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1964 Hit Song, Covered by Bruce Willis, Is Still a Phenomenon 62 Years Later

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 8:38am

The 1960s produced many hit songs that have since been covered by plenty of music legends to come. One of these songs is the Drifters’ 1964 single, “Under the Boardwalk,” which came out in June that year.

Written by Kenny Young and Arthur Resnick, the production of “Under the Boardwalk” had a rough start, as the day before the band was set to record the song, the Drifters’ lead vocalist Rudy Lewis suddenly died. That left the group scrambling to figure out who would sing the main vocals for the song without having to reschedule the recording session.

Instead, the band decided that the other lead vocalist, Johnny Moore, would take over Lewis’ part. Clearly, it worked out for the group, as the single was released within a month and became a huge hit.

The song soared up the music charts in the U.S. and a few other countries after its release. It peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 4, while it topped the U.S. Cash Box R&B chart. It also broke into the Top 10 in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, while it peaked at No. 45 in the U.K.

But what is really impressive is the enduring legacy of “Under the Boardwalk.” The song remains one of the Drifters’ biggest hits, and it has been covered by many major musical artists over the years.

Related: 1964 Rock Song, Co-Written By Sonny Bono, Is Still a Global Hit 62 Years Later

The first to cover the song was the Rolling Stones in 1965, yet it was only released as a single in Australia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe (known as Rhodesia at the time). It’s a wonder why they didn’t widen the release later, as the song became the band’s first No. 1 in Australia. It also topped charts in South Africa while it peaked at No. 2 in Zimbabwe.

Throughout the 1980s, Tom Tom Club, John Mellencamp, Bruce Willis, Lynn Anderson, and Bette Midler all released their own versions of “Under the Boardwalk.” While they all did relatively well, Willis’ version was the only one to break into the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 59. It also peaked at No. 2 in the U.K.

In the years since, many others, including the Beach Boys, have also taken a chance on the song, but even now, the Drifters’ original version is still the biggest and most popular of the bunch.

Related: 1984 Folk-Rock Song, Written by Leonard Cohen, Among ‘Greatest Rock Lyrics of All Time’

Walmart's ‘Super Cute’ Marble Side Table Is Giving Old Money Meets Whimsy, Now 50% Off

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 8:30am

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There’s something to be said about whimsical luxury. Pieces that capture the essence of this trend break from traditional styles, proving that things can look high-end without following the norm. From playful silhouettes to quirky accents, this style is a reminder that it’s okay to have some fun and not take life too seriously.

@astoldbymichelle

I cannot get enough of these fun finds! I think the snail magazine holder might be my fave🐌 Was inspired by @Bonnie Barton to get this cute 🍓 candle warmer! #cozyhome #kitchendecor #myhousebeautiful

♬ original sound – Elise Fox

If you want to incorporate this aesthetic into your home, this Gijjgole Faux-Marble Side Table at Walmart is definitely worth checking out. Blending eccentric and luxe elements, it’ll instantly perk up your space and evoke joy whenever you look at it. While this side table looks like something out of a designer catalog, you can currently score it on sale for a sweet, budget-friendly price. Normally retailing for $60, it’s now marked down to just $30 in a black finish and a white style. This side table is also available in a brown wood version, which is currently on sale for $36.

Gijjgole Faux-Marble Side Table, From $30 (was $60) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Elegant and fun, this side table is giving old money vibes in the most whimsical way. Featuring a marble finish, it has a timeless style that radiates quiet luxury. This piece is accented with bobbin legs, lending itself to a vintage-looking aesthetic. The legs are adorned with carved spheres that not only give them texture and dimension, but also add a playful touch. 

Reviewers absolutely adored the style of this table, describing it as “super cute.” Placed anywhere in your home, including the living room, bedroom, or hallway, it’ll elevate your space and give it some personality. 

Just as practical as it is decorative, this side table boasts two tiers, bringing additional storage into your home and serving a variety of purposes. If your space needs extra organization, this nifty storage solution could house those miscellaneous items that are currently causing clutter. Alternatively, you can also use it as an accent table to display decor pieces.

Gijjgole Faux-Marble Side Table, From $30 (was $60) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Ideal for lounging sessions, this side table offers a convenient place to set down drinks and snacks. Place it by your couch or armchair to keep your refreshments within arm’s reach while reading, watching TV, and hanging out with friends. This side table also makes for a chic nightstand if you don’t already have one.

Measuring 16.5 inches wide, 11.8 inches deep, and 20.9 inches tall, this piece should effortlessly fit anywhere in your home, including those narrow spaces. The corners of the table are rounded, so you shouldn’t injure yourself if you accidentally bump into it. 

The two shelves are made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and the legs are made of solid pinewood. This side table has a water-resistant finish, making it easy to clean and difficult to damage. As a bonus, multiple shoppers noted that it was easy to put together. 

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Related: Walmart’s ‘Rustic and Elegant’ 16-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set Brings Coastal Farmhouse Charm to Your Table

Traditional and mainstream are out, and all things whimsical are in. Grab the Gijjgole Faux-Marble Side Table on sale for $30 at Walmart to lean into this trend while bringing some old-money charm into your home. 

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Tennis Star Naomi Osaka Makes a Statement With Transparent Outfit for US Open

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 8:23am

Naomi Osaka once again delivered a head-turning moment as the tennis star teased her first look at the 2026 US Open.

The 28-year-old player, who is known for her stylish and sometimes eccentric looks, is locked in not just for the Grand Slam tournament but also for a fashionable run on and off the court.

Ahead of her first-round match in the competition, she brought major fashion energy, as seen in Osaka’s Instagram update.

In her latest post, the Japanese tennis star lit up Arthur Ashe Stadium in a bright orange ensemble that complemented her complexion.

Osaka’s outfit featured a strapless, flowy top with floral appliqués and sheer fabric that revealed her tan lines, paired with a matching skirt with cascading sheer orange fabric that flowed effortlessly with every movement.

Naomi Osaka of Japan looks on during a women’s singles match against Ashlyn Krueger at the Mubadala Citi DC Open 2026

Emilee Chinn/Getty Image

Adding to the look, she opted for a white handbag with floral details, high-heeled dark brown peep-toe sandals and silver hoop earrings.

Of course, the four-time Grand Slam singles champion’s pre-game look was not complete without a tennis racquet in hand.

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The comment section was filled with fans swooning over her look.

“If Carrie Bradshaw played tennis,” one wrote, saying that the look gave off Sex and the City vibes.

“Already serving,” another added.

“Serving on and off the court!” a commenter remarked.

“The tournament hasn’t even started yet and you’re already serving so hard,” a follower echoed.

Fellow tennis star Taylor Townsend also hyped Osaka, saying, “So cuteeee.”

Osaka is expected to showcase her hard-hitting game at the 2026 US Open singles main draw, which will kick off on Aug. 30.

The 2018 and 2020 US Open champion is recognized for bringing avant-garde fashion to the tennis court and sees fashion as a form of self-expression.

During her Wimbledon press conference, Osaka expressed her gratitude to fans who show “care” and enthusiasm for her fashion choices.

“I feel like I’m a lot more equipped to talk about my clothes than to talk about my tennis. It’s strange because I’ve been playing tennis for 20 something years but some days i dont feel like an expert on it but if we were to talk about my outfit I feel like i could keep going on and on and on but i find it really fun that people care and people are doing like these deep dives into the fabric and the making of stories, so I dont mind.

The stylish appearance suggests tat fans can expect more fashionable looks from Osaka throughout the 2026 US Open.

Related: Tennis Star Naomi Osaka’s Outfit at the US Open Had an Adorable Twist

Celebrity Cruises Adds an Iconic Ship to Its Biggest-Ever Alaska Season

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 8:10am

Planning a bucket-list cruise through the Last Frontier is about to look very different for travelers who love upscale amenities and expansive ocean views.

As part of its newly unveiled global schedule for 2028 and 2029, Celebrity Cruises announced that Celebrity Equinox will officially make its Alaska debut in 2028. The move anchors Celebrity’s most extensive Alaska season to date, placing three distinct vessels in the region to meet surging demand for glacier viewing and immersive wilderness adventures.

Joining Celebrity Edge—which returns for its fifth consecutive summer in the region—and Celebrity Millennium, which heads back to North America after sailing in Asia, Celebrity Equinox gives cruisers an elevated new way to explore the rugged coastlines of Alaska and Canada.

“We’re delighted to give our guests more ways than ever to experience the world’s most extraordinary destinations in 2028 and 2029,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises.“From the breathtaking fjords of Norway to the untouched beauty of Antarctica, these itineraries offer endless opportunities to explore, pairing immersive destinations with the elevated hospitality and unforgettable moments that define The Celebrity Way.”

Related: Celebrity Unveils the Newly Reimagined Solstice in Alaska and It’s a Super-Chic Way to See the Last Frontier

View this post on Instagram Open-Jaw Glacier Routes and Guided Land Tours

For its inaugural season in the north, Celebrity Equinox will operate seven-night open-jaw sailings between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska. By sailing one-way routes rather than standard round-trips, the ship allows travelers to venture deeper into the state’s interior, offering up-close views of towering tidewater glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and historic coastal fishing towns.

To take the adventure even further, travelers on Celebrity Equinox will have the option to extend their voyage with land-based Cruisetours led by guides with deep local roots. These multi-day land packages feature stays at authentic wilderness lodges and scenic travel along remote rail and road routes, with dedicated stops in Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park.

Related: Best Refurbished Cruise Ships to Experience Luxury for Less

Round-Trip Options and a Warm-Weather Twist

Travelers looking for alternative ways to explore the Pacific Northwest and beyond will have plenty of options across the fleet. Celebrity Millennium will offer convenient round-trip sailings from Vancouver, while Celebrity Edge continues to showcase its innovative, outward-facing architectural design along the Inside Passage.

For vacationers who prefer tropical breezes over glaciers, Celebrity Equinox is also scheduled to operate new round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles before heading south for an extended South America and Antarctica season.

Bookings for Celebrity’s 2028 Alaska, Hawaii, and South America voyages officially open to the public on September 1, 2026, making late summer the ideal time to lock in prime balcony staterooms and suite categories ahead of the rush.

Related: Celebrity Cruises Just Announced Its 2028–2029 Lineup—Complete With a Brand-New Ireland Stop and Gorgeous New Poolside Restaurants

’70s Hard Rock Legends Announce ‘No Speed Limit Tour,’ Their First in 2 Years

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 8:05am

Bachman-Turner Overdrive is kicking 2027 into overdrive.

The legendary 1970s hard rock band has just announced their No Speed Limit Tour, a 10-week, 24-date U.S. run kicking off Jan. 7 in Orlando and wrapping up March 20 in Carlton, Minnesota. Pit stops along the way include San Antonio, Nashville, Tucson, and Des Moines.

“I was a rock ’n’ roll child at 14 after quitting classical violin and seeing Elvis on TV,” Randy Bachman said in a press release announcing the tour, via Ultimate Classic Rock. “I feel fortunate and amazed to tour the first half of 2026 with Burton Cummings as The Guess Who—it’s exciting to see all the zillions of fans everywhere grooving once again to those hits.”

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He added, “And now, I also get to tour across the U.S. with BTO as we announce our No Speed Limit Tour for next year! I’m thankful to all the rockers who keep on rockin’ and inspire me!”

The No Speed Limit Tour marks the band’s first U.S. tour in two years. Pre-sales start today, Aug. 26, at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster, with a general on-sale starting Friday, Aug. 28, at the same time.

A powerhouse Canadian rock outfit, Bachman-Turner Overdrive helped define the heavy, blue-collar boogie-rock sound of the 1970s. But their path to BTO came after a few twists and turns.

Following his departure from The Guess Who in 1970, guitarist and songwriter Randy Bachman formed Brave Belt with his younger brother, Robbie, in 1971. Fred Turner joined as bassist, and the group evolved into Bachman-Turner in 1973, with another Bachman brother, Tim, also joining the lineup.

Performing as Bachman-Turner, they tacked on the “Overdrive” after seeing a trucking magazine with the same name on the counter at a truck stop in Windsor, Ontario. The name perfectly suited the heavy, industrial image they were after.

By the mid-1970s, they dominated radio and arena circuits, earning five Top 40 albums in the U.S., along with multiple gold and platinum certifications.

Adding “Takin’ Care of Business,” “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” “Let It Ride,” and “Roll On Down the Highway” to the canon of classic rock’s greatest hits, BTO was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2014.

Though the band underwent several changes through hiatuses and reunions over the decades, they always found their way back to the stage. Today, they’ve sold more than 30 million records worldwide, and their fans, affectionately known as “gearheads” after the band’s gear-shaped logo, have followed them throughout.

In 2023, Randy Bachman revived BTO as a family affair with son Tal Bachman on guitar and daughter-in-law KoKo Bachman on drums, along with Lance Lapointe on bass and Brent Knudsen on guitar. It’s this group who will be rocking through No Speed Limit. 

Related: 1990 Hit, Once Passed On by George Strait, Ranked No. 1 Greatest Country Song of All Time

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‘Dawson’s Creek’ Star Busy Philipps Opens Up About 2 Surgeries to Remove a Malignant Brain Tumor

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 8:04am

Busy Philipps is opening up about undergoing two surgeries after discovering she had a malignant brain tumor.

Philipps, 47, appeared on Freaks and Geeks before hitting Dawson’s Creek as the college roommate of Joey Potter, the character made famous by Katie Holmes. She later showed off her comedy chops on Cougar Town and Girls5eva. But despite her comedy skills, Philipps has faced some serious issues of her own. In a new interview with PEOPLE, she reveals that she discovered she had a malignant brain tumor in February after getting a full-body MRI scan. Treatment meant undergoing two complicated surgeries to remove it.

“I’m grateful that I’m alive,” said the actress, who called the experience “the weirdest six months of my life.” 

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Discovering The Tumor

Philipps discovered that she had a grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a rare, slow-growing tumor, when she underwent a Prenuvo scan, which she had heard about on Instagram.

“I didn’t know why I wanted to get this scan except for the fact that I just did,” Philipps shared, noting that she didn’t have any obvious symptoms, like seizures. She scheduled the scan for Feb. 12. Her beloved Dawson’s Creek costar James Van Der Beek died of colon cancer the day before. 

The scan showed a lesion on her brain. Based on the shape, doctors were able to rule out glioblastoma, which has no cure. But she was advised to get a follow-up MRI as soon as possible.

“‘This is a real tumor, and it’s inside your brain. And Busy, it’s got to come out,’ ” Philipps recalls her physician saying on the phone. “I was hyperventilating and trying to breathe.” 

The news came just weeks before the actress was set to start filming her new CBS show, Cupertino. She had to tell her daughters, Birdie, 18, and Cricket, 13.

Facing Setbacks

After the surgery, Philipps contracted staphylococcus in her incision and needed debridement surgery to clear it. They also had to remove one of the tiny titanium tacks put in her skull during the initial surgery to hold the bone in place, the piece continued.

Now healthy, and thanks to the support of her ex-husband, Marc Silverstein, and her best friend Michelle Williams, Philipps is feeling great.

“We are frequently told by doctors that there is nothing to worry about [when] you kind of know that there’s something to worry about,” she said. “There’s nothing to be afraid of in having information. It’s only empowering.” 

Related: James Van Der Beek’s Widow Shares Heartfelt Post On First Wedding Anniversary Since His Tragic Death

Beloved ‘SNL’ Star Reveals the Show’s Brutal Ritual That Once Sent Him Into a ‘Depression’

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 7:53am

Working on Saturday Night Live can be a dream come true for comedians, but getting a sketch onto the air is another story entirely.

Even some of the show’s most celebrated performers have experienced the particular heartbreak of watching material they worked on all week get cut. During a 2025 conversation with Variety, Mike Myers opened up about just how emotionally difficult that process could be, and revealed the surprising lesson that eventually changed his outlook.

The conversation also featured Colin Jost, Marcello Hernández and Sarah Sherman, who discussed the highs and lows of making SNL as part of the show’s 50th-anniversary celebrations.

Mike Myers Used to Go Into a ‘Depression’ When His Sketches Were Cut

For Myers, 63, the emotional roller coaster began at the show’s dress rehearsal.

Every week, SNL puts its sketches through a dress rehearsal before the live broadcast. The cast and writers may have dozens of pieces of material, but only a fraction ultimately make it into the finished episode.

Myers admitted that he found the process particularly difficult.

“I used to go into a depression when my sketch got cut,” he said during the Variety roundtable.

It wasn’t simply about losing a few minutes of television. For the writers and performers, a sketch can represent days of work, rewrites and rehearsals. And by the time it reaches dress rehearsal, everyone has become invested in seeing whether it works.

Current cast members Sherman, 33, and Hernández, 29, acknowledged that the process can still be emotional. Hernández compared the experience to sports, explaining that SNL‘s competitive nature can leave performers upset when something they’ve worked on doesn’t make the cut.

But Myers eventually learned not to take the cuts quite so personally.

Conan O’Brien Changed Mike Myers’ Perspective

The person who helped Myers develop a healthier attitude toward rejected material was another SNL alum: Conan O’Brien.

Myers recalled a week when O’Brien, 63, had worked with a particularly difficult host who had put him through a frustrating creative process. When O’Brien discovered that one of his sketches had been cut, however, his reaction surprised Myers.

Instead of being devastated, O’Brien essentially treated the rejection as proof that everything was going according to plan.

That moment made Myers realize that a sketch being cut didn’t have to mean the entire week had been a failure.

“He taught me how to say, ‘OK. It’s not the end of the world,'” Myers explained.

It was a lesson that stuck with him.

Myers, who was a cast member from 1989 to 1995 and later returned for SNL‘s 50th-anniversary festivities, also said he now appreciates the editing process differently. He even joked about enjoying cutting material when he returned to the show to portray Elon Musk.

“If you’ve got eight jokes, three of them are OK and the five of them are strong, let’s just go with the five!” he said.

For a show where performers have just minutes to make millions of viewers laugh, sometimes knowing what to leave out can be just as important as knowing what to keep.

RELATED: Moe Tucker, The Velvet Underground Drummer, Turns 82

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Arrive Back In The UK

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 7:53am

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are back in the United Kingdom.

Multiple British media outlets report that the couple, along with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, were flown privately into Britain from California.

The Telegraph further reported that they landed around lunchtime on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Birmingham Airport. Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are set to begin school next week.

Their return comes six years after they made the decision to leave the UK for North America in 2020. The move earned the name “Megxit.” Since then, they have also had a public fallout with other members of the Royal Family.

 “I can’t see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point,” he told the BBC in May 2025.

However, Harry has gone back to the United Kingdom for the funeral of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2022, as well as the coronation of his father, King Charles III, in 2023.

Over the summer, Harry and Meghan, along with their children, visited King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove, their private country residence in Gloucestershire, England, marking the first time Charles had seen his grandchildren in four years.

Following news of their decision to move back, Page Six reported that the decision was largely based on Markle and Harry wanting to be closer to Charles. An insider then told the outlet that Charles “looks forward” to spending more time with his son and his grandchildren, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5. He was also told about their decision to move back a few days before it was made public.

“I know that Charles is the reason they are moving back,” a royal source told the outlet.

As for how long Markle and Harry intend to stay in the UK, it is being labeled as an “extended period of time,” according to ABC News.

'I Dream of Jeannie' Star Posts Heartbreaking Tributes on Social Media Days After Turning 95

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 7:50am

Barbara Eden has had an emotional month.

The I Dream of Jeannie star, who celebrated her 95th birthday on Aug. 23, has lost two important people in her life in a short amount of time.

Barbara Eden Is Mourning the Loss of Shelley Fabares View this post on Instagram

On Aug. 24, the actress took to Instagram to react to the death of Shelley Fabares.

“Oh goodness, what can I say about Shelley Fabares,” her post began. “Dear sweet Shelley. I learned just now of her passing on Saturday. While I’m saddened by the news, I am filled with happy memories of filming ‘Ride the Wild Surf’ with her, Susan Hart and all the boys!”

Indeed, the two women co-starred in the 1964 Columbia Pictures surf drama Ride the Wild Surf in which Fabares played Brie Matthews and Eden played Augie Poole. The two women became friends on set, sharing a small home together in Oahu, Hawaii, while filming.

Fabares died on Aug. 22 following a “brief illness,” according to People. She was 82.

Barbara Eden Penned a Beautiful Tribute to Dolly Parton View this post on Instagram

It seems the whole world is in mourning following the sudden loss of country music icon, Dolly Parton. And Eden was also deeply affected by the loss.

“Dolly, words cannot define the enormity of your talent, the breadth of your kindness, the depth of your compassion and the expanse in which your legend will carry on in perpetuity,” the actress captioned an Instagram post on Aug. 25. “It was an honor and privilege to have met you at the Country Music Awards. I knew then as so many others have said; you were not only someone whose smile and presence were larger than life, your heart was even larger.”

Parton died of cancer, though she kept her diagnosis private.

Related: Dolly Parton Has Died—And There’s an Eerie Connection to What’s Coming Next

Barbara Eden Also Posted About the Tragic Death of Hayden Panettiere View this post on Instagram

On Aug. 17, just days before celebrating her birthday, Eden posted a tribute to Heroes star Hayden Panettiere. Although the two weren’t close, Eden wanted to share her condolences.

“I’m saddened and shocked by the news of Hayden Panetierre’s passing,” she captioned a photo of her and Panettiere. “Our paths crossed on the convention circuits over the years. She was so sweet, such a lovely girl. Losing someone at such a young age (regardless of the cause) often seems to hurt more and is truly devastating, especially to her family. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.”

READ NEXT: Hayden Panettiere Appeared ‘Beaten Up’ as Firefighters Transported Her on a Gurney 2 Years Before She Died, Neighbor Says

Shoppers Have 'Hiked, Swam, and Ran' in Teva's 'Stylish' and 'Comfortable' Sandals — Now 44% Off at Amazon

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 7:45am

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Looking to expand your fall shoe collection with fresh, comfy, and fashionable options? We are too, which is why we’re shopping at retailers like Amazon. The website has tons of high-quality brands being sold at a discount, spanning from these super cute Clarks slip-ons to these classic Mary Janes flats. We’re now curating the perfect seasonal footwear trio with the Teva Flatform Universal Sandals, since they’re up to 44% off.

The sandals originally cost $80, but have been reduced to as low as $45 in the retro stripes colorway. The shoes are being sold in 10 other hues and patterns, spanning from a classic black for everyday to floral patterns for a fun pop of color. Keep in mind, sale prices vary by color, spanning from the retro striped hue at $45, to the tigerlily color at $67. Several shoppers purchased multiple colors for different occasions, with some recommending sizing up if you’re in between two sizes (the sizes range from 5 and 12). 

Teva Flatform Universal Sandals, From $45 (were $80) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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The “stylish” platform sandals are made of EVA foam, which is known to be “incredibly lightweight” and flexible, making them the perfect versatile shoe. The outer material is made from nylon that’s described to be quick-drying and supportive due to the back ankle strap and arched midsole. The straps have a traditional hook and loop closure that you can adjust to your comfort and stay secure throughout the day.  

Teva Flatform Universal Sandals, From $50 (were $75) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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These Teva sandals additionally have a rubber outsole that’s specifically designed to provide traction, so reviewers have “hiked, swam, and ran” in them. One shopper even noted that the platform heel makes them the “perfect” go-to for walking in sand. “They wash off and dry quickly when dusted in sand, and river rocks won’t get trapped under foot,” another customer agreed. 

Due to the fact that you “can walk around all day in these shoes pain-free,” you can pair them with nearly any outfit. Some customers wore them with exercise sets, while others sported them with dresses and skirts for a night out on the town. Since they’re not bulky and “super comfortable,” they’re also an ideal travel shoe.

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The transition from summer to fall is the perfect time to shop for a few new footwear options. Since the material is “soft,” you’ll probably want to wear these Teva sandals everyday, too. Add them to your Amazon cart while they’re up to 44% off! 

Related: Amazon’s $35 Scalloped Ceramic Sunflower Bowl Makes the Prettiest Addition to a Fall Tablescape

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Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt Delivered One of the Most Flawless Harmonies Ever Covering a Neil Young Classic

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 7:36am

As the world celebrates the life and legacy of country great Dolly Parton, one of her most stunning collaborations is a reminder of the singer’s vocal gift and enduring partnerships. A 1999 performance on The Late Show with David Letterman, in which Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt performed a stunning cover of Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush,” is being called one of the greatest harmonies of all time. Rewatching the performance, it’s clear the statement is anything but hyperbole.

Dolly Parton was one of country music’s most iconic solo artists, but her collaborations, from 9 to 5 alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin to her 1987 and 1999 Trio releases with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris, produced some of Parton’s most significant career moments. Some of her most memorable work came in partnership with other music and screen legends.

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With news of Dolly Parton’s death on August 25, this 1999 performance feels especially poignant. Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris came together on The Late Show with David Letterman to perform Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush,” creating one of those rare television moments that feels even more meaningful with time. Parton’s unmistakable soprano, Ronstadt’s rich, soaring vocals and Harris’ crystalline harmonies blend with almost effortless precision.

Three Legendary Voices Become One

It’s not just the synthesis of their voices that makes this such a staggering performance. It’s the way neither jockeys to overshadow the other. In this performance, the real star is the vocal harmony, and each performer is happy to surrender the spotlight.

Together, they demonstrated something that is easy to lose sight of when talking about legendary performers: greatness isn’t always defined by being the biggest voice in the room.

Related: Lily Tomlin Reacts to the Death of Her Beloved ‘9 to 5’ Costar Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris Made the Song Their Own

Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush” moves between images of the past, present and an uncertain future. Sung by Parton, Ronstadt and Harris, the song becomes more intimate, even haunting.

The effortless blend of their voices gives the song a warmth that creates a beautiful contrast to its darker themes. There are no vocal gymnastics, nor does any of it feel forced. The power of this cover comes from three music legends knowing exactly how to blend—and being willing to do just that.

It’s a masterclass in musical chemistry.

Dolly Parton’s Collaborations Were Part of Her Legacy View this post on Instagram

The news of Dolly Parton’s death makes performances like this even more special. Parton’s career was marked by enormous moments, from hit songs and movie roles to countless awards. But some of the singer’s most revealing moments were quieter ones, when she simply stood alongside other musical greats and added what she could to make the music better.

Her collaboration with Ronstadt and Harris was an important part of that legacy.

Dolly Parton may be gone, but moments like this keep her spirit and stunning voice alive. She didn’t just leave behind a catalog of music. She left behind moments in time that can be rewatched over and over again and still stop us in our tracks.

Related: Figure Skating Legend Tai Babilonia Mourns the Death of a Skating Great

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Lacey Chabert Must Choose Between Her Past and Future in the ‘Paris Is Always a Good Idea’ Finale (Exclusive)

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 7:19am

It’s almost time to say, “Bon voyage!” to Paris is Always a Good Idea. The limited series starring Lacey Chabert and Scott Michael Foster is nearing the end with the finale to air this week. Will Chelsea (Chabert) end up with Knightly (Foster) or will she remain single? Who will get married and who will get engaged? And will anyone find love anew?

Read on for more about this week’s finale of Paris Is Always a Good Idea, including an exclusive sneak peek.

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What is Paris is Always a Good Idea about?

Career-driven nonprofit executive Chelsea Martin (Lacey Chabert) travels to Paris with her confident rival-turned-ally, Jason Knightly (Scott Michael Foster) to secure a major donation. But a heartfelt message from her late mother — and a loving push from her sister Annabelle (Rebecca Hanssen) — sends her on an unexpected journey to reconnect with the three great loves she once left behind. From the rolling hills of Ireland to the magic of Paris and the sun-kissed vineyards of Spain, Chelsea retraces old footsteps and discovers that sometimes, moving forward means first looking back.

What happened in last week’s episode of Paris is Always a Good Idea? Alejandro Albarracín, Lacey Chabert Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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In “Marcos, Revisited,” last week’s penultimate episode of Paris is Always a Good Idea, Chelsea is encouraged by Knightly to seek out answers to the last few lingering questions about her past loves, Chelsea heads to Spain, and to Marcos’s (Alejandro Albarracín) vineyard.

Paris is Always a Good Idea spoilers Scott Michael Foster Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

Hallmark Media

In “Knightly, Revisited,” this week’s finale of Paris is Always a Good Idea, change is in the air as Chelsea looks back on all of her loves and losses, now finally ready to face the future and anything it may hold for her.

Related: Hallmark Is Giving Lacey Chabert a Major First—and Fans Will Love It

How to watch Paris is Always a Good Idea

Paris is Always a Good Idea streams exclusively on Hallmark+. The “Marcos, Revisited” episode of Paris is Always a Good Idea premieres on Thursday, Aug. 27.

Related: Nathan Has a Secret Plan—Is a Proposal Finally Coming on ‘When Calls the Heart’? (Exclusive)

Watch an exclusive sneak peek of this week’s episode of Paris is Always a Good Idea

Check out this Parade exclusive sneak peek of the “Marcos, Revisited” episode of Paris is Always a Good Idea below:

PARADE Exclusive – Paris is Always a Good Thing – Finale – Sneak Peek (1:32) Check out images from this week’s finale episode of Paris is Always a Good Idea

Take a look at some select images from this week’s finale of Paris is Always a Good Idea in the gallery below.

Paris is Always a Good Idea - Season FinaleHallmark Media

Rebecca Hanssen, Barbara Niven, Lacey Chabert, Henry Czerny Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Alejandro Albarracín Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Scott Michael Foster, Lacey Chabert Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Barbara Niven, Henry Czerny Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Lacey Chabert, Barbara Niven, Rebecca Hanssen Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Alejandro Albarracín, Rebecca Hanssen Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Scott Michael Foster, Lacey Chabert, Rebecca Hanssen Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Scott Michael Foster, Lacey ChabertCredit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Barbara Niven, Henry Czerny Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Barbara Niven, Henry Czerny Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Barbara Niven, Henry Czerny Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Scott Michael Foster Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Scott Michael Foster, Lacey Chabert Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Scott Michael Foster, Lacey Chabert Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Julien Marlon Samani Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Rebecca Hanssen, Lacey Chabert, Barbara Niven, Henry Czerny Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Rebecca Hanssen, Lacey Chabert Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Rebecca Hanssen, Lacey Chabert, Barbara Niven, Henry Czerny Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Henry Czerny, Barbara Niven Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Alejandro Albarracín Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Barbara Niven Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Henry Czerny, Rebecca Hanssen, Lacey Chabert Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Alejandro Albarracín Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Rebecca Hanssen, Lacey Chabert Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Henry Czerny, Barbara Niven Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Lacey Chabert, Rebecca Hanssen Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Unai Mateo

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Dolly Parton’s Lasting Legacy: How the Queen of Country Became a Philanthropist

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 7:14am

Dolly Parton’s legacy will live on through her music, her movies, and the impact made by her unwavering philanthropic efforts. Throughout her lifetime, the queen of country donated millions of dollars to charity, supporting early childhood literacy, disaster victims, critical research efforts, and much more.

In 2025, Parton received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The honorary Academy Award, given at the 16th Governors Awards, celebrated the star’s outstanding work on behalf of charitable and humanitarian causes. 

Dolly Parton at an Imagination Library event. (Photo by Yui Mok – PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)

In a recorded message that was played during the awards show, Parton shared, “I grew up in a house with 12 kids. Now, that alone teaches you how important sharing is. Don’t get me wrong, we didn’t have that much to share. But my mama and daddy showed me by example that the more you give, the more blessings come your way.”

The legendary performer continued,  “And I’ve tried my whole life to live by their example. And I’ve been blessed more than I ever dreamed possible. I don’t take this kind of thing lightly. It makes me want to dream up new ways to help lift people up. And isn’t that what we’re supposed to be here for?”

For decades, Parton “dreamed up” ideas that would impact thousands, if not millions, of people. These include:

The Dollywood Foundation Buddy Program

Created in 1988, the Dollywood Foundation’s Buddy Program started as a way to decrease school dropout rates. Parton initially promised every seventh and eighth grader (in her local county) $500 if they graduated from high school. Her generous personal donation worked, and Parton managed to reduce the rate from 35% to 6%. 

Dollywood Foundation Scholarships

Dolly’s generosity didn’t stop with $500 per child. Through her foundation, she offers five $15,000 annual scholarships to high school seniors in the local county.

The My People Fund

The Dollywood Foundation’s My People Fund was designed to help the people of Sevier County, Tennessee, after their homes were destroyed by wildfires in 2016. Over $12 million was raised to help those affected by the natural disaster. 

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Parton launched this early-literacy-based charity in 1995 to provide free books to children in need. While the program started in Tennessee, it has now spread across the United States and into Canada, Australia, the U.K., and Ireland. As of 2026, the Imagination Library has gifted over 332 million books to children from birth through age five. 

Dolly Parton’s Philanthropy and Medical Research

Along with her foundation, Parton also helped to fund several medical research initiatives. When COVID struck in 2020, she jumped in and donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for research. The Dolly Parton COVID-19 Research Fund was instrumental in the development of a vaccine.

She later donated another $1 million to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center for research into pediatric infectious diseases. Per Good Morning America, Parton said, “I love children. No child should ever have to suffer, and I’m willing to do my part to try and keep as many of them as I can as healthy and safe as possible.”

Dolly Parton’s Favorite Parts of Dollywood and Imagination Library (6:35)

Dolly Parton Died Holding 11 Guinness World Records—Including One That Spanned 46 Years

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 7:13am

As the world mourns the “Queen of Country” after a brief battle with cancer on August 25, 2026, there is one indisputable fact: Dolly Parton stood the test of time even before she passed.

Fans know her mantelpiece is stacked with awards, but there are 11 world records many fans may not realize the country music superstar holds.

World records aside, few artists can claim a career spanning seven decades. Even fewer can say they were still breaking records nearly half a century after setting them in motion.

But this is Dolly Parton we’re talking about. She owned a theme park after all…

Related: Dolly Parton’s Little-Known Vacation Hideaway Is for Sale—and It Still Has Her ‘Wig Room’

While finding photos of her behind a podium accepting various awards is no tall task, the longevity behind those very achievements earned her a place in the Guinness World Records, not once, not twice, not even thrice, but 11 times in total:

• 25 No. 1 country hits: More than any other female artist.

• 35 years of No. 1s: Her country chart-toppers spanned 35 years and 26 days.

• 113 country chart hits: More Hot Country Songs entries than any other woman.

• Seven decades on the charts: Her Hot Country Songs appearances stretched across seven decades.

• Seven decades of Top 20 hits: She landed a Top 20 country hit in seven different decades.

• 49 Top 10 country albums: More than any other female artist.

• Seven consecutive decades of Top 10 albums: She scored Top 10 country albums across seven straight decades.

• Nearly 47 years between No. 1 albums: Her record spans 46 years and 197 days.

• 66 studio albums: More than any other female country singer.

• 55 Grammy nominations: A record for a female country artist.

• An EGOT first: The first country singer nominated for an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.

View this post on Instagram One Record Was Nearly 5 Decades in the Making

Of all 11 records, perhaps none showcases Parton’s staying power quite like this one, requiring her to reach No. 1 nearly five decades apart.

Related: Ella Langley’s Historic Run Continues, but Another Popular Artist Just Won 73% of Billboard Fan Vote

Her New Harvest…First Gathering reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart in 1977. Then, an incredible 46 years and 197 days later, Rockstar reached the top in 2023 —giving Parton the record for the longest span of No. 1 albums on the chart by any female artist.

Nearly 47 years later, Dolly was still finding her way to No. 1. Her name now remains firmly cemented in the record books, but the life behind those records may be the hardest act to follow.

1982 Survivor Song, Once No. 1 for Six Weeks, Became a Motivational Hit

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 7:11am

Survivor’s 1982 hit “Eye of the Tiger” was more than a successful rock song. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for six consecutive weeks, becoming Survivor’s first chart-topper. 

More than four decades later, the song is still closely linked to sports, workouts, training scenes and moments when people need a reason to keep going.

Written by Survivor members Frankie Sullivan and Jim Peterik, “Eye of the Tiger” was created for the 1982 movie Rocky III. The song was released as a single and also became the title track of Survivor’s third studio album.

Photo of Survivor Jimi Jamison and Frankie Sullivan performing on stage.

Photo by Ebet Roberts/Redferns

Its path to becoming one of the biggest songs of 1982 began with a request connected to Sylvester Stallone and the Rocky franchise. Stallone wanted music that could match the action and energy of the film, and Survivor was given the chance to create a new song, per Muskokaradio.

The result was “Eye of the Tiger,” a hard rock anthem built around a strong guitar riff, pounding drums and lyrics about facing challenges and refusing to give up.

“Eye of the Tiger” arrived at a key moment for Survivor. The Chicago rock band had released two albums before its third album changed the group’s career.

Stallone and Survivor became connected through the people around Scotti Bros. Records. Frankie Sullivan gave credit to Tony and Ben Scotti for their role in helping make the Rocky III connection happen.

“The only reason I agreed to do this interview is because I wanted to make sure the Scotti Brothers get their credit,” Sullivan told Billboard. “Without Tony Scotti, none of this ever happens. My life would have been very different. We might’ve gotten dropped. ‘Tiger’ was our third record, so it was do or die.”

The song was shaped to fit the movie’s boxing scenes. Stallone wanted something with “a pulse” and Sullivan and Peterik created a sharp, staccato riff that could match the force and timing of punches.

Survivor recorded a demo of “Eye of the Tiger” on Feb. 1, 1982. According to Sullivan, Stallone liked the demo enough to use it in the film.

“We’d recorded Eye Of The Tiger as a demo on Feb. 1, 1982, and that’s the version used in the film,” Sullivan recalled, according to Louder. “Sly liked it so much he didn’t wait around for us to re-cut it, though the version on our record was done in a professional studio.”

The song appeared in the opening of Rocky III, helping introduce the story of Rocky Balboa and his coming fight with Clubber Lang.

The song’s success also brought Survivor major recognition. “Eye of the Tiger” won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. It was also nominated for Song of the Year and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.

The hit became Survivor’s signature song, even as the band later scored other major songs, including “The Search Is Over,” “High on You” and “Burning Heart,” which was also connected to the Rocky film series.

Sullivan has acknowledged that “Eye of the Tiger” remains the song most closely tied to Survivor, but he has made clear that he does not see that as a problem.

“Trying to compete with the past is for fools. But I’ll never, ever tire of playing Eye Of The Tiger. That song still kicks butt, man.”

More than 40 years after it first hit the charts, “Eye of the Tiger” remains easy to recognize from its opening riff. Its link to Rocky III helped launch it into popular culture, but its message of pushing forward helped turn it into something bigger than a movie theme.

Related: 1972 Hit by Alice Cooper Ranked Among ‘Greatest Classic Rock Songs’ of All Time

Don’t Battle the Crowds in the White Mountains This Fall—Here’s Where a Luxury Travel Advisor Told Me to Go Instead

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 7:10am

Every autumn, the quest for peak fall foliage sends thousands of road-trippers straight into the legendary choke points of northern New England. Between hours of highway gridlock along the Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountains and booked-solid inns across Vermont, chasing the changing leaves can quickly turn into an exercise in crowd management.

If you want the vibrant color and historic charm of an East Coast autumn without the congestion, luxury travel designer Duncan Greenfield-Turk of Global Travel Moments recommends pivoting southwest to New York’s Hudson Valley.

“The Hudson Valley is exactly where I would send someone who wants the colour of a New England autumn without the crush,” Greenfield-Turk explains. “Ninety minutes from Manhattan and yet a different world of river light, historic villages like Rhinebeck and Hudson, and orchards at their most generous.”

Related: The New England Fall Road Trip Travel Experts Swear By

What to See and Do: River Views, Monumental Art, and Harvest Country 1990s OLANA HUDSON NY MOORISH STYLE HOME OF PAINTER FREDERIC CHURCH (Photo by R. Krubner/ClassicStock/Getty Images)

DreamMedia / Contributor via Getty

According to Greenfield-Turk, timing your trip for mid- to late October—specifically around the peak week of October 20—delivers stunning scenery, with much of the region’s magic costing nothing at all.

“The best of it costs nothing: walking the Walkway Over the Hudson at golden hour, more than a mile above the river with the valley turning gold beneath you, a slow back-road foliage drive, and an unhurried dinner built around the valley’s extraordinary produce,” says Greenfield-Turk.

Beyond leisurely foliage drives through historic towns like Cold Spring and Rhinebeck, the valley offers a blend of outdoor culture and quintessential harvest traditions:

  • World-Class Art & Historic Estates: “For something memorable, Storm King Art Center sets monumental sculpture across acres of turning trees, and Olana, the painter Frederic Church’s hilltop house, has one of the great river views in America,” notes Greenfield-Turk.
  • Orchards & Antiquing: “This is orchard and harvest country, so farm stands, cider and apple picking are half the joy, alongside antiquing along Warren Street in Hudson and tasting at the valley’s small wineries and distilleries.”

Related: The Fall Getaway That’s Perfect for Your Personality Type

Where to Stay: Cozy Country Houses and Design-Led Escapes

Troutbeck

Whether you are looking for an indulgent resort stay or an accessible bed-and-breakfast getaway, the Hudson Valley offers accommodations tailored to crisp autumn weekends.

“For quiet luxury, I love Troutbeck in Amenia and Wildflower Farms, an Auberge resort near New Paltz, both made for autumn,” Greenfield-Turk shares. “For something more design-led, The Maker in Hudson is a jewel. And for a simpler, characterful base, a classic country inn keeps the whole trip easy on the budget.”

Ultimately, avoiding the fall travel rush comes down to one simple scheduling strategy: skip the crowded Saturday-Sunday rush.

“The real trick in autumn is not the budget, it is the timing,” says Greenfield-Turk. “Go midweek for pricing, ideally be there just as the leaves turn, and let the river and the light do the work.”

Related: We Asked 3 Travel Advisors for the Best Fall Leaf-Peeping Train Trip—They All Said the Same Thing

1965 Hit Song, Famously Covered by U2, Used To Be Played at Least Once a Day on the Radio

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 7:07am

“Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me” was released by Mel Carter in 1965. The song rose all the way to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and made it to No. 1 on the Easy Listening chart. Years later, in 1995, the song was famously covered by U2 for Batman Forever.

“Phil [Schaff] brought the ‘Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me’ song to me,” Carter told Vintage Vinyl. “When we first did it, I hated the song because I had to be directed to sing on the beat, but little did I know.”

In an interview with Gary James, Carter discussed how this popular song was played at least once a day on the radio at the time. When asked how he knew that for sure, he said, “Because I got the charts from the B.M.I. listings. They list from all the countries around the world. Not only that, I get e-mails from I know places that are possibly playing, like Iraq or Iran, Egypt. From all over the world. It amazes me. That’s how I know that.”

He added, “It’s a quarterly thing that they send you, B.M.I., for a listing of that. And then SoundScan does an accounting for downloading. There are various different agencies that keep account on that. And also looking at the royalty statements.”

Although “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me” was written by Harry Noble, Carter wrote plenty of his own songs throughout the years. He explained his process in his interview. “I just sing the melody,” he said. “I can sing the parts that I want to it, and put it all vocally and then go to a pianist and give them this, and they put the chords, and I can tell them whether they’re right or wrong or exactly what I mean. You can write a song. You don’t have to be a musician to write. I’ve written a Broadway show. I’ve been working on that for a while. Everybody likes the idea, but the process of getting the money to mount it, that’s another story.”

Related: 1966 Hit Soft Rock Song, From the Association, Had Producers Lying To Get It Played on the Radio

Another one of Carter’s popular songs was “When a Boy Falls in Love,” which spent 10 weeks on the pop charts. He also recorded “Band of Gold” and “Take Good Care of Her.” Carter is currently 87.

Jo Dee Messina Said No to Bankruptcy in 1997 -- Instead, Tim McGraw's Protégé Is 56 and Still Touring. She Refused to Quit

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 7:04am

Yesterday, 90s Country icon Jo Dee Messina turned 56. However, the birthday article didn’t run because Country music was hit by tragedy. Dolly Parton — one of the trailblazing female artists, the country legend herself, who first inspired a teenage Messina to pick up a microphone — died. Today feels like the right time to tell Messina’s story anyway. It’s the kind of story Dolly would have loved. A girl from Massachusetts who moved to Nashville at 19 ended up $500,000 in debt and was told to quit. She said no. Eight months later, she had two No. 1 hits, and she’s currently on tour.

In late 1997, Jo Dee Messina was $500,000 in the red. Touring and expenses had wiped her out. She was preparing to release her sophomore album I’m Alright when her management team sat her down and told her to file for bankruptcy. She refused. “That’s like giving up,” she told Nashville Scene. “Let’s wait until after the holidays because Music Row shuts down for the holidays. Let’s wait and see what happens.” She waited. Eight months. That’s how long it took. By August 1998, she’d landed two No. 1 hits: “Bye Bye” and “I’m Alright.” A third No. 1, “Stand Beside Me,” followed. She paid off every cent of debt by summer 2000. The album she almost didn’t release made her.

Jo Dee Marie Messina was born in Framingham, Massachusetts, on August 25, 1970, and raised in Holliston. Growing up in the 1980s, she watched Dolly Parton prove that a woman with a big voice and a bigger personality could cross every boundary country music had. That was the blueprint. She was also inspired by Reba McEntire, Patsy Cline, and the Judds. By 16, she was singing in local clubs backed up by her brother on drums and her sister on guitar. At 19, she packed up and moved to Nashville. She worked various jobs while entering talent contests around Music City. One win led to a regular gig on the radio show Live at Libby’s. That’s where everything changed.

Related: 1971 Dolly Parton ‘Story Song,’ Written in Just Minutes on a Tour Bus, Is Her Favorite of All 3,000 She’s Ever Written: Here’s Why

Producer Byron Gallimore noticed her at Live at Libby’s and helped her put together a demo tape. Gallimore also worked with a young Tim McGraw. He introduced them, and they became friends. Backstage at one of McGraw’s concerts, Messina met an executive from his label, Curb Records. She joked they needed a redhead. Producer James Stroud had just heard her demo. He vouched for her on the spot. She signed with Curb Records, and McGraw and Gallimore co-produced all her albums. Her debut dropped in March 1996 with two top 10 hits in “Heads Carolina Tails California” and “You’re Not in Kansas Anymore.” She played 215 shows that year. Then came the debt that almost ended everything.

56 and Still Building Bridges

Jo Dee Messina made country music history with I’m Alright. She became the first female country artist to score three multi-week No. 1 songs from the same record. Between 1998 and 2005, she notched six No. 1 hits and nine consecutive top 10 hits. Nine. In a row. From the Burn album, she scored No. 1s with “That’s the Way” and the Tim McGraw duet Bring on the Rain (my personal favorite). She battled alcohol addiction and came back with A Delicious Surprise in 2005 and her sixth and final No. 1, “My Give a Damn’s Busted.” Then, she went quiet for a while.

Not anymore. In June 2026, Messina released Bridges — her seventh studio album and her first since 2014. The Bridges Tour, celebrating 30 years of Jo Dee Messina, is currently underway with 23 upcoming dates through March 2027. She’s got shows at the Oregon State Fair on September 4 and the Kansas State Fair on September 13.

Yesterday, country music lost Dolly Parton. One of the women who inspired a teenage girl from Massachusetts to move to Nashville and chase something that nearly broke her financially before it made her famous. Jo Dee Messina turned 56 yesterday on an active tour.

In 1997, her management said, “Quit.” She said that’s like giving up. She waited. Eight months.

She refused to quit.

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Coca-Cola Debuts Chilling New Limited-Edition Flavor Just in Time for Fall

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 7:04am

Spooky season is on the horizon, and Coca-Cola is getting into the spirit of the upcoming Halloween holiday with the release of a brand-new, limited-edition flavor. 

Related: Mountain Dew’s Bold New Limited-Edition Flavor Brings Back Popular Pairing

This Halloween, Fanta is teaming up with one of horror’s most recognizable villains, Ghost Face, for a Halloween collaboration, Ghost Face Punch, a dark berry punch flavor.

The iconic Scream character will grace limited-edition Fanta cans alongside four original characters that are part of Fanta’s Haunted Universe, the brand’s first original Halloween entertainment world. “As the first horror icon partner to enter Fanta’s Haunted Universe, Ghost Face marks a unique crossover that unites two beloved symbols of Halloween, bringing fans an exciting new way to celebrate the season,” Fanta told Parade in a statement. 

Related: Sonic’s New Dirty Dr Pepper Soda Goes All In on Trendy Flavor

Fanta Ghost Face Punch

Fanta

“Fanta’s Haunted Universe marks our move from collaborators to creators, building original characters and stories designed to grow beyond a single season. But every haunted universe needs an icon of horror – and there are few more iconic than Ghost Face. We’re thrilled to welcome him into Fanta’s Haunted Universe for Halloween 2026, as we continue building a Halloween world fans can look forward to returning to year after year,” said Ibrahim Khan, Global Vice President of Marketing at Fanta. 

Related: Coca-Cola Debuts a New One-Of-A-Kind Flavor– But Only for a Limited Time

The limited-edition Ghost Face Punch and collectible can designs will be available nationwide at retailers starting August 28 across North America in 12-packs of 12-ounce cans, individual 20-ounce bottles, and at select Coca-Cola Freestyle machines. 

Though the official debut isn’t until later this week, rumors have swirled online for weeks that this flavor was coming, with some social media users sharing that they’ve already spotted it in stores. “Already found at Family Dollar and Albertsons today,” wrote one commenter on Instagram, as another said they saw it at a Walmart store in Arizona. More chimed in to say they’ve seen it at Kroger or that they “Got it at Vons. It’s pretty good.” 

Next: Coca-Cola’s New One-Of-A-Kind Flavor Is Super Exclusive–Here’s How To Get It

Dolly Parton’s Final Resting Place Reflects Her 60-Year Love Story With Carl Dean

Wed, 08/26/2026 - 7:02am

For nearly six decades, Dolly Parton and Carl Dean built a love story that thrived entirely out of the public eye, proving that the most enduring part of the superstar’s life was the quiet world she shared with her husband.

While millions know Parton as a rhinestone-clad country legend, her deepest roots remained tied to the steady, humble partner who stood by her side through every step of her rise to fame. That lasting bond remains, as reflected in the couple’s final resting place.

According to Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver, who spoke with TMZ, the superstar will eventually be interred alongside her husband in Nashville, Tennessee. Dean was laid to rest following his death in March 2025 at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum.

A 2025 video by vlogger Jordan the Lion offered fans a look at the couple’s crypt. The serene site pays homage not only to their timeless love story but also to their deeply cherished family roots.

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As seen in the clip, their crypt’s faceplate features an engraving of Parton’s childhood home nestled in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains. It serves as a tribute to her humble beginnings, where she lived alongside her parents and 11 siblings before heading to Nashville at age 18 to pursue stardom. At the center of the faceplate sit two intertwined wedding rings, engraved with the date Parton and Dean tied the knot: May 30, 1966.

Parton and Dean’s relationship was notoriously private. He stayed out of the public eye throughout her career.

After his death, Parton said to PEOPLE Magazine, “Ours is a great old love story. Most people don’t stay that close that long. That’s a loss. Nobody can ever know that unless you’ve experienced it yourself. He will always be in my heart and in my memories.”

Parton released a tribute song, “If You Hadn’t Been There,” days after Dean’s death. She dedicated the track to her husband, who appeared in the cover art.

Parton’s final wishes were revealed in a video featuring her nephew, Seaver, released on the day of her death. He stated, “Dolly was a farmer just like her daddy. He farmed the soil. She farmed songs and happiness. Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest.”

Funeral arrangements will be private, per an official family statement via Instagram. “At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.”

Dolly Parton died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80.

Related: Dolly Parton’s 58-Year Marriage: The Secret Life She Shared With Carl Dean

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