‘It’s about celebration of all kinds of country music…new, old, traditional, current, however you wanna say it,’ Ballerini said. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
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Southern Italy’s cuisine is markedly different from the rest of the country, largely thanks to Arab colonization. Replicate its iced coffee with this syrup.
Food Republic – Restaurants, Reviews, Recipes, Cooking Tips
If you think high-quality balsamic vinegar always costs exorbitant amounts of money, think again. Consumer Reports highlighted an affordable option.
Mashed – Fast Food, Celebrity Chefs, Grocery, Reviews
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Last week, after the passing of beloved icon Dolly Parton, an intimate memorial service took place.
She was a philanthropist, a cultural institution, and a world-class entertainer who delighted generations.
Parton could have had a funeral with all of the bells and whistles. Instead, there was a small and intimate memorial.
Why?
Dolly Parton ‘wanted it very small’
On the Thursday, September 3 episode of Today, Dolly Parton’s cousin, Richie Owens, discussed laying her to rest.
“She wanted to keep it very quiet,” Owens emphasized.
“And,” he pointed out, “the word keeps getting brought up, ‘a funeral.’”
Owens suggested: “I don’t believe that is really the case in the situation.”
Not all memorials are funerals. These labels carry a lot of meaning for a lot of people, especially loved ones who are mourning a beloved family member.
Owens pointed out how his legendary cousin how shares a tombstone with her late husband, who passed away in early 2025.
“It was a burial to be buried beside her husband,” he detailed.
“And,” Owens emphasized, “she wanted it very small.”
By all accounts there were only 10 relatives there to lay her body to rest.
“A few family members were there,” Owens acknowledged. “Other people, I’m sure, would have liked to [have] been there, were either out doing other things and stuff.”
‘She wanted to keep it very, very private’
“It was very quiet,” Richie Owens said of Dolly Parton’s burial.
He described the affair as “very quickly done and not for any bad reasons whatsoever.”
Owens summarized: “It’s just what she wanted.”
Parton could have had an ostentatious funeral, with celebrities, massive crowds, and heads of state paying their respects. That was not her wish, however.
“She wanted to keep it very,” her cousin reiterated, “very private.”
Whatever other feelings she may have had about the end of her life, Parton also would not have wanted money to go to “waste” on a funeral when it could go towards helping more people.
“She really cared about her charities,” Owens described, referring to the Imagination Library among other projects.
“What you saw from Dolly is what she was in real life at home,” he confirmed. “[She was] personable, magical, just very giving.”
Owens added: “You got the same thing, she didn’t turn it on and off. Dolly was always Dolly. She had the greatest sense of humor.”
With the exception of perhaps a few disturbed individuals, the entire world continues to mourn Parton’s loss.
Dolly Parton Didn’t Want a Big Funeral: ‘She Wanted to Keep It Very … was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
The Hollywood Gossip
Will LSU and Lane Kiffin shut out the noise and defeat Clemson? Will we see a Week 1 upset or a jaw-dropping performance that changes early perceptions of conference and national title projections? Boise State is one of the top Group of Six schools, but can it take down Oregon? Will UCLA or Cal prevail in an old-school “Pac-12 After Dark” rivalry? College football is officially back in full swing, and we’ve got some picks of the week, along with answers to those questions and more. We’re breaking down our straight-up picks for Week 1, from LSU-Clemson to Notre Dame-Wisconsin. Let’s get into it. When: Friday, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN)Where: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, CaliforniaLine: Miami -24.5 RJ Young: Miami Darian Mensah doesn’t just have Cooper Barkate to throw to any longer, but sophomore wide receiver Malachi Toney should have an even bigger role for the Hurricanes this season. Michael Cohen: Miami There’s plenty of buzz around Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, but how about Hurricanes’ dynamo Malachi Toney? He should come out flying against Stanford after catching more than 100 passes as a true freshman last season. Laken Litman: Miami Darian Mensah starts his Heisman Trophy campaign off with a rout of Stanford. Ben Portnoy: Miami Not overthinking this one. The ‘Canes start off their campaign with a West Coast rout and Darian Mensah becomes an early Heisman darling. When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, AtlantaLine: Auburn -7.5 Young: Auburn Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown threw for 3,000 yards and rushed for 1,000 yards as the starter at South Florida last season. I expect his game to translate to SEC football. Cohen: Auburn Not enough credit is given to Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown, a USF transfer who followed head coach Alex Golesh, one of the most productive signal-callers in the country. In addition to his considerable arm talent, Brown could be a 1,000-yard rusher for the second straight year. Litman: Baylor Coach Dave Aranda enters his seventh season at Baylor with a strong non-conference win behind Florida transfer quarterback DJ Lagway looking sharp. Portnoy: BaylorGive me Baylor and the beginning of the DJ Lagway reclamation project. I like Dave Aranda to cool his seat a touch with a big non-conference victory. When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS)Where: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OregonLine: Oregon -24.5 Young: OregonA statement needs to be made. The Ducks are a top-5 team in my top 25 as well as the AP Top 25. This is their first chance to act like it. Cohen: OregonThe Ducks’ offense will always be a high-flying attraction, but that defensive line might be the best in college football. It could be a long day for Broncos’ quarterback Maddux Madsen. Litman: OregonWhile Boise State looks like a College Football Playoff contender, Dante Moore and the Ducks have more talent. Portnoy: Oregon Oregon is going to win this game, but I like Boise to stay competitive. It’s only two years ago that the Broncos took the Ducks down to the wire. It might not be that close, but it’ll be competitive. When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC)Where: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LouisianaLine: LSU -10.5 Young: LSUThe Bayou Bengals have the better roster — possibly with former NFL players! — and Tiger Stadium at night is one of the most intimidating atmospheres in the sport. Cohen: LSU The off-field storylines surrounding Lane Kiffin will always scream louder than the action between the hashes. This weekend will be no exception given the eligibility fiasco with the Tigers. But once the ball is actually kicked, people will see just how talented LSU’s roster really is. Litman: LSULane Kiffin’s tenure at LSU begins with a bang by taking down the other Tigers at home. Portnoy: LSU LSU gets the win in the fight over who plays at the real “Death Valley,” and Clemson’s consternation over the Dabo Swinney era only grows. When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC)Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MichiganLine: Michigan -27.5 Young: Michigan Bryce Underwood is the starting quarterback at Michigan, he is the most talented player on the field and he is why the Wolverines win this one. Cohen: Michigan All eyes will be on quarterback Bryce Underwood, but expect the Michigan rushing attack to carry the Wolverines. By season’s end, there might not be a better one-two running back punch than Jordan Marshall and five-star freshman Savion Hiter. Litman: Michigan Kyle Whittingham gets his first win on the Michigan sideline, and quarterback Bryce Underwood looks more like we thought he would when he came out of high school. Portnoy: Michigan Kyle Wittingham gets his first victory in Ann Arbor, but don’t be surprised if returning MAC Offensive Player of the Year Broc Lowry makes a few plays for the Broncos. When: Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)Where: California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CaliforniaLine: UCLA -1.5 Young: UCLA Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is my sleeper pick for ACC Offensive Player of the Year. But UCLA is a more complete football roster, and new head coach Bob Chesney has shown he can do more with less. Cohen: Cal A sneaky contender for best game of Week 1 between two programs on the upswing. The Bears have won the offseason, hiring new head coach Tosh Lupoi, and will ride that momentum to a win. Litman: UCLA New coach Bob Chesney starts off with a win as quarterback Nico Iamaleava seems to finally be hitting his stride this season. Portnoy: CalI’m incredibly high on what’s happening in Berkeley, and I like the Golden Bears to be a dark-horse ACC contender. Tosh Lupoi gets braggin’ rights in Year 1 over Bob Chesney. When: Sunday, 4 p.m. ET (NBC)Where: Husky Stadium, Seattle, WashingtonLine: Washington -23.5 Young: Washington Demond Williams Jr. is the closest quarterback to Kyler Murray the sport has seen since the 2018 Heisman winner’s exit. Cohen: Washington Head coach Jedd Fisch continues to build one of the more impressive programs in the country. The Huskies are recruiting at an exceptional level from the high school ranks and have an excellent coaching staff with a proven track record of developing players into pros. Litman: Washington Despite a tumultuous offseason when Demond Williams Jr. entered the transfer portal, the quarterback returns to lead the Huskies to a season-opening win over their in-state rival. Portnoy: Washington I’m bullish on Jedd Fisch and the Huskies. They get a nice Apple Cup victory to open the campaign and put a stormy offseason behind them. When: Sunday, 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC)Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WisconsinLine: Notre Dame: -20.5 Young: Notre DameThe talent deficit looks too large for Wisconsin to overcome. Cohen: Notre Dame This one could get ugly in a hurry. The Fighting Irish have one of the most talented rosters in college football and are still fueled by last year’s perceived CFP snub. Litman: Notre Dame We know coach Marcus Freeman hates to lose, and this will begin the Fighting Irish revenge tour after missing the CFP last season. Portnoy: Notre Dame Marcus Freeman’s season starts off with a bang as the Fighting Irish march toward a CFP-or-bust season. I also like quarterback CJ Carr to get his Heisman campaign started early. When: Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC)Where: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TennesseeLine: Ole Miss -6.5 Young: Ole Miss Trinidad Chambliss’ Heisman campaign began on Sunday with his helmet featured on the Vegas sphere. This season, 4,000/1,000/40/10 is within his reach. He should lead the Rebels past Louisville. Cohen: Ole Miss Even if the Rebels struggle to regain last season’s form, quarterback Trinidad Chambliss’ veteran presence should be enough to push Ole Miss to an opening win. He’s a Heisman Trophy candidate for a reason. Litman: Louisville The Cardinals pull out an upset with new Ohio State transfer quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, giving Ole Miss and Pete Golding an early loss with Lane Kiffin and LSU looming in Week 3. Portnoy: Louisville I’m incredibly skeptical of Ole Miss returning to the form it showed under Lane Kiffin, while Jeff Brohm has been a model of consistency at his alma mater. I’m picking a big win for the ACC. When: Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FloridaLine: SMU -3.5 Young: SMU The Mustangs are who Florida State used to be in the ACC. Cohen: SMUThis could be the beginning of the end for Florida State head coach Mike Norvell. Shocking to think that SMU has surpassed Florida State in the college football hierarchy, but here we are. Litman: SMUThe Mustangs begin their journey to the CFP by toppling Florida State as Mike Norvell’s tenure continues to go sideways. Portnoy: SMU Kevin Jennings eases into his third year as starting quarterback in Dallas, and the red flags we saw in Week 0 prove too much for Mike Norvell’s squad.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
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Taylor Frankie Paul may never get her shot at a televised happily-ever-after, but apparently, she did get a proposal.
And, because this is Taylor we’re talking about, the romantic moment was followed by an extremely complicated trip home.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star reveals in an upcoming episode that she accepted a marriage proposal while filming her canceled season of The Bachelorette.
In a SLOMW promotional clip that aired on Hulu’s “Get Real” podcast, Taylor is asked by costar Jessi Draper whether she got engaged during her time on the ABC dating show.
“Yes. Yes, I did,” she answers.
So much for keeping those Bachelorette spoilers under wraps.
Taylor does not identify the man who proposed, but the women quickly make it pretty obvious who they believe he is.
The suitor is seemingly Doug Mason, who shares the same initials as Taylor’s on-again, off-again ex, Dakota Mortensen.
And the similarities don’t end there.
“They have the same initials. They’re both from Idaho. It’s so weird,” Jessi points out.
Taylor insists she didn’t initially notice just how much Doug and Dakota had in common.
“I didn’t start thinking that until people said it around me,” she explains.
But the proposal apparently wasn’t the end of Taylor’s romantic complications.
After accepting the ring, Taylor returned home — and, according to her own account, she was still communicating with Dakota.
“Then, I come home. Obviously [Dakota] were texting. ‘When are you going to be home?’ I don’t know how it led to it but he came over,” Taylor says.
Because apparently coming home from a dating show where you just accepted another man’s proposal and immediately reconnecting with your ex wasn’t complicated enough.
Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette was filmed but ultimately never aired. ABC canceled the season in March, just days before its scheduled premiere, after video surfaced of a 2023 domestic altercation involving Taylor and Dakota.
The cancellation left Bachelor Nation with plenty of unanswered questions — including who Taylor chose, whether she actually got engaged and what happened after filming ended.
Now, viewers are finally getting at least one of those answers.
And considering Taylor’s relationship history with Dakota, it sounds like that engagement came with considerably more baggage than your average Bachelorette Neil Lane moment.
There were rumors that ABC would finally air Taylor’s season over the summer, but that obviously didn’t happen.
Fans will presumably learn even more about Taylor’s short-lived journey to the altar when The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 5 premieres on Hulu September 10.
Taylor Frankie Paul: I Got Engaged on ‘The Bachelorette’ … And Then … was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
The Hollywood Gossip
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Actress Carla Jeffery has passed away.
She was only 33.
Prior to her tragic death, she had a full career, from Disney’s Zombies franchise to Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Fans and loved ones are expressing their shock and grief as they process this loss.
Carla Jeffery was only 33
Taking to Instagram, talent agent Carla Alexander shared the tragic passing of the 33-year-old actress.
“Our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of our beloved Carla Jeffery,” her heartbroken caption began.
“For more than 20 years,” Alexander wrote, “Carla was part of the Alexanders Talent Management family.”
The caption expressed: “And watching her grow from a talented young girl into the beautiful, vibrant woman and actress she became was an incredible privilege.”
The statement affirmed: “We will remember her infectious smile, her laughter, her talent, and the beautiful light she carried everywhere she went.”
“Our deepest love and condolences are with Carla’s family and loved ones,” Carla Alexander expressed.
The actress’ twin brother, Carlon, who is also an actor, also expressed his own sense of loss.
“We ask that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time,” Alexander’s caption urged.
“Rest beautifully, Carla,” the social media statement added.
Alexander concluded: “You will be deeply missed and forever loved.”
Her career spanned from ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ to ‘Zombies’ and beyond
Carla Jeffery landed her first acting role 20 years ago, when she was only 13.
After playing the 10-year-old version of Mo’Nique’s character in Phat Girlz, most of her roles were on television.
Jeffery appeared on iCarly, Torchwood, Crazy Ex Girlfriend, Scream Queens, and so much more.
Perhaps the best-known series (after iCarly, anyway) was Curb Your Enthusiasm, on which she appeared for years in a recurring role.
But Jeffery’s most iconic role was as Bree on Disney’s Zombies in 2018, and then in sequel films and television adaptations.
It was not initially clear what may have been Jeffery’s cause of death.
She was only 33 years old. Unfortunately, that does not mean a short list.
Tragic accidents, terminal illnesses, foul play, and more can claim anyone’s life at any time, regardless of their age.
Though we naturally feel inquisitive about what caused this tragic loss, we can understand that those closest to Jeffery are likely focusing upon mourning rather than disseminating information right now.
We will know, or not, in time. For now, we will keep Jeffery’s loved ones in our thoughts.
Carla Jeffery Cause of Death: Disney ‘Zombies’ Star Was 33 was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
The Hollywood Gossip
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