Daily News 19

Tag: Celebrity

  • Bill Maher Sparks Outrage With ‘Bitter’ Joke About Dolly Parton Tribute

    Bill Maher Sparks Outrage With ‘Bitter’ Joke About Dolly Parton Tribute

    Fans of Dolly Parton have defended the late country music icon after comedian Bill Maher joked about her death during his HBO talk show.

    Parton’s death was announced last Tuesday, 25 August, in an emotional video shared by her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver. The singer, who had kept her health struggles private, died after a brief battle with cancer.

    US President Donald Trump announced that flags would be flown at half-mast for a week in honour of the legendary “Jolene” singer.

    Worldwide tributes to Dolly Parton

    Tributes to Parton have been held across the world. The King’s Guard performed her hit song “9 to 5” outside Buckingham Palace, a gesture Maher referenced in his opening monologue on Real Time with Bill Maher on Friday, 28 August.

    However, many viewers criticised the joke Maher made while welcoming the audience to his show, calling it insensitive and in poor taste.

    After referring to the United States’ trade war with Canada and the conflict in Iran, Maher said:

    “All this is going on and all America could really talk about this week was how sad it is that we lost Dolly Parton,”

    He continued:

    “Everybody around the country, even around the world — [in] London they’re doing things.

    Maher then referred to tributes in the United States:

    “The Santa Monica Ferris wheel is lit up with hearts. The Empire State Building was put up in pink,”

    He added:

    “The Sphere in Las Vegas added a nipple.”

    The joke received some laughter from the studio audience, but Parton’s fans took to social media to make clear that they did not find it amusing.

    Author Tara Dublin wrote on X:

    “Mocking our grief over losing Dolly Parton is just more proof that Trumpsimp @billmaher is a soulless ghoul who wants his own Maher-A-Lago.”

    Jason Levin, founder of Memelord.com, also criticised Maher, writing:

    “Bill Maher trying to get edgy about Dolly Parton is wild.”

    “Buddy, you’re not ‘telling hard truths’, you’re just the guy who looked at a national treasure and said, ‘How can I make this about my bitterness?’”

    Another viewer said:

    “After America’s beloved country singing Angel passed, he has to be a complete d**k about it? We LOVED Dolly Parton, THAT is why it was big news.

    The viewer continued:

    “She was kind, generous, and didn’t attack our most vulnerable communities, unlike YOU, Bill Maher. @HBO, WHY does he still have a show? Who the hell still watches him?”

    A fourth critic added:

    “We can always count on Bill Maher to say something utterly stupid and in the worst taste possible!”

    Other viewers defended Maher’s comments, suggesting the joke was not intended to be taken seriously. One person claimed that Parton would probably have ‘laughed at the joke’.

    Maher was not the only public figure to face criticism after Parton’s death. Her former co-star Ricky Schroder also drew backlash after mentioning disagreements with some of her views in a tribute post on Instagram.

    Schroder wrote:

    “I didnt [sic] agree with her advocating for Transgender & Covid Vaccine support… but Loved her anyway. Thank you for choosing me Dolly to be your Movie Daddy.”

    He later doubled down on the comments in a follow-up post, despite receiving widespread criticism and being branded ‘insensitive’ by Parton’s supporters.

    Source: www.ladbible.com

  • What Rebecca Black Is Doing Now, Years After Facing Death Threats Over “Friday” at Age 13

    What Rebecca Black Is Doing Now, Years After Facing Death Threats Over “Friday” at Age 13

    In 2011, few songs were more unavoidable than Rebecca Black’s “Friday”. The track went viral online, and despite the widespread backlash, it was almost impossible to escape.

    Black was just 13 when the song and its music video were released. The sudden fame exposed her to intense bullying and death threats, while she has since spoken openly about feeling “shame” over how many people know her.

    Now 29, Black has continued making music and has released several tracks over the years. Her debut studio album, Let Her Burn, arrived in February 2023, with her second studio album due next week.

    Rebecca Black is now a DJ too. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Museum of Modern Art)

    Rebecca Black faced death threats after “Friday” went viral

    When “Friday” became a viral hit, police officially recognised the death threats made against the teenager. One threat demanded that she remove the song from YouTube “or else”.

    Speaking to ABC News at the time, Black said she could not believe the things people were saying about her.

    “The meanest thing I read was I hope you cut yourself and I hope you get a eating disorder so you’ll look pretty,” Black said.

    Although “Friday” is now regarded as one of the most disliked YouTube videos of all time, Black has continued working in music despite legal struggles surrounding the song and years of online trolling.

    “Gotta get down on Fridayyyy.” (Mark Sullivan/WireImage)

    Black has reinvented herself as a DJ and recording artist

    Black has performed as a DJ at multiple events, describing the work as a “personal creative outlet”. She told Refinery29 that DJing had helped her become more “in tune with an audience” and learn how to adapt to a crowd.

    “I think that’s such an important part of the type of DJ I want to be: Not only someone with my own identity and sound, but one who knows how to move with the energy of the room and what people want,” she explained. “That is so opposite from how I’ve always approached my live shows, which are rehearsed down to the second.”

    In 2025, Black released her third EP, Salvation. On Friday (4 September), she will release her second studio album, Age of the Exhibitionist.

    Speaking to NME, she described the new music as “heavier, harder, faster and louder than anything I’ve made before”. She has already released three singles from the album: “Speakerphone”, “Hot Wet Delirious” and “Michael”.

    With a Boiler Room set already under her belt and a place on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 music list, Black still performs mixes of her 2011 track at events.

    Whatever listeners think of “Friday”, the song remains an enduring part of pop culture history.

    “Gotta get down on Friday, Everybody’s looking forward to the weekend….”

  • Frankie Muniz Tears Up in Emotional Interview After Winning GT4 America Race

    Frankie Muniz Tears Up in Emotional Interview After Winning GT4 America Race

    Frankie Muniz was overcome with emotion after claiming his maiden Pirelli GT4 America victory alongside teammate Tyler Stone at Road America.

    The Malcolm in the Middle star, 40, fought back tears as he and Stone secured first place in the Am class in Race 1 on Friday, August 28, driving a Ford Mustang GT4. The pair finished 17th overall in the multi-class race, with Stone crossing the finish line just half a second ahead of the driver behind him.

    Muniz described the result as “unbelievable” and said the victory came at an especially important moment in his life.

    Muniz was overcome by emotion as he watched Stone speed across the finish line (Instagram/@frankiemuniz4)

    After embracing members of his crew, Muniz wiped tears from his face and explained why the win meant so much to him.

    “I’m emotional because I’ve honestly had two of the worst weeks of my entire life, to be honest. I came here, really low.”

    “Had a good day yesterday, and felt really good today…so to get this win is just…thank you, God, my team, Ford. This is unbelievable.”

    “I feel so incredible. I’m so excited for Tyler, he drove so good! This is amazing.”

    Fans watching the GT4 America Series celebrated Muniz’s emotional victory, with one social media user writing: “That’s a long time coming for Frankie, good to see.”

    Another wrote: “Hell yeah! Way to go Frankie. Thats huge. Keep it up!”

    A third added: “Very happy for him. He deserves it.”

    Muniz, who also competes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, shared footage of the celebrations on Instagram. The video was accompanied by Queen’s “We Are The Champions,” while Muniz wrote:

    “Are you kidding me!?!? “We won at Road America in our @fordracing Mustang GT4 car! I’ve been pretty low these past two weeks, but God is good and gave us this win right when I could use it most!!

    The two-time Golden Globe nominee also praised Stone and the TechSport Racing team.

    “I couldn’t be more proud of my teammate @tstonem3 and my team @techsport_racing for being absolutely incredible all weekend,”

    “This Mustang was a rocketship! Let’s get another win tomorrow!”

    Stone returned the praise in a social media post about the team’s “great day” in Wisconsin.

    “@frankiemuniz4 drove an incredible first stint and put us in position to fight up front, and after falling back at the beginning of the second stint, we were able to fight back for the win.

    “We are truly blessed and grateful to be teammates in this position. Thank you to @techsport_racing and crew for all the work they put in to get us ready for the green flag and a big thanks to @fordracing for an excellent race car, for all the support this year and for this incredible opportunity!”

    Footage shared online showed Muniz celebrating as Stone crossed the line in the TechSport Ford Mustang.

    Frankie Muniz and Tyler Stone have taken their maiden victory in Pirelli GT4 America, winning the Am class in Race 1 at Road America. @frankiemuniz was very emotional, as he saw his teammate cross the line with the TechSport Ford Mustang.🎥 SRO | #GT4America

    Why Frankie Muniz left acting for racing

    Muniz began pursuing a career in open-wheel racing after stepping away from acting following his hugely successful run as the star of Malcolm in the Middle. Although he was once considered “one of Hollywood’s most bankable teens,” he chose to leave Los Angeles to focus on racing.

    During an appearance on the Steve-O’s Wild Ride! podcast in 2021, Muniz explained his decision.

    “When Malcolm ended, I got signed to BMW to race cars. I said to my agents and manager, ‘Look this is what I want to do. I’m not trying to just do it as a hobby, I want to be the best I can be’. Like anything, if you want to do something the best, you’ve got to put in the time, you need to get in the work.”

    “So I didn’t think that it was humanly possible to continue acting or continue in the entertainment business while doing the racing thing.

    “I’m so happy I went racing, I love every aspect of it and now it’s becoming a part of my life again. But I look back and I go, ‘Did I make a mistake leaving at the height of my career?’”

    “Like when I had hundreds of offers…I could have kept going non-stop, and I said, ‘No, I don’t want to’. Now I look back and I go, ‘I wonder what my life would have been if I stayed’.”

    “I look back and I go, ‘Thank goodness I left!’ Because I appreciate life in general more, I’ve started taking more in and I look back at the success I had and go, ‘That was really cool’.”

    Muniz previously said he was a “much happier person” after leaving Los Angeles for Phoenix, Arizona, and changing careers. His emotional GT4 America triumph at Road America marked a major reward for the years of work he has put into motorsport.

  • Tom Hardy Leaves Fans Baffled With Risqué Kathy Bates Confession on New Rap Album

    Tom Hardy Leaves Fans Baffled With Risqué Kathy Bates Confession on New Rap Album

    Tom Hardy has surprised fans by releasing a new rap album filled with unusual lyrics and unexpected references to Marvel characters, Stephen King novels and Shakespeare.

    The actor is known for a wide range of roles, including Batman villain Bane, Mad Max and the 1960s London gangsters Ronnie and Reggie Kray in Legend. However, his latest release has caught many fans off guard, particularly those who were unaware that Hardy also makes music.

    Hardy releases music under the name Frankie Pulitzer. His latest project, Czarface Meets Frankie Pulitzer, is a collaboration with underground rap group Czarface, which includes Wu-Tang Clan member Inspectah Deck, as well as 7L & Esoteric.

    Tom Hardy’s unusual rap lyrics

    The album includes several lyrics that have left listeners scratching their heads. Movie fans may recognise references to the Green Goblin from the Spider-Man films starring Tobey Maguire, in which the character was played by Willem Dafoe.

    Hardy, performing as Frankie Pulitzer, says in one song: “I be somewhat of a scientist like Willem Dafoe, If you know then you know, Goblin up crumbs”.

    There is also a reference to another Marvel character, Doctor Doom: “Doctor Doom how I’m the Victor the Scripture”.

    Another track, Mad Technology, takes the references in an even more unexpected direction. The song mentions two books by acclaimed horror writer Stephen King: Cujo, about a rabid dog that goes on a killing spree, and Misery, which features the obsessive character Kathy Bates.

    The lyrics say: “You sh**-for-brain no-name lame, that bites like Cujo, I’d rather masturbate to Kathy Bates than hear you flow, And you know that Misery, it loves company.”

    Other tracks take a more highbrow approach, including a recitation of a monologue from Shakespeare’s Richard IIII.

    Fans react to Tom Hardy’s rap album

    Fans shared a mixed reaction to the album’s release on social media. One listener wrote: “this cannot be real wtfff”.

    Another posted: “Please sound like Bane.”

    A third fan said: “he already has a couple songs out with czarface that came out years ago and I still can’t believe that’s tom hardy.”

    Some fans were delighted to discover that Hardy also raps. One wrote: “Tom Hardy is such a legend. I was blown away when I found out he rapped.”

    The album was released after the second season of MobLand, in which Hardy became the subject of controversy following reports that he had been fired after a contentious season of filming.

    Reports suggested that a decision had been made to prevent Hardy from returning for a third season of the show. That decision was later reversed, while rumours also claimed that director Guy Ritchie had helped smooth things over.

    Source: www.ladbible.com

  • Robert De Niro on Acting at 83, Three Years After the Birth of His Seventh Child

    Robert De Niro on Acting at 83, Three Years After the Birth of His Seventh Child

    Robert De Niro may be 83, but the legendary actor shows no signs of slowing down. With The Whisper Man now streaming on Netflix and Focker-in-Law due later this year, De Niro continues to balance a busy acting career with life as a father of seven.

    His youngest child was born just three years ago, when De Niro was 79. In a new interview, the Taxi Driver and Killers of the Flower Moon star discussed the challenge of managing parenthood alongside his demanding career.

    De Niro’s oldest child is 54, while his other six children are 49, 30, 30, 28, 14, and three. Speaking to People, he was asked how he balances fatherhood and acting.

    De Niro answered frankly, saying: “I don’t know if there is a secret.“It’s just managing it all. And there’s no way around not feeling a little guilty about not being there at times you should or you think you should.”

    He described parenting his youngest child as a ‘new experience’, adding: “You just jump in and you have the child and you got to… That’s it.”

    Although many actors reduce their workload in their 80s, De Niro has said he has no plans to retire. Speaking to Esquire about continuing to act, he said: “I might like to do things that are more retiring. Like sit in a place and just look at the view. Take a nice walk. Have a coffee. But not retire. As long as I’m enjoying what I’m doing, why retire?”

    What is The Whisper Man about?

    The Whisper Man centers on a grieving father, played by Adam Scott, whose son is abducted. He seeks help from his own father, a retired police detective, and together they uncover a connection to a decades-old serial killer case involving the Whisper Man.

    The Netflix thriller features an all-star cast that also includes Michael Keaton, Michelle Monaghan, and Hamish Linklater, although De Niro remains its biggest name.

    The Whisper Man reviews and Rotten Tomatoes score

    The Whisper Man was released on Netflix today and has received a mixed response from viewers and critics. The film debuted with a 57% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

    One review from Slate strongly criticized the movie, questioning how it was made and describing De Niro’s performance as ‘phoned in’.

    Variety offered a more positive assessment, writing: “If De Niro never seems overly at pains to inhabit the character of Jersey cop with a cross to bear, his crumpled autopilot paternalism is still a warm asset to the film.”

    The LA Times gave the film the most positive review among major outlets, saying Scott is ‘on fire’ and adding: “De Niro, who can convey emotional volumes with raised palm and a tightly closed mouth, gives him plenty of room to work.”

    The Whisper Man is available to watch on Netflix now.

  • Rosie O’Donnell Shares Text Messages From Jailed Daughter as Pair Reconciles After 10 Years

    Rosie O’Donnell Shares Text Messages From Jailed Daughter as Pair Reconciles After 10 Years

    Rosie O’Donnell has offered a rare glimpse into her rekindled relationship with her daughter Chelsea, 28, who is currently serving an 18-month sentence at Taycheedah Correctional Institution in Wisconsin. The comedian, 64, posted a throwback photograph alongside screenshots of recent text messages on Instagram, signaling a potential reconciliation after more than a decade of estrangement.

    Text messages reveal a tentative reconnection

    The shared messages show Chelsea initiating contact with a practical update on her life behind bars. “Thank you mom I got my music back today. How are you?” she wrote, adding that she was attempting to reach a social worker to discuss release plans. O’Donnell responded with a lighthearted personal anecdote about a recent manicure, joking she would avoid gel polish in the future because it had damaged her nails. She then asked if Chelsea was reading a good book. Chelsea replied she was reading the Legacy series, adding, “Yeah I haven’t painted my nails in years but I remember that stuff breaking my nails.”

    A history of addiction and legal troubles

    O’Donnell, a mother of five — sons Parker, 30, and Blake, 26; daughters Chelsea, Vivienne, 23, and adopted daughter Dakota, 12 — has previously spoken candidly about the difficulties in her relationship with Chelsea. The pair became estranged after Chelsea left home as a teenager, and O’Donnell later revealed her daughter had struggled with addiction, describing it as a painful journey.

    Chelsea faced multiple arrests in Wisconsin throughout 2024. According to PEOPLE, charges included resisting or obstructing an officer, felony bail jumping, possession of methamphetamine, illegally obtaining prescriptions and drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor possession of THC, and allegations relating to child neglect. In February 2025, she pleaded guilty to three felony charges and received a probation sentence with strict conditions, including maintaining sobriety and avoiding contact with known drug users or sellers.

    Probation revoked, leading to prison sentence

    The probation was revoked after Chelsea breached those conditions, resulting in an 18-month prison sentence beginning in October 2025. Following the sentencing, O’Donnell publicly appealed for support, sharing a childhood photo of her daughter with the caption: “My child chelsea belle – before addiction took over her life – i loved her then i love her now as she faces a scary future- prayers welcomed.”

    In a statement to PEOPLE, O’Donnell emphasized compassion: “I have compassion for those struggling with addiction – Chelsea was born into addiction, and it has been a painful journey for her and her four young children. We continue to love and support her through these horrible times.”

    Prison visit marks emotional breakthrough

    A significant turning point occurred during a prison visit earlier this year. O’Donnell described it as the first substantial conversation she had shared with Chelsea in approximately ten years, lasting more than 25 minutes. They spent nearly four hours together before a tornado warning cut the meeting short. Speaking to Page Six, O’Donnell reflected on the moment: “That’s the first time I’ve seen, kind of, an empathetic emotion from her,” noting that Chelsea cried when the visit ended prematurely.

    If you or someone you know needs confidential advice about drugs, you can contact FRANK by calling 0300 123 6600, texting 82111, or visiting their website for 24/7 support and live chat from 2pm to 6pm daily.

  • Busy Phillipps Responds to ‘Living on Borrowed Time’ Comments After Rare Brain Tumour Diagnosis

    Busy Phillipps Responds to ‘Living on Borrowed Time’ Comments After Rare Brain Tumour Diagnosis

    Actor Busy Philipps has publicly condemned Globe Magazine over a planned article characterizing her brain tumor recovery as “living on borrowed time.” The 47-year-old star, known for roles in Dawson’s Creek, Freaks and Geeks, and Cougar Town, shared a screenshot of a media request from her publicist to Instagram, denouncing the outlet’s “brazen approach.”

    Philipps Responds to ‘Insane’ Media Angle

    In a video accompanying the post, Philipps addressed the publication directly, preserving her signature candor.

    “The Globe is gonna run a story that I am living on borrowed time. To that I say, ‘Aren’t we all motherf***ers?’”

    She continued, laughing in disbelief at the premise of the upcoming piece.

    “But really this is insane. I’m not going to [respond]. My doctors spoke [to PEOPLE] and they’re gonna just run an article that I’m living on borrowed time and that some people who have brain tumours don’t live five years?”

    “That’s true… it’s not what my journey is but OK Globe, go f*** yourself.”

    Celebrity Peers Offer Support

    The comments section quickly filled with messages of support from fellow actors. Angela Kinsey of The Office wrote:

    “Good Lord! Ridiculous! Go Busy go! We got your back!!”

    Juliette Lewis, star of Natural Born Killers and Yellowjackets, shared a similar experience with tabloid tactics, highlighting the “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” pressure of pre-publication comment requests.

    “Ugh I remember getting these types of emails about ‘stories’ they were gonna run about MY life that were totally not true that you were damned if you do damned if you don’t,”

    “If you give a comment then it looks like you’ve commented and legitimise a total lie and if you don’t say anything many people will believe the totally false story. But Alas, now we have social media and we can talk directly to people!”

    Medical Context: Grade 2 Oligodendroglioma

    Philipps revealed in February that she had been diagnosed with a Grade 2 oligodendroglioma, a rare type of brain tumor, which was successfully removed the following month. As she noted in her Instagram callout, her medical team previously spoke to PEOPLE to clarify the prognosis.

    Neuro-oncologist Dr. Alexandra Miller provided details on the diagnosis:

    “It is considered malignant, but it has the best prognosis of all of the malignant gliomas,”

    “It’s sort of defined as a cancerous tumour based on the ability of the tumour to regrow over time, rather than it looking very malignant under the microscope.”

    Following surgery, Philipps does not currently require chemotherapy or radiotherapy. However, she will undergo regular scans to monitor for any recurrence.

    LADbible has contacted Globe Magazine for comment.

  • Dolly Parton’s ‘movie dad’ Ricky Schroder Refuels Outrage With New ‘Tone-Deaf’ Post

    Dolly Parton’s ‘movie dad’ Ricky Schroder Refuels Outrage With New ‘Tone-Deaf’ Post

    Actor Ricky Schroder has intensified criticism of Dolly Parton following the country music icon’s death on August 25 at age 80 after what reports describe as a brief battle with cancer. While tributes poured in from musicians, celebrities, and millions of fans worldwide, Schroder’s social media posts sparked significant backlash for their tone and political commentary.

    Schroder doubles down on controversial tribute

    Schroder, 56, worked with Parton in the 2015 television film Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors and its 2016 sequel Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love. In his initial Instagram post, shared alongside an image of the pair that was flagged for “AI content,” Schroder wrote:

    “I didnt [sic] agree with her advocating for Transgender & Covid Vaccine support… but Loved her anyway.

    Thank you for choosing me Dolly to be your Movie Daddy.”

    Despite immediate criticism, Schroder followed up with a second post on his Instagram story. Quoting a 2020 video in which Parton urged COVID-19 vaccination, he wrote:

    “I warned Dolly to not support the experiment.

    Wished she listened,”

    signing off with a sad face emoji.

    Parton’s vaccine advocacy and LGBTQ+ support

    Parton donated $1 million (£716,000) to Vanderbilt University Medical Center during the pandemic to help fund the Moderna vaccine. She publicly promoted the vaccine once available, including a widely shared video where she reimagined her hit “Jolene”:

    “Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, I’m begging of you, please don’t hesitate,” she sang. “Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, cause once you’re dead, that’s a bit too late.”

    In the same video, Parton stated:

    “I’m old enough to get it and I’m smart enough to get it.”

    Beyond public health advocacy, Parton was renowned for her philanthropy. Her Imagination Library has gifted millions of books to children across five countries, and she was a longtime supporter of LGBTQ+ equality.

    Swift and widespread backlash

    Criticism came from across the entertainment industry and social media. Journalist Katie Couric responded with a single word on Threads:

    ‘Ick’

    Musician Boy George wrote:

    “Oh shut up.”

    Actor Jay Huguley added:

    ‘I loved her anyway’ what a strange tribute. Good Lord,

    while numerous social media users questioned the necessity of Schroder’s comments. One commenter wrote:

    “Why bring up what you didn’t like?”

    Many others agreed there was “no need to even post that.” LADbible Group has approached Schroder for comment.

    Celebrity tributes honor Parton’s legacy

    Miley Cyrus

    Parton’s goddaughter shared an emotional Instagram tribute:

    “The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.

    What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis.

    I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things.”

    Donald Trump

    The former president posted on Truth Social:

    “Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away.

    This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.

    In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”

    Taylor Swift

    Swift, whom Parton had previously praised as a “great inspiration,” penned a lengthy statement:

    “A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one.

    She was truly the gift that kept on giving. Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals. Somehow she was able to give us her lessons about the world gently and honestly, simultaneously, and oftentimes hilariously.

    She managed to give the world the ultimate mystery and fantasy in some corners of her life, but to give full transparency in the ways that counted.

    Somehow she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person. She possessed the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist.

    Along with her other fans, I am so grateful for all of it. For the melodies and lyrics she wrote that thawed even the coldest hearts. For the millions of books she provided children all over the world so that they might fall in love with stories the way she did. For the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too.

    Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way.”

    Beyoncé

    The singer, who released her own version of “Jolene” in 2024, wrote:

    “Dolly, you were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself.

    I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humour, your entrepreneurship. I’m honoured that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever.

    Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”

    Eminem

    The rapper shared a personal note Parton sent congratulating him on his 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction:

    “Even though I don’t know a lot about rap music, I’ve come to know that you are the very best at it.

    I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow.

    Just know you are very special and touch people in ways you don’t even know.”

    Eminem responded:

    “I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me. She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it.

    Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense.

    Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words.”

  • Netflix and MCU Stars Are Identical Twins, Not the Same Person; Viewers Baffled

    Netflix and MCU Stars Are Identical Twins, Not the Same Person; Viewers Baffled

    Fans of Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia were left stunned after discovering that actor Aaron Ashmore — not his identical twin brother Shawn — portrays Gil Timmins in the series. The revelation sparked widespread disbelief across social media, with many viewers convinced they had been watching Shawn Ashmore, known for his role as Wesley Evers on The Rookie and as Iceman in the X-Men franchise.

    Reddit Thread Exposes Widespread Confusion

    A post on the Ginny & Georgia subreddit last year ignited a flood of reactions after a user shared their shock at learning there are two Ashmore brothers.

    “This whole time I thought I was watching Shawn Ashmore from the Rookie,”

    the post read.

    “It turns out that Shawn Ashmore and Aaron Ashmore are twins. I had seen Shawn in the Rookie play Wesley, a very sweet and kind husband and very unlike Gil. It turns out the actors are twins!”

    The thread quickly filled with similar responses.

    “You’re telling me these are two different people?”

    one bemused Redditor asked.

    “I am glad I am not the only one who got so confused thinking I was watching Shawn Ashmore the whole time.”

    Another user wrote:

    “I was like omg that’s literally the same person, wtf. Then realising they are twins, and they are genetically, literally the same lol.”

    A fourth simply exclaimed:

    “WHAT!!!???”

    Identical Twins with Parallel Acting Careers

    Born on October 7, 1979, in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, Shawn and Aaron Ashmore are identical twins, with Shawn older by one minute. Both have built successful acting careers, often leading to cases of mistaken identity.

    Shawn Ashmore gained global recognition as Bobby Drake, aka Iceman, in the X-Men film series. He also appeared in two episodes of Smallville as Eric Summers. Aaron Ashmore played Jimmy Olsen in 53 episodes of Smallville and joined Ginny & Georgia in its third season (2023), appearing in 14 episodes as Gil Timmins.

    Early Career: Coin Flips and Commercial Casting

    The brothers’ striking resemblance shaped their entry into the entertainment industry. As children, they auditioned for commercials together, and casting directors frequently struggled to tell them apart.

    Shawn recounted the experience to US Weekly:

    “When we were doing commercials, they would call us back in after we both auditioned,”

    he said.

    “And [they] said, ‘We love you guys both. And so it’s fair, we’re gonna flip a coin so that you guys can see it’s not preferential treatment.’”

    That scenario repeated multiple times.

    “That happened four or five times where they’d say, ‘Hey, come on, come in, we’re gonna hire one of you.”

    Shawn continued:

    “But so that the other one doesn’t get their feelings hurt or they don’t think it’s personal, we’re gonna flip a coin in front of you guys.”

    Aaron was initially cast for their first commercial but fell ill on the shoot day. Shawn stepped in as his double — a moment that foreshadowed a career defined by their uncanny similarity.

  • Liam Payne’s Cousin Reveals Devastating Detail Weeks After Final CCTV Footage Released

    Liam Payne’s Cousin Reveals Devastating Detail Weeks After Final CCTV Footage Released

    Liam Payne’s cousin, Ross Harris, has opened up about the former One Direction star’s final days in a new interview with ITV, revealing he missed a call from the singer on the day he died and reflecting on the emotional toll of fame.

    Missed Call and Lasting Regret

    Payne, 31, died on 16 October 2024 after falling 46 feet from a balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A toxicology report later confirmed the presence of cocaine, alcohol, and the sedative Klonopin in his system. The cause of death was ruled as polytrauma.

    Harris, who taught Payne to play piano as a child, told ITV his phone was face down during a recording session when the singer tried to reach him. “I think my phone must have been face down and we were recording, and yeah, just completely missed it,” he said. “And then I think I probably saw it maybe an hour or two later… then I tried to call, but I think he was already gone by that point.”

    Looking back, Harris described the weight of hindsight. “Hindsight’s a beautiful, awful thing where if I could go back, I would change absolutely everything.”

    ‘He Didn’t Feel Very Loved’

    Beyond the missed call, Harris painted a picture of a man who struggled with the disconnect between public adoration and private isolation. “He didn’t feel very loved,” Harris said, adding that while “fans loved Liam Payne,” the singer “needed someone to love Liam.”

    Harris emphasized that despite being in his thirties, Payne never had the chance to mature outside the spotlight. “Even though he was in his thirties, he was still basically a kid in this industry because he didn’t have a chance to grow up like a normal person would outside of the fame system.” He continued: “I think in entertainment the cost is much higher because someone’s image and their health is on the line in a public facing way where a mistake has a much higher cost.”

    Final Hours Captured on CCTV

    Police-released CCTV from earlier this month showed Payne in the hotel lobby with two women, identified as Ildana Serrano and Lucila Goite, both of whom later claimed to have had sex with him. Footage also captured him wandering corridors, swinging from a lamppost, and staff delivering buckets of champagne and whiskey to his room. Receipts indicate Payne spent more than $600,000 on whisky during his stay.

    Ongoing Legal Proceedings

    WhatsApp messages from hotel staff dated 14 October, previously published by the Mail on Sunday, reveal concerns about managing Payne’s behavior. Authorities had been called to the hotel before his death over welfare concerns.

    Two hotel employees — Ezequiel Pereyra, 22, and waiter Braian Paiz, 26 — were arrested and charged with supplying drugs to the singer. Both have been released on bail and deny all charges. Legal sources indicate plea deal negotiations are ongoing.

    Musical Tribute

    Harris has released a song titled Bones in tribute to his cousin. Proceeds from the track will support causes close to Payne’s heart.