t control that,” Hill once told the outlet. “But I wasn’t about to let Tim slip through my hands.”

The Special Detail in ‘It’s Your Love’ Music Video

The newlyweds recorded their first duet, “It’s Your Love,” just a year later. It ended up topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for six consecutive weeks, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished in 20 years since Waylon Jennings’ 1977 hit “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love).”

What makes the song so special isn’t just the clear chemistry between the singers, nor is it its record-breaking status. What makes it truly special and unbelievably romantic is the little fact that Hill was carrying their daughter, Gracie, during the filming of the duo’s music video.

“We were very early in our relationship, and it was just something that really brought us together in a way that I don’t know what else could have,” McGraw revealed to Yahoo! Entertainment of the song, which he credits as his most life-changing. “And then I remember shooting the video, and we shot it here in L.A., and Faith was pregnant with Gracie. That was just such a special time and a special moment, the beginning of a long relationship. I always look back on that as something that not only changed my musical world, but changed my life.”

Gracie, the eldest of the couple’s three girls, is currently an actress in L.A.

So not only did the country megastars turn their love into a record-breaking song that has stood the test of time, but they also nurtured it into a family that they are both vocally proud of.

“It’s inspiring to me to watch them go out on their own and do the things they do,” McGraw once told PEOPLE in December 2021 about his girls. “We’ve raised three strong, independent, strong-minded young women. And what I’m most grateful for is just how normal our kids are and how grounded they are and how much they respect themselves and other people.”

Related: Country Music Stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Have a Major Family Announcement

The History Behind “It’s Your Love”

“It’s Your Love” was penned by Stephony Smith, a prolific Nashville songwriter who has written hits for many major country artists, including The Chicks, Shania Twain, Barbra Streisand, Kenny Chesney, Montgomery Gentry, Terri Clark, Martina McBride, and Reba McEntire.

“It’s one of those songs, and every writer says it, that just happens and it happens quickly in 30 minutes, and it just passes through, and that’s what happened,” Smith once explained about the process for writing the Grammy-winning hit. “When I write by myself a lot, I’ll do it at night, when the ‘editors’ kind of shut off after 11 p.m., and I watch TV. I had David Letterman on. I had him on mute, and I was noodling on the guitar, and there is something about looking at something else that gets your wheels turning really fast.”

“I was newly in love, and so it’s about that first 3 months, that we all know is a big lie and a fantasy and goes away, before the truth settles in,” she quipped. “But that’s what it’s about, that initial ‘thing.'”

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Sixty years ago today, “You Can’t Hurry Love” went to No. 1 in America. The Supremes held it for two weeks.

Seventeen years later a drummer from Genesis did the same thing in Britain, with the same song, for the same two weeks.

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Two Weeks Each, in Two Different Countries

Billboard has the Supremes’ version entering the Hot 100 on Aug. 13, 1966 and reaching the top on Sept. 10, where it stayed two weeks. Thirteen weeks on the chart in all. Phil Collins put his out at the end of 1982. It went to No. 1 in Britain on Jan. 15, 1983 and held two weeks, matching the original exactly.

Not in America, though. Collins stalled at No. 10 here, on a song that had already been to the top with somebody else singing it. That was still better than he managed with his own material. “In the Air Tonight,” out a year and a half earlier, never got past No. 19 on the same chart.

Related: 1966 No. 1 Hit, Reimagined by Vanilla Fudge, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’

They Were Already Good at This

Billboard’s page lays the run out. “Where Did Our Love Go” hit No. 1 in 1964 and held two weeks. “Baby Love” followed that October and held four. “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” reached the top on Nov. 19, 1966, ten weeks after this one got there. Of those four, only “Baby Love” managed more than two weeks.

The song was built on a gospel record, and Diana Ross sang the lead.

Next: 1973 Song by the Prince of Motown Was a No. 1 Hit on 2 Charts, 53 Years Ago Today

Puerto Rican musician José Feliciano has a lot to celebrate as the voice behind one of the world’s most enduring holiday hits. On Sept. 10, 2026, he turns 81.

Born José Montserrate Feliciano García in Lares, Puerto Rico, the beloved singer penned “Feliz Navidad,” with the title translating to “Merry Christmas” in English, when his producer, Rick Jarrard, approached him with the idea for a holiday song.

“Rick said, ‘José, I think it’s time for a new Christmas song.’ Because the last huge one was ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,’ by Brenda Lee,” he recalled during an interview with The New Yorker.

Noting that he didn’t want to put out a “schmaltzy Christmas album,” Feliciano and his team decided to do things a little differently. The song contains only six words in Spanish and 13 in English — perhaps one of the reasons why it is such a catchy hit.

“That’s why it’s the simplest song ever written,” he explained. “Nineteen words to it. I wanted a song that belonged to the masses.”

Holding up as one of the “100 greatest Christmas songs ever,” Feliciano regards its simplicity as a factor of its popularity.

“I don’t know how ‘Feliz Navidad’ became such a favorite,” he once told Grammy.com. “But I would like to say that I think what made ‘Feliz Navidad’ such a favorite is the simplicity of the song. The song, in total lyric-wise, because it’s bilingual, has 19 words.​”

The song, which was written in around ten minutes, was penned in Los Angeles while Feliciano was feeling homesick.

“‘Feliz Navidad’ was an entity unto itself. It was expressing the joy that I felt on Christmas and the fact that I felt very lonely,” he told  NPR in a 2020 interview. “I missed my family, I missed Christmas carols with them. I missed the whole Christmas scene.”

First released in 1970, it took the song some decades to gain any real traction. Per Feliciano’s website, “Feliz Navidad” first hit the Billboard charts in 1998 and then again in 2017, eventually peaking at  No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 2021.

Related: ’60s Pop Icon, Whose Career-Defining Hit Was Covered by Debbie Harry, Turns 81

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If you’ve been searching for stylish shoes that are comfortable enough to wear while traveling, running errands, or walking around town, JCPenney’s top-rated Clarks Cora Charm Slip-Ons are an excellent option. The all-black shoes have the comfort of a sneaker but the dressier look of a loafer, and they’re now on sale for 40% off.  

Originally priced at $100, the popular slip-ins are currently available for just $60. They feature a smooth leather upper and elegant ruched detailing that effortlessly elevates any outfit, from a casual jeans-and-tee combination to an office-ready pantsuit. Sizes range from 6 to 11, including half sizes and wide options.  

Clarks Cora Charm Slip-On Shoes, $60 (were $100) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

Shop at JCPenney

Designed for ultimate comfort, these shoes have a cushioned foam footbed that molds to your feet. The lightweight EVA midsole also helps absorb the impact of every step, whether you’re donning them for work, travel, or coffee runs. The textile lining enhances breathability, while the durable rubber outsole enhances grip on a variety of surfaces, including uneven sidewalks. 

Featuring a closed round toe, the shoes have an easy slip-on design that’s a breeze to take on and off, making them ideal for anyone who prefers throw-on-and-go styles. The 1.75-inch heel adds a slight lift that feels dressier than your average flats or flip-flops, while still remaining comfortable and stable enough for everyday wear. 

Shoppers praised the shoes for their soft, cushioned design. “I suffer from plantar fasciitis and found these to be comfortable, and a nice-looking shoe,” one reviewer wrote, while another buyer with arthritis said they’re “great shoes for travel.” A third shopper noted that the slip-ons are “sturdy, comfortable, attractive, and have very good support.”

Related: Clarks’ Foam Sandals ‘Look Good With Any Outfit,’ and They’re Perfect for Summer-to-Fall Adventures

With their versatile look, cushiony feel, and easy slip-on design, these Clarks shoes make a worthwhile addition to your wardrobe this summer and fall. Don’t hesitate to grab a pair for 40% off while they’re still on sale at JCPenney. 

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At last, the long wait for all-new episodes of Saturday Night Live is (almost) over.

After a successful 51st season including such highlights as the legendary sketch show’s 1000th episode (hosted by first-timer Alexander Skarsgård) and a closer hosted by Will Ferrell and musical guest Paul McCartney, fans have high hopes for Season 52.

So what can you expect from the gang at Studio 8H this year? Whatever happens, you’ll probably be laughing about it.

Here’s the list of SNL hosts for Season 52 so far.

Related: Who’s in the SNL Five-Timers Club—and Who Could Be Next?

Every Saturday Night Live host of Season 52

Joy Malone / Getty Images

Jalen Brunson — Episode 1 (Sept. 26)

It must be Jalen Brunson‘s year. After helping the Knicks win their first championship in over half a century this June, Brunson will join the esteemed company of such NBA stars as Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan when he makes his debut as Saturday Night Live host on Sept. 26.

Brunson will host alongside musical guests KATSEYE, also appearing on SNL for the first time. Now on tour, the group recently released a new EP called Wild.

Dakota Johnson — Episode 2 (Oct. 3)

On Oct. 3, Dakota Johnson will host SNL for the third time. (She previously hosted in 2015 and 2024.)

Promoting her new thriller Verity, Johnson will be joined by hardcore band Turnstile. Now on their Never Enough Tour Part 2, this will be Turnstile’s first time performing as musical guests on SNL.

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

Shane Gillis — Episode 3 (Oct. 10)

Also marking his third time as host on Oct. 10 will be comedian Shane Gillis, who was fired from SNL in 2019 for racist and homophobic remarks after a short time as a cast member. His Netflix series Tires was recently renewed for a fourth season.

Gillis will be accompanied by Rosalía as musical guest, performing on SNL for the second time.

Brianna Bryson / Getty Images

Inde Navarrette — Episode 4 (Oct. 31)

Another SNL Season 52 host having a seriously big year is Obsession star Inde Navarrette, making her debut on Oct. 31.

Navarrette, who recently nabbed roles in the new X-Men film and The Waffle House Index, will be joined by second-time musical guest Gracie Abrams. Abrams is promoting her latest album, Daughter from Hell.

Related: SNL Just Narrowed Down Who Might Join Its Season 52 Cast

If you’ve ever stared longingly at European river cruise brochures—picturing yourself drifting past Rhine castles or Douro vineyards with a glass of local vintage in hand—your flight points might just help get you there.

JetBlue Vacations is officially venturing into river cruising. Powered by Paisly, JetBlue’s managed travel and booking platform, the vacation arm has added Viking, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, and Emerald Cruises to its growing lineup.

The move comes at a moment when cruise interest is soaring. According to Paisly, cruise reservations through JetBlue Vacations have more than doubled year over year, making it one of the company’s fastest-growing travel segments.

Related: Sneaky Cruise Perks Hiding in Your Travel Credit Cards

The Ultimate Loyalty ‘Double Dip’

For frequent flyers and points collectors, booking through an airline vacation portal often forces an annoying dilemma: do you want airline miles, or do you want status perks with the cruise line?

With this rollout, JetBlue Vacations is leaning heavily into the “double dip”:

• Earn Airline Currency: Travelers booking their voyage earn 1 TrueBlue point per dollar spent on the cruise fare (and up to 6x points if booking package flights on a JetBlue card), which also counts toward racking up Mosaic-qualifying tiles.
• Keep Cruise Perks: Passengers can still attach their existing cruise loyalty numbers (such as Viking’s repeat-cruiser benefits or Scenic Club status) directly with the cruise operator to receive eligible tier credits and past-guest perks.

Related: 12 Best European River Cruises for Unforgettable Family Vacations

Small Ships, Big Destinations

By partnering with Viking and the Scenic Group, JetBlue Vacations is skipping entry-level operators and heading straight for the top tier of inland cruising:

• Viking: Known for its sleek Scandinavian design and culture-forward itineraries, the addition includes Viking’s iconic river Longships along the Danube, Rhine, and Seine, as well as its ocean and expedition voyages.
• Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours: A high-end, all-inclusive luxury product where everything from private butler service and top-shelf pours to guided e-bike shore excursions are bundled upfront.
• Emerald Cruises: A contemporary, design-forward river fleet featuring innovative touches like indoor pools with retractable roofs that transform into cinema spaces by night.

“One of the things that sets Paisly apart is the direct relationships we’ve built with our travel partners,” says Michael Schmeltzer, head of commercial at Paisly. “Viking, Scenic, and Emerald Cruises are outstanding brands, and we’re excited to welcome them to our growing portfolio. We’re building a cruise offering that brings together great brands, flexible technology, and loyalty in a way that creates real value for travelers.”

Related: AmaWaterways Unveils Europe’s Largest New River Cruise Ship

What This Means for Cruise Lovers

Airlines have long used vacation packages to package beach resorts and rental cars, but cruise integration has historically lagged behind—especially in the high-demand river market.

With Paisly also laying the groundwork to power cruise options for United Airlines’ MileagePlus Travel in 2027, the line between airline loyalty and maritime getaways is rapidly blurring. If you’ve been sitting on a stash of airline miles or simply want to maximize your credit card return on a bucket-list sailing through Europe, booking your river cruise just became a whole lot more rewarding.

Related: The 5 Best River Cruises to Take in Your 40s

In the 1970s, Henry Winkler was one of the most famous stars on the planet thanks to his role on Happy Days. The Yale-trained actor played Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli for 11 seasons on the ABC sitcom and became a pop culture phenomenon.

And while he went on to a successful career as a film producer and director, Winkler never lost his love for being in front of the camera. More than 50 years after becoming a household name on Happy Days, Winkler, 80, still auditions for acting roles.

During a Sept. 2026 appearance on In Depth With Graham Besinger, Winkler explained why he still goes through the audition process.

“So, auditioning,” he said. “There are actors who say, you know, they know me. When I sat in that room with the metal chairs up against the wall, the younger actors said, ‘Wait a minute. You’re Henry Winkler. What are you doing here?” I said, ‘Hey, I’m looking for a job. You?’”

The Emmy-winning actor noted that just because he is Henry Winkler doesn’t automatically mean people should hire him.

“Because they need to see that you can do it,” he explained. “They need to. Because they are, I believe that part of being part of this business, especially on the executive side, is fear. They make a wrong choice and it’s off the air and it affects the life of the organization they’re with. They’re not around long, so it’s hard to make a decision. ‘Yes’ is very difficult to come by.”

Winkler added that he still loves his job decades later, comparing it to a puzzle.

“I’m just in heaven when I’m working,” the Hazardous History host said.

RELATED: Henry Winkler Reveals Why He Refuses to Stop Working at 80

In the interview, Winkler also shared one of his biggest career regrets from 48 years ago. When Besinger asked him why he turned down John Travolta’s role as Danny Zuko in the movie Grease, Winkler replied, “Because I’m an idiot.”

“Oh, it was like I was completely convinced that I was right,” he added. “I had just done the Fonz. I did not want to be typecast. This was exactly just continuing. And of course, you cannot stop typecasting by turning down an incredible role in an incredible movie. John made history with that movie.”

Winkler previously explained why he turned down the role in one of the biggest movie musicals of all time.

“In my pathetic mind, I thought to myself, ‘I have now been the Fonz for 10 years,’” Winkler said on Kelly Ripa’s Let’s Talk Off Camera podcast in 2024. “‘I’m now gonna play him again in the movies? I’m gonna be so typecast. I will never get work again.’ So what happened? I go home. I relax. I have a V8. John Travolta goes home and buys a plane.”

While Grease wasn’t part of his career path, plenty of other films and television shows were. And more than 50 years after becoming the Fonz, Winkler is still willing to prove that he belongs in the room.

Related: ‘Happy Days’ Icon Henry Winkler Had to Re-Do His Famous Movie Death Scene