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Dolly Parton’s 1980 hit “9 to 5,” written by the singer for the comedy film of the same name, has been ranked among “Best Movie Soundtrack Songs of All Time.”

The song appears in the film 9 to 5, which stars Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Parton in her movie debut. The three play office workers who team up against their boss, played by Dabney Coleman. 

The track opens with the sound of typewriter keys and pairs an upbeat melody with lyrics about the daily grind of work.

Collider placed “9 to 5” among other well-known soundtrack tracks from different eras and styles. The list notes that great movie songs can take listeners back to the film long after the credits roll. Parton’s contribution remains closely tied to the 1980 comedy and to the everyday experiences of people who work for a living.

Country singer Dolly Parton performs onstage with an acoustic guitar in circa 1974.

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Parton wrote “9 to 5” after Jane Fonda asked her to join the movie. Parton said, “Well, this is a good opportunity, but I’ll only do it if I can write the theme song.” 

She created the typewriter rhythm by clicking her acrylic nails together on the set. 

In a 2019 interview she explained, per American Songwriter, “When I actually wrote this song, I actually had — I used my acrylic nails on the set when I was writing it. [laughter] I did, because they make noise, and it sounded like a typewriter to me.”

Released as a single in November 1980, the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the country chart, and the adult contemporary chart in early 1981. It was Parton’s first solo No. 1 on the Hot 100. 

The track earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. It also won Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and Best Country Vocal Performance, Female.

The song and film drew inspiration from the 9to5 organization, started in 1973 by women seeking fair pay and equal treatment at work. 

Karen Nussbaum, a co-founder of the group, said of the song: “I think the song is brilliant. It starts with pride: ‘Pour myself a cup of ambition.’ It goes to grievances: ‘Barely getting by.’ It then goes to class conflict: ‘You’re just a step on the bossman’s ladder.’ And then it ends with collective power: ‘In the same boat with a lot of your friends.’ So in the space of this wildly popular song with a great beat, Dolly Parton just puts it all together by herself.”

The lyrics talk about tough bosses, low pay and the feeling of being overlooked. At the same time the music stays lively and easy to sing along to. Writer Rebecca Traister described it as “simultaneously a song of angry complaint and immense good cheer. And there is something about that combination that makes it kind of addictive and fun.”

“9 to 5” became a favorite among office workers. It ranked No. 78 on the American Film Institute’s 100 Years…100 Songs list in 2004. 

Rolling Stone later called it Parton’s “most transformative song” and placed it at No. 7 on its list of her 50 best songs. The single was certified gold in 1981 and later reached multi-platinum status. It has sold hundreds of thousands of digital copies and continues to stream widely.

The song later served as the theme for a TV series based on the movie. It has appeared in other films and shows, including sequences in Deadpool 2 and The Penguin. In 2024 it was interpolated into Pitbull’s track “Powerful Women,” which featured Parton. 

The track still plays on radio and in public settings decades after its release. Its mix of steady beat and plain-spoken words about the workday has kept it familiar to new listeners while remaining a landmark recording for Parton.

Related: 1985 Rock Song, Written for 'The Breakfast Club,' Became a No. 1 Hit

His unmistakable voice has powered some of heavy metal's most enduring songs.

Bruce Dickinson, the longtime lead singer of Iron Maiden, celebrates his 68th birthday on Friday, Aug. 7. More than four decades after joining the band, he remains one of the genre's most recognizable and influential vocalists.

Born in Worksop, England, in 1958, Dickinson began singing with local groups before joining Samson in 1979. Performing under the stage name Bruce Bruce, he appeared on the band's albums Head On and Shock Tactics as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal began gaining attention.

Dickinson's career changed in 1981 when he was chosen to replace Paul Di'Anno as Iron Maiden's lead singer. His first album with the group, 1982's The Number of the Beast, reached No. 1 in the United Kingdom and introduced his soaring vocals on songs including "Run to the Hills" and "Hallowed Be Thy Name."

His range and commanding stage presence soon became essential to the band's sound. Iron Maiden continued its success throughout the decade with albums including Piece of Mind, Powerslave and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, building an international following that has remained loyal for generations.

Dickinson left Iron Maiden in 1993 to focus on his solo career, which he had launched with Tattooed Millionaire three years earlier. He returned to the band in 1999 alongside guitarist Adrian Smith, beginning another successful period that opened with the 2000 album Brave New World.

Outside of Iron Maiden, Dickinson has pursued an unusually varied collection of interests. He is an author, competitive fencer and licensed commercial pilot who previously flew passenger aircraft. He also piloted Iron Maiden's Ed Force One plane on several of the band's tours.

After receiving treatment for throat cancer in 2015, Dickinson returned to performing and continued touring around the world. Reflecting on his approach to life, he said in 2024, "This life might be the only one I've got so I've always grabbed it with both hands."

That determination remains evident in his current work. Dickinson released The Mandrake Project, his first solo album in 19 years, in 2024 and later completed another solo record at Dave Grohl's Studio 606 with contributions from members of Sepultura.

He is also continuing Iron Maiden's Run for Your Lives World Tour, which resumes later this month in Toronto before traveling across North America, Latin America, Australia and Japan. At 68, Dickinson remains as ambitious as ever, with his voice still at the center of one of heavy metal's most celebrated careers.

Related: 1983 Iconic Ballad, Written in 30 Minutes, Was a No. 1 Hit 43 Years Ago Today

Giada De Laurentiishas a simple checklist for buying better pasta, and one of her tips has real science behind it: protein content.

In an August 5 Instagram video, De Laurentiis said she looks for pasta with 8 to 10 grams of protein per serving, more than double what a typical box offers, explaining that higher-protein pasta helps keep blood sugar more stable after eating instead of spiking it.

Research backs up part of that claim. A randomized crossover trial published in the journal Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics compared higher-protein pasta with 10 grams per serving, to regular pasta with 7g per serving, and white rice in adults with Type 1 diabetes.

Researchers found both types of pasta produced significantly lower peak blood sugar than white rice. The difference between the two pastas themselves, however, wasn't statistically significant, so the study supports choosing pasta over rice, but doesn't confirm that a few extra grams of protein makes one pasta meaningfully better than another for blood sugar control.

Photo by Matthew Moloney on Unsplash

The rest of De Laurentiis's checklist for good store-bought pasta is simple. She recommends sticking to pasta made from just two ingredients, durum wheat semolina and water, avoiding versions with added fillers or preservatives. She also looks for pasta labeled bronze-cut or slow-dried, noting that the slower drying process is easier to digest and gentler on blood sugar than fast, industrially dried pasta.

Texture matters for a more practical reason, De Laurentiis says: a rough, matte surface, the kind bronze-cut dies produce, helps sauce actually cling to the noodle rather than sliding off, unlike the smoother surface on most mass-produced pasta.

"I have gotten tons of texts over the last few months asking me for my checklist when shopping for pasta," she Instagrammed under the post, "because not all pasta is created equal!! Hope this helps you next time you’re shopping."

Mountain Dew's newest Baja Blast spinoff has fans hitting the internet with the same verdict: this one might be a miss.

The brand is celebrating Baja Blast's 22nd birthday with a limited-edition flavor called Baja Leo, a zero-sugar soda blending spiced mango, chili lime and black pepper. The name is a nod to Baja Blast's zodiac sign, since the original flavor debuted on July 29, 2004, making it a Leo.

According to Allrecipes, each flavor was designed to mirror Leo traits: the mango represents warmth, the chili lime brings the drama, and the black pepper is meant to capture a Leo's confidence with a lingering bite. It's a creative concept on paper, but the reaction online suggests fans see it differently.

Comments flooding in online have been overwhelmingly skeptical, with many calling the combination "gross" and "nasty." One person compared it to mixing mango Dr Pepper with Baja Blast, while another questioned why soda brands keep pushing spicy, non-sweet flavors instead of sticking with something refreshing. Several longtime fans specifically pointed to the black pepper as the ingredient that crossed a line for them.

Making matters worse for skeptics is how hard the drink will be to get. Baja Leo launches exclusively through Mountain Dew's TikTok Shop starting August 12 at noon EST, bundled with a 12-pack of original Baja Blast for $8, while supplies last. That exclusivity has become its own point of frustration, with multiple commenters saying they'd skip the drop entirely simply because they don't use TikTok, regardless of how the flavor tastes.

Not everyone has written it off. A smaller group of commenters said the odd combination made them curious enough to try it anyway, and some pointed out Mountain Dew has released spicier flavors in the past without much backlash.

Still, the early consensus is clear: plenty of fans think Mountain Dew didn't need to go this far for a birthday flavor.

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Redecorating doesn't necessarily have to involve a full overhaul of your home. It can be as simple as making a small yet impactful swap in one room's decor. With its “lovely” look and “lightweight” material, shoppers said this comforter set will instantly elevate any bedroom. Luckily for shoppers, it’s also 65% off now at Macy’s right now. 

The Sunham Coastal Coral 8-Piece Comforter Set is reduced to $35 in all sizes right now for a limited time. The comforter set comes in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes. The larger collections come with a comforter, two standard shams, two standard pillowcases, a bedskirt, and a fitted and flat sheet. Meanwhile, the twin and twin XL sizes come with one less sham and one less pillowcase for a total of six pieces.

Sunham Coastal Coral 8-Piece Comforter Set, $35 (was $100) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

This coastal bedding provides the ultimate “beach vibes.” It’s like waking up on vacation every day. The best part is that it’s reversible, so you essentially get two sets for the price of one. This machine-washable set is made from 100% polyester, with polyester filling as well, making it extremely comfortable.

The full set comes with a 76-inch by 86-inch comforter, two shams, and two pillowcases. It also comes with a bedskirt that’s 54 inches wide, 75 inches long, and 14 inches deep, a fitted sheet that’s 54 inches wide, 75 inches long, and 12.3 inches deep, and a flat sheet that’s 81 inches by 96 inches. 

The dimensions increase for the queen and king sets, with the queen set boasting an 88-inch by 88-inch comforter and the king set completed by a 106-inch by 88-inch version. 

Whichever size you choose, the set is “pretty” and cozy, but not so heavy that it'll cause you to overheat, according to shoppers. “The sheets were so soft and cool,” which is “perfect for someone who has hot flashes,” one shopper said. 

“It brightens a room and gives it a coastal vibe,” another shopper said. “The design is beautiful and adds a fresh, seasonal touch to my bedroom,” another shopper said. 

Related: Macy's 'Beautiful' 8-Piece Comforter Set Will Transport You to Paris for Just $35

This is a rare opportunity to turn your bedroom into a relaxing beach getaway for a great price. Be sure to pick up the Sunham Coastal Coral 8-Piece Comforter Set at Macy’s while it’s still only $35.

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.

Before Bruce Springsteen became one of rock music's biggest stars, he was a 22-year-old newcomer trying to convince Columbia Records he could write a hit.

One of the songs he delivered was "Blinded by the Light," which appeared on his 1973 debut album Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J. But it almost didn't make the record.

According to music historian Fred Bronson's"Billboard Book of Number One Hits," Columbia executives weren't satisfied with the album's first version and asked Springsteen to record additional songs that could be released as singles—and The Boss famously played almost every part of "Blinded by the Light."

Bronson wrote that "'Blinded by the Light' was added [to the album], but since many of his band members had left town, Springsteen played most of the instruments on the track himself."

Springsteen's version earned critical praise but failed to become a hit. Four years later, however, another band would transform it into a chart-topper.

Manfred Mann's Earth Band recorded its own version of "Blinded by the Light" for the 1976 album The Roaring Silence, giving the song a fuller progressive rock arrangement than Springsteen's original.

Bronson noted that the single debuted at No. 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 on Nov. 20, 1976, then climbed steadily before taking 13 weeks to reach No. 1 on Feb. 19, 1977.

It remains Manfred Mann's Earth Band's only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Ironically, Bronson also pointed out that Springsteen admired Bob Dylan early in his career, and critic Peter Knobler even favorably compared "Blinded by the Light" to Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone." Despite the glowing reviews, Springsteen's original single went nowhere commercially.

The success of Manfred Mann's Earth Band's version introduced millions of listeners to a song many never realized had been written by Bruce Springsteen.

Bronson also highlights another irony—that Manfred Mann's lead singer Paul Jones "had a strong influence on Springsteen's style."

"There are certain similarities between Jones' higher-pitched voice and early Springsteen numbers like 'Blinded by the Light,'" he wrote, adding, "Later on, Springsteen dropped this smooth style for a rougher, more natural one."

"'Blinded by the Light' ... is typical of [Springsteen's] early, rambling, more dramatic style, which he later replaced with the more straightforward dramatically narrative songs which became hits for him," Bronson wrote.

While Springsteen went on to become one of rock's most celebrated singer-songwriters, "Blinded by the Light" remains a unique piece of music history. It gave Manfred Mann's Earth Band its only American No. 1 while showcasing the songwriting talent of a little-known 22-year-old who would soon become one of music's biggest superstars.

Related: Bruce Springsteen Mourns the Loss of ‘True Friend’

One of House of the Dragon'smost hated characters met his end at the Butcher's Ball. However, Fabien Frankel saw his character as far more complicated than a simple villain.

For three seasons, few characters in Westeroes has inspired more hated than Ser Criston Cole. He turned on Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) after she rejected his proposal to run away together. He murdered a man during a wedding celebration. He raised up Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) and crowned him as King. By the time Cole arrived at the Butcher’s Ball in the latest episode, plenty of viewers had spent years waiting to see him receive his comeuppance.

They finally got it.

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Cole entered the battle knowing he would likely die. He appeared determined to make one final stand, hoping that the people of Westeros might someday sing about his courage and honor. Instead, he was abruptly struck down by arrows before he could receive the glorious ending he had imagined for himself.

In an exclusive interview with Parade, Frankel said that Cole's final journey was not simply about a villain finally being punished, but a man who had built his identity around honor, duty and purpose finally realized that those beliefs were futile.

Related: 6 Things We’re Most Excited for in ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, Based on the Book

Frankel is well aware that many viewers have not extended that empathy to Criston Cole. However, when told that his performance had created some sympathy for the knight (especially after his monologue near the end of Season 3, Episode 5), he was delighted, even if viewers might be annoyed that they find themselves rooting for the character.

“This is the most welcome question,” Frankel joked. “Whatever you’re about to say, thank you. It’s good to hear.”

Cooke then reminded him of what he had apparently been told earlier that day: Criston Cole might be “the most hated character in the history of the universe of Game of Thrones.”

“More than Joffrey?” Cooke asked.

“More than Joffrey,” Frankel replied.

But while viewers may place Cole alongside Westeros’ most notorious villains, Frankel approached him as a man whose certainty had gradually collapsed. Understanding Cole meant looking beyond the actions that made him hated and examining the belief system he used to justify them

“He’s definitely sort of become more of a nihilist than he was previously,” Frankel explained. “I think he had a firm belief system. That belief system was shattered at the end of Rook’s Rest, and subsequently, and he’s now, I think, probably trying to figure out what his purpose is and what his belief system is now, post the war. But that is fleshed out over the course of Season 3, particularly towards the end of the season.”

That collapse became increasingly evident as Cole witnessed what dragon warfare did to ordinary soldiers. Cole had helped launch the war, only to see men get burned in an instant. His final march therefore became less about winning than choosing how he would lose. Cole could not control the outcome of the war, but he still hoped to control the story people would tell about his death.

Related: House of the Dragon Finally Kills Off Its Most Hated Knight

But, as viewers saw in the episode, he was slain by a barrage of arrows after appealing to single combat. He is then never mentioned in the rest of the episode. No songs would be sung about Ser Criston Cole.

His death was not heroic, cinematic or particularly dignified. He did not defeat a great warrior or sacrifice himself to save his men. He simply became another body left behind by the conflict he had helped create.

While that might sound like an appropriate ending for a villain. Frankel, however, does not believe approaching Cole as one would have helped him play the role.

“I don’t know that there’s much benefit for us to seeing them as villains,” Frankel said when asked how he and Olivia Cooke approached their morally complicated characters. “I’d be surprised by many actors you find who are playing quote-unquote villains that would say that they see their characters that way.”

“That’s not to say that they can’t very much see clearly the flaws of these people and certainly find their actions morally reprehensible,” he continued. “But to see them at their core as villains is just so not a service to you as an actor. So no, I don’t see them as villains at all.”

Related: ‘House of the Dragon’ Stars Break Down That Disturbing Premiere Kiss: ‘I Threw Up in My Mouth a Little Bit’ (Exclusive)

Smucker's is causing quite a commotion with its latest product.

The recognizable grocery brand is joining the ready-to-bake pie game in a move that could rival Marie Callender's.

Marie Callender's, known for its pie line, may be getting some competition in the freezer aisle, as the brand known for its jams and preserves is now reportedly launching its own frozen dessert line.

Instagram influencer Markie_Devo shared a first look at the 4 new flavors heading to major grocery store chains soon, though an exact date was not provided.

"Smucker’s gets into the frozen pie game with 4 new ready-to-bake pies," he wrote, revealing that the pies would come in distinct flavors—Cherry Crumb, Apple Crumb, Mixed Berry Crumb and Peach Crumb.

"I’m here for the cherry pie!🍒🥧," he revealed.

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The pies are all made with real fruit filling with a crumb topping, as labeled on the box.

Fans immediately called out the comparison to the legendary pies from Marie Callender's, with one writing, "Apple crumble pie looks delicious, but is it similar to Marie Callendar's Dutch Apple Pie (my favorite)??" as another stated, "Crumb topped pies?! I'm down but I'm curious how it gonna compete with Marie Callendar's pie or any other crumb pies."

"Perfect for Thanksgiving !!!!!!" someone else noted, eager for the holidays, which is naturally the best time to dig into a pie.

"I’m gonna tear the cherry and peach pies UP 😍," another declared, as someone else chimed in, "the crumb topping looks fire."

It's unclear how the pies will stack up against Marie Callender's (whose ready-to-bake frozen offerings include Dutch Apple Pie, Razzleberry Fruit Pie, Lattice Apple Pie, Lattice Peach Pie, Lattice Cherry Pie, Cherry Crunch Pie and Strawberry Rhubarb Streusel Pie, among others), or whether the taste profile will be similair, though it seems shoppers are eager to give them a try.

Smucker's confirmed to Parade that the pies are a "licensed product." We've reached out to the manufacturer for more information, but have not heard back, at the time of writing.

Smucker's has been expanding its lineup lately, previously revealing it would be launching blueberry Uncrustables, along with Uncrustables that are fridge-friendly and don't need to be frozen.

Earlier this year, it also revealed a jar redesign and look, for the first time since the 1990s.

Related: Smucker’s and Jif Get Unexpectedly Sweet New Release: 'Interesting and Innovative'

If guacamole is on your weekend menu, there's a new development that could affect the avocado supply in U.S. grocery stores.

According to reporting from the Associated Press, as reported by PEOPLE, The U.S. has temporarily suspended avocado inspections in the Mexican state of Michoacán. After what officials described as a "threat against American interests," exports from the region were put on hold while inspections remain paused.

The pause matters because those inspections (*carried out by USDA officials to check for pests) are required before avocados can be legally exported to the U.S. Without approval, shipments can't move forward. "Any produce that requires on-site APHIS approval in the state of Michoacan that has not completed the approval process is not eligible for importation at this time," a USDA spokesperson confirmed, though shipments that had already cleared inspection will still be allowed through.

The suspension follows a security alert issued by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. While officials have not publicly identified the specific threat, Mexican authorities said the pause is intended to protect inspectors after recent arrests tied to alleged extortion in the region.

Courtesy Alexa Mellardo

The timing matters because Mexico supplies about 80% of all avocados imported into the United States, with Michoacán serving as the country's largest exporting state. The region's avocado industry supports roughly 200,000 jobs, and exports to the U.S. topped $3.6 billion in 2025, according to the Associated Press.

Despite the temporary halt, consumers may not notice an immediate shortage. The Mexican Hass Avocado Association said current inventory already in the supply chain should continue meeting near-term demand while the situation is resolved. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also announced the deployment of 1,500 security personnel to Michoacán in an effort to restore inspection operations as quickly as possible.

For now, grocery shoppers shouldn't expect empty produce shelves overnight. But if the suspension lasts longer than expected, it could eventually affect the flow of fresh avocados into the U.S. Here's hoping your next batch of guacamole won't cost you any extra.

A friend of Lindsay Clancy took the witness stand during this week's court proceedings, revealing new details about the conversations that she had with Clancy just days before a tragedy unfolded.

On Aug. 6, Amy Bevins was asked about the text messages she exchanged with Clancy before the Massachusetts mother killed her three children in 2023. The messages provide a heartbreaking glimpse into Clancy’s struggles and the questions that remain.

Bevins told the jury that she received a message from Clancy—whom she's been friends with since childhood—in which Clancy expressed having "dark thoughts."

Related: Read the Transcript of the 911 Call Made by Patrick Clancy

"She had shared that she had been taking a medication that caused her to have some dark thoughts, but that she was going to, or had been weaning, like tapering off that medication," Bevins said. "I remember it being something where there was conveying of hope, and that it was going to be a, you know—we were moving in a positive direction."

Clancy has admitted to killing her three young children—Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months—using exercise bands to strangle each child in the basement of their home in Duxbury. She also slit her wrists and her throat before leaping out of her bedroom window in an apparent suicide attempt that left her paralyzed from the waist down.

The prosecution is trying to prove that Clancy was of sound mind when she murdered her children while the defense argues that she was suffering from postpartum psychosis that was made worse by a variety of medications that she'd been prescribed.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

READ NEXT: Why Weren’t Lindsay Clancy’s Fingerprints Found on Exercise Bands? (Exclusive)

The personal relationships of Fleetwood Mac during their 1970s rise to fame are iconic in the music industry, with Lindsey Buckingham revealing that he's mended the feud with Stevie Nicks.

Fleetwood Mac gave way to some of the rock genre's most powerful breakup and relationship tracks that were based on their own tensions within the band. They gained a reputation for being rock and roll's ultimate real-life soap opera, ranging from breakups, fights, and infidelities.

One of the staple relationships was between Buckingham and Nicks, who originally met in the 1960s before reconnecting in the early 70s. They began performing as the duo Buckingham Nicks while dating. By the time they joined Fleetwood Mac and helped create the band's hit album Rumours, tension was brewing, and they broke up in 1976. It led to heated arguments, tension, and chart-topping tracks.

By 1987, Buckingham decided to leave Fleetwood Mac and ultimately left unresolved tensions with the band. Speaking with E! News at Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood event, the guitarist revealed that after decades, he and Nicks are on good terms.

“Stevie and I are talking all the time now,” Buckingham said. “And so it’s really… that’s appropriate to our history.” 

He reveals that working together on Apple TV's upcoming documentary Fleetwood Mac: Rumours and Revelations has been good for them and the band. The "Don't Stop" singer says its left a positive impact and led to healing old wounds.

“I think the process of making that has been a very circular, healing, process for all of us,” Buckingham said. “Because we had left things in 2019, maybe as far as I was concerned, not in a very good place for all the wrong reasons. No one was happy about it, and all of that has been healed and worked out."

After Buckingham initially left, he returned for various projects like The Dance despite their unresolved issues. One of their biggest public conflicts was in 2019 when the band announced that the guitarist would no longer be a part of the band. Different sources reported it occurred over Buckingham's disagreements about touring, while others claimed Nicks was no longer able to work with him.

Years after their feud, Buckingham and Nicks revisited their early days by re-releasing their first and only album, Buckingham Nicks. However, he admits he has no plans to revisit many of Fleetwood Mac's biggest hits.

“The memories are all mixed up with just rising about the difficulties to follow our destiny,” Buckingham explained. “I can’t say I go back and listen to those [Fleetwood Mac] albums very much, I tend to want to move forward and not look back too much.” 

Related: 1975 Soft Rock Hit, Inspired by a Mysterious Bandmate, Remains a Breakthrough Classic 51 Years Later

Double Lives of Suburban Wives star Emily insists that spicy content creators are "just like everyone else."

Ahead of the premiere of TLC's newest show, Emily sat down with Parade to discuss the series and why she decided to open up about her line of work publicly.

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"We're just like everyone else," the 37-year-old, married mom of four said. "We try to be the best wives we can be. We are mothers. We're just, you know, your regular neighbor."

She continued, "But we also have another side, I guess. We're trying to produce an income by doing the spicy content creation."

In Double Lives of Suburban Wives, cameras follow the friendships (and drama) of Emily and her costars—which include Tammy, Macy, Brianna, Megan, Heather, and their families—in the St. Louis area.

"I think a lot of women do spicy content, and they don't talk about it because they know the stigma that's around it — whether they feel ashamed or embarrassed, or they're afraid," Emily speculated. "In my eyes, it's no different than all the people who are watching it. I feel like the majority of people watch spicy content. So who's to say that one person is better than the other?"

'Double Lives of Suburban Wives': Spicy Content Creator Emily Insists 'We're Just Like Everyone Else' (Exclusive) (1:53)

Of how she got into spicy content four years ago, Emily said that both she and her husband, Nathan, were working, but "it just wasn't enough" with four children, even with a "variety of side jobs."

"It was just constant, constant work," she told Parade. "You know, me and my husband were high-fiving each other out the door as we passed because we were working opposite shifts, so we also didn't have to pay for daycare. We were like, just, 'We're too smart to be this broke. We gotta come up with something else.'"

She added, "I hope the show kind of shows that message that we're all the same. And, you know, we're just trying to provide for our families. And it shouldn't have such a negative stigma around it."

Additionally, Emily pointed out that contrary to many in the spicy industry, she "look[s] like the average woman" with a "lived-in body—the stretch marks, the cellulite."

"I don't have the plastic surgery, the nips, the tucks, you know. Not that there's anything wrong with those things," she explained. "But I really love the fact that I'm who you'd see out and about, and that we can be very successful, too. And you should really be proud of what life has given you. And I want to showcase that in my role on the show."

Double Lives of Suburban Wives premieres on Sunday, Aug. 9 at 10 p.m. ET on TLC and will be available to stream the next day on HBO Max.

Next, 1000-Lb Sisters Season 9 Trailer: Tammy & Amy Slaton Work on Mending Relationship

We're extremely lucky to be getting brand new music from one of the greatest to ever do it, Neil Young, who just announced his second album with backing band the Chrome Hearts, entitled "Second Song."

Any release from Young should be treated as a massive event in music. I'm certainly biased, as Young is a top 3 artist for me, but I think he is one of the most singular musicians to ever exist. Between his guitar playing ability, which landed him the 30th spot on Rolling Stone's "250 Greatest Guitarists" list, his incredibly earnest songwriting, or his commitment to being completely authentic in his music, he is somebody who captures styles and ideas both new and old for a timeless style that I find a lot of personal solace and enjoyment in.

To tease the upcoming album, which is set to release September 18th, he released a single, featuring the same name as the album.

I really love this new single. It's an extremely reflective piece that feels stylistically in line with his material from "Harvest Moon," which is one of my absolute favorite records from him. the gentle melancholy of that record has always been close to my heart, and this song really captures that spirit. I'm also struck by how good Young's voice still sounds. There's not a lot of noticeable age to it despite over 60 years of performing.

If this track is any indication of what the new album is going to sound like, I am extremely excited. I love when artists get reflective, and the somber, beautiful tone of this song fits with the lyrical themes so nicely. Everyone should go give this new track a listen. It really showcases that Young has still got it all these years later, and is still creating deeply personal music.

Related: 1962 Folk Classic, Written as a Tribute to an Idol, Launched 20-Year-Old Bob Dylan's Career

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Martha Stewart's account of what Meghan Markle said during a recent dinner party is reportedly being disputed.

According to People, Stewart told the outlet in a new cover story that she and Meghan Markle were both guests at a California dinner party shortly after Meghan returned from a trip to Europe, where she, Prince Harry, and their children reunited with King Charles. Stewart said she didn't speak with Meghan much beyond a few words, but claimed she knew Meghan was talking about the reunion at the event.

But according to the outlet, a source who hosted that dinner party disputes her recollection entirely, saying that Stewart's version of events is "simply untrue," and adding that Meghan only mentioned the family "had a great time" in Europe and didn't elaborate further. The source, who says they sat next to Meghan that night, also noted that Meghan has long admired Stewart and enjoyed getting to briefly meet her at the dinner.

The royal trip itself made headlines on its own. On July 10, King Charles saw his California-based grandchildren, 7-year-old Prince Archie and 5-year-old Princess Lilibet, in person for the first time since 2022, with the family reuniting at Highgrove House alongside Queen Camilla rather than at a palace, per the outlet.

(Photo by Jonathan Brady-Pool/Getty Images)

Stewart's People interview didn't stop at the dinner party. She also weighed in on Meghan's now-cancelled Netflix lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan. “If you’re an actress, it’s hard to then transition to a princess and then from a princess into a homemaking guru on a television show," she said. "It doesn’t sort of follow. So go from there.”

That diss follows another: Back in 2025, Stewart made comments about Meghan in a Yahoo News Australia interview last year, where she said she didn't know Meghan well and hoped she "knows what she's talking about" when it comes to authenticity in her lifestyle brand.

The two women aren't strangers to each other's orbit. Per People, Stewart met with King Charles herself in April, when both attended the King's Trust Global Gala in New York City.

Once in a while a great rock song is destined to outlive the era in which it was created.

That has certainly been the case with "Under My Thumb," the classic Rolling Stones song written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. First released in 1966 on the landmark album Aftermath, the swaggering rock track became even more iconic decades later when it was embraced by Tina Turner, the artist widely celebrated as the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll."

The song arrived during one of the Stones' most creative periods.

Built around Brian Jones' distinctive marimba performance, driving rhythm section, and Jagger's commanding vocal, "Under My Thumb" showcased the band's willingness to experiment beyond traditional blues rock.

"It's got Brian playing these marimbas," Jagger told Rolling Stone in 1995. "That riff played on marimbas really makes it. Plus, the groove it gets in the end of the tune. It speeds up, actually. And it becomes this kind of groove tune at the end. It was never a single, but it was always a very well-known album track."

Although it wasn't issued as a standalone single in Britain or the United States, it quickly became one of the standout tracks on Aftermath and a staple of the band's live shows.

Its influence extended well beyond the Rolling Stones.

Over the years, "Under My Thumb" has been recorded by numerous artists, but few interpretations carried as much power as Tina Turner's. She recorded the song for her 1989 album Foreign Affair, transforming the mid-1960s rock classic with her unmistakable voice and commanding stage presence.

Turner's version offered a fresh perspective.

Rather than simply recreating the original arrangement, she infused the song with the energy and confidence that defined her solo career. Her performance became a fan favorite in concert, demonstrating how a song first made famous by one of rock's greatest bands could be completely reimagined by one of its greatest performers.

The enduring popularity of both versions speaks to the song's lasting appeal.

While The Rolling Stones continue to perform "Under My Thumb" as one of their signature deep cuts, Turner's rendition introduced it to a new generation of listeners and reinforced her reputation as one of rock's most dynamic interpreters of classic material.

Sixty years after it first appeared on Aftermath, "Under My Thumb" remains one of the Rolling Stones' most beloved songs. Thanks in part to Tina Turner's unforgettable cover, the 1966 rock classic continues to prove that a great song can evolve across generations while never losing its power.

Related: 1968 Rock Song, Written by a 19-Year-Old, Is Still a Powerful Hit 58 Years Later

Reality TV Mogul Kim Kardashian and Rapper Kanye West's daughter, North West, is getting a wave of love from fans, even as her latest song explores some heavier emotions. On Thursday, August 6, the 13-year-old released the music video for her song "Aishite" pulled from her EP N0rth4evr, which came out in May.

North West Embraces a Dark New Look in "Aishite" Video

The horror-inspired visual finds North moving through an empty school and arcade, sticking with her signature edgy style, icy blue hair, and dramatic makeup. The video shifts between an empty arcade and a deserted school, with North appearing in hallways, behind a desk and in front of a chalkboard. Dim lighting gives both locations an eerie, unsettled feel. North also leans into the edgy style that has become part of her public image. She wears icy blue hair, matching lipstick, a painted skull-and-crossbones design, faux facial piercings and black grillz.

In the school scenes, North can be seen wearing a black dress with a white collar. The look shifts for the arcade shots, where she trades in the ensemble for a pink dress and matching boots. Lyrically, the song digs into betrayal and feeling used, offering a raw window into what North has been going through lately.

North West’s Lyrics Explore Betrayal and Feeling Used View this post on Instagram

The song’s lyrics are far heavier than its colorful styling. North raps about being pursued, feeling alone, and struggling to trust the people around her. At one point, she pleads, “Just love me, everyone betrays me.”

She also describes feeling used, closing herself off from friendships and believing that her suffering will not end. North has not said whether the words reflect her personal life or are part of the song’s dark concept. Still, the vulnerable themes struck a nerve with listeners, many of whom responded with concern and encouragement.

Fans Flood the Comments With Support

The conversation beneath the YouTube video quickly moved beyond North’s fashion and the clip’s unsettling imagery. Many viewers focused on the lyrics, with some interpreting the track as a deeply personal expression of pain and isolation.

One comment read, “This song is really sad. I was depressed at 13 too, hopefully North gets the love and support she needs from somewhere.”

A second viewer urged people to pay closer attention to North’s words. “I like it but can I just say that while we are bopping our heads we should listen to the lyrics of what she's saying. She is crying out don't fail her like we've failed so many others! ❤️❤️❤️” the person wrote.

Another commenter believed the dark visuals represented a rejection of the polished image long associated with North’s famous family. “She's rebelling everything her family represents... beauty, youth, glamor, she's showing darkness, black teeth while everyone trying to get the most glowing look, she's telling the dark side. A 13 year old, it's sad and disturbing,” the viewer wrote.

Other commenters drew parallels to their own teenage years, noting that angst and intense emotions can be a normal part of growing up. They also applauded North for expressing herself openly through her music. “Honestly when I was her age I was also angsty and I’m sure there’s a lot of confusing emotions about her life and experiences at an early age. I hope she is able to express and come to terms with who she wants to be,” another comment read.

A Big Moment Despite a Canceled Tour

The new video arrives after North's planned 14-date Kimokawaii Tour with fellow rapper Molly Santana was called off last month, just days before it was set to begin. North broke the news to fans directly, promising "something special" down the road, while Santana shared her own heartfelt apology to ticket holders, thanking fans for their patience and support, per NBC News. Even with the tour on pause, North's music career has kept moving, including a first festival performance alongside Santana at Rolling Loud Miami back in May.

Kim Kardashian Cheers On Her Daughter's Passion

Kim spoke proudly of her eldest daughter’s creative confidence in a February interview with Complex. "She loves producing music and wanted to share it with the world and isn’t afraid if people will like it,” Kim said. The reality star added that North shares her father’s ability to trust her own taste instead of chasing approval.

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Kitchen dish towels might seem like a basic household purchase, but the right set can do more than just dry dishes. Finding options that are both absorbent and stylish can make everyday chores feel a little more enjoyable while adding a fun pop of personality to your kitchen.

If you love bold colors and playful designs, the Kate Spade Hot Peppers and Polka Dots Kitchen Towel Set is an easy way to brighten up your space. The cheerful patterns instantly add charm to countertops, oven handles, or towel racks. Right now, the set is on sale for 37% off at Amazon, making it a great time to grab all four towels at a discounted price.

Kate Spade Hot Peppers and Polka Dots Kitchen Towel Set, $25 (was $40) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

The set includes four kitchen towels, each measuring 17 by 28 inches. Made from 100% cotton with printed pigment designs, they’re soft, practical, and designed to add both function and style to your kitchen routine.

The standout feature is definitely the design. Two towels feature a chili pepper print with a soft blush pink background, vibrant red peppers, bright green stems, and small white blossoms scattered throughout. The other two feature a classic red background covered in light pink polka dots. 

They’re fun enough to make a statement on their own, but they also pair beautifully together for a coordinated look. One shopper described the design as “bright and cheerful,” adding, “They are well made and durable. The colors are vivid and just gorgeous. They add a bright pop of color to the kitchen and just looking at them makes me smile.”

Beyond the playful look, this set is designed for everyday use. Two towels work well as dual-purpose kitchen towels for dish drying, while the other two are highly absorbent for soaking up spills and moisture. This makes the set practical enough for busy kitchens while still looking stylish when displayed.

These towels also make an easy gift for anyone who loves colorful home accents. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, housewarming, or a seasonal kitchen refresh, they’re a simple upgrade that makes everyday routines feel a little more special.

Reviewers also praised their quality and usefulness. One shopper noted that the towels “would make a great gift” in a five-star review, sharing, “These are high quality, absorbent, and a great size for the kitchen. I like the thickness and it's a great value. It also has a really nice little hook that you can hang it up to dry.”

Shop More Deals

• Kate Spade Squeeze the Day Oven Mitt Set, $20 (was $25) at Amazon
• Kate Spade Painterly Bouquet Towel Set, From $38 (was $57) at Amazon
• Kate Spade Botanical Stripe Pot Holder Set, $18 (was $20) at Amazon

Related: Kate Spade's Retro-Inspired Cherry Kitchen Set Is Too Sweet to Keep in a Drawer

For an easy kitchen refresh that combines practicality with plenty of personality, the Kate Spade Hot Peppers and Polka Dots Kitchen Towel Set is a great pick. And with Amazon’s current 37% discount, you can snag this fun and functional four-piece set for just $25.

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.

As Heated Rivalry begins production on its second season, the hockey romance series has found its Troy Barrett and Harris Drover.

Played by Charlie Gillespie and Justice Smith, Troy and Harris’ story is found in Rachel Reid’s novel Role Model. When Troy is traded to Ilya Rozanov’s team, the Ottawa Centaurs, a budding relationship begins between Troy and the Centaurs’ social media manager, Harris. The second season will also continue to follow Shane Hollander’s relationship with Ilya Rozanov, played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie.

View this post on Instagram

In a statement obtained by Parade, Heated Rivalry’s showrunner, Jacob Tierney, and executive producer Brendan Brady said that “Reid has given us two beautifully layered characters in Harris and Troy who you can’t help but root for.”

“From the start of the casting process, we knew we were looking for actors who could create something truly special together and bring that same depth and heart to the screen. Justice and Charlie do exactly that,” Tierney and Brady said. “They immediately connected with the vulnerability and resilience at the core of these characters, bringing an instinctive understanding of who Harris and Troy are.”

When Crave made the announcement on social media, fans expressed mixed reactions in the comments section.

“I love Justice Smith, but Harris was written with a certain body type which I would have liked to see represented,” one user said, referring to Harris being a plus-size character in Role Model. “That being said, I can totally see Justin channeling Harris’ goofy, earnest, and fun-loving personality.”

“I’m not feeling good about Harris’ representation, sorry,” another said. “But Jacob, I trust in you.”

However, others are excited, with one user saying, “OH THIS IS PERFECT. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEM!”

Gillespie and Smith’s casting announcement comes only a few days after Heated Rivalrysent an important update to their fans, asking them to respect the cast and crew as filming begins on the second season.

“Your support, enthusiasm, and kindness have meant the world together,” the TV series posted on Instagram. “As we gear up for more Heated Rivalry, please help us in making it the best it can be. If you happen to come across one of our filming locations, please give our cast and crew the space they need to do what they do best.”

Heated Rivalry is set to release in spring 2027, with the filmmakers saying that they “promise it’ll be worth the wait.”

Ghosts, pumpkins and black cats have become synonymous with Halloween, but not every spooky decoration has the same connection to the holiday's origins, explains real-life witch Celeste Mott. Some Halloween decorations are rooted in centuries-old folklore and harvest traditions, while others became Halloween staples thanks to books, movies and pop culture.

"Halloween is a sacred time for witches, but it's also a commercial holiday where the costuming, masking, and plastic fakery is the point," says Celeste Mott, a writer and the professional witch behind @celestemott. "Fortunately, there are plenty of classic halloween decorations that are both fun and meaningful."

With that in mind, we asked Mott to rank some of Halloween's most iconic Halloween decorations from most authentic to least authentic based on their connection to traditional Halloween and folk practices.

The Best Halloween Decorations, Ranked by Authenticity1. Ghosts — Most Authentic

Vecteezy

Given Halloween's long association with the spirit world, it's no surprise ghosts earned the top spot. "Ghosts are perhaps the most authentic halloween decoration," says Celeste, "because at its core, Halloween is about honoring the dead, calling home the ancestors, and protecting from malicious spirits."

2. Skeletons

Vecteezy

Similarly, skeletons have long symbolized mortality and remembrance, making them a natural fit for a holiday centered around honoring the dead. While today's oversized lawn skeletons are certainly more playful than historical, the imagery itself has deep roots in memento mori traditions that remind us death is part of life.

3. Pumpkins

Vecteezy

"Pumpkins are also authentic, because Halloween (or Samhain, which is the holiday most pagans and many witches celebrate) is an agriculturally-based holiday, centered around the harvest," Celeste says. Although early jack-o'-lanterns were often carved from turnips, pumpkins have become one of the most recognizable modern symbols of the harvest season.

4. Vampires

Vecteezy

While vampires don't originate from Halloween itself, they've become a longstanding part of autumn folklore through centuries of European legends. Their connection is more literary and cultural than spiritual, but they've earned a permanent place in Halloween celebrations.

5. Black Cats

Vecteezy

Black cats have centuries of folklore surrounding them and remain one of Halloween's most recognizable symbols. While many modern myths portray them as unlucky, witches often view black cats quite differently, seeing them as symbols of protection and magical companionship.

6. Bats

Vecteezy

Bats naturally became associated with Halloween because they emerge around dusk and are frequently seen near harvest fields. Their nocturnal habits make them an easy fit for spooky season, even if they aren't central to witchcraft traditions.

7. Cauldrons

Vecteezy

Cauldrons have long been associated with witches because they're practical tools used for cooking, brewing and preparing herbs. While they carry genuine historical connections to folk practices, they've also become heavily stylized through popular culture.

8. Spiders

Vecteezy

Spiders often appear in Halloween decor because of their eerie appearance and intricate webs. Although they contribute to the spooky atmosphere, their connection to Halloween is more symbolic than rooted in specific seasonal traditions.

9. Witches

Vecteezy

While witches are now one of Halloween's defining images, Celeste says their association with the holiday is much more modern than many people realize. "Witches actually don't have a lot to do with halloween, traditionally!” Celeste says. “It was originally celebrated as a pre-Christian harvest festival, and then later combined with folk practices like mumming and early Church traditions surrounding All Soul's Day, which falls on November 1st. Storybook witches don't really factor into the authentic celebration of Halloween/Samhain—though yes, real witches do observe this time of year as a spiritual significant date,” Celeste explains.

10. Mummies — Least Authentic

Vecteezy

Thanks largely to classic monster movies, mummies have become a Halloween favorite despite having little historical connection to the holiday itself. They round out the list as one of the least authentic decorations from a traditional witchcraft perspective, since they actually come from ancient Egyptian traditions.

How This Ranking of Halloween Decorations Was Determined

As Celeste points out, authenticity isn't always black and white. "Ranking these by authenticity really means ranking them by how much real folk history is behind them versus how much is just horror-movie branding. Authenticity depends a lot on which specific witchcraft tradition you're talking about, since there are many, so this ranking reflects my own practice rather than a universal scale,” she explains.

Meet the Real-Life Witch Behind the Rankings Celeste Mott explains the authenticity of different Halloween decorations based on their ties to folklore and tradition.

Celeste Mott

As Little House on the Prairie and The Five-Star Weekend dropped on Netflix and Peacock, respectively, all eyes were on how they would perform in the Top 10 streaming charts that Nielsen tracks. Of course, nobody really thought they would overtake the reality sensation that is Love Island USA.

As expected, the reality show did manage to hold onto that top spot, and not by just a small amount. Nielsen’s list from the week of July 6 makes it clear that more and more people are ready to watch the drama unfold, as it reaches a new high.

‘Love Island USA’ Has Its Highest Viewership Yet

While everyone expected it to remain at the top, because there is something weirdly obsessive about this reality dating show, what people likely didn’t expect was for it to cross two billion minutes watched. This is across the 282 episodes on Peacock, so there is a little bit of an advantage here, but it makes it clear that the streamer has a huge hit on its hands. It’s the most views in one week that the series has ever had.

LOVE ISLAND USA -- Episode 833 -- Pictured: (l-r) Carl Schmidt, Aniya Harvey, Sincere Nicholas Rhea, Melanie Moreno, Kayda Reese Bosse, Kuman Dameon Chandler, Zacharias Georgiou, Bryce Alakai Dettloff, Trinity Celeste Tatum, Mackenzie "Kenzie" Brooke Annis, Dylan Wrona -- (Photo by: Ben Symons/Peacock via Getty Images)

The season has been met with drama and controversies from the very beginning. Now in its eighth season, almost as soon as the new season began, one contestant was removed for using a racial slur. Alannah Keyser took to social media after the firing, sharing that she apologizes for the video from six years ago, which showed her singing along to Roddy Ricch and uttering the n-word from the track.

The season came to an end in the middle of July. There are still a few weeks of streaming figures to look at to determine just how popular that finale was and whether Love Island USA will hold onto the top of the streaming charts in the weeks after it.

‘Little House on the Prairie’ Is Trying to Keep Up

The week of July 6 marked a huge moment for Netflix, as its long-awaited reboot of Little House on the Prairie premiered on July 9, 2026. It didn’t take long for the series to land on the Top 10 for the streaming giant, and those figures also reflect on Nielsen’s charts. The binge-watch, which has already been renewed, pulled in a respectable 926 million minutes watched.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 20: A view of the "Love Island USA" logo during a season 4 photo call at Gansevoort Plaza on July 20, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)

Sure, this is far behind Love Island USA, but let’s take into account that there are three days when the reality show didn’t have competition, and there are only eight episodes compared to 282 episodes. The reboot has proven that people wanted it, whether they were ready for a slightly more modernized version of filming or to see the changes in the storyline compared to the original adaptation of the books.

Netflix’s The Worst Neighbor Ever and I Will Find You pulled in third and fourth place with 820 million minutes and 718 million minutes watched, respectively. Sitting in fifth place was another series released on July 9. The Peacock series, The Five-Star Weekend, which has just been renewed for a second season, had 629 million minutes watched.