Category: Entertainment

Reading Time: 2 minutes

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.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton)

‘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.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dolly Parton (@dollyparton)

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

Reading Time: 2 minutes

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Taylor Paul (@taylorfrankiepaul)

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

Reading Time: 2 minutes

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.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alexander’s Talent Management (@alexanderstalent)

“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

No one told Jennifer Aniston life was gonna be this way. Namely, that her long-held fear of flying would leave her soaring high. 
Because while it’s unclear if the Friends alum’s desire to move…
​E! Online (US) – Top Stories

Taylor Frankie Paul is shedding petals on her love life. 
In a sneak peek at the upcoming fifth season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Taylor is interrogated by fellow cast members Jessi…
​E! Online (US) – Top Stories

T-Boz is focusing on her health.
After the TLC member (real name Tionne Watkins) missed recent shows from the It’s Iconic Tour with Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue, their rep confirmed that the singer…
​E! Online (US) – Top Stories

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Remember little Johannah Duggar, sixteenth of Jim Bob and Michelle’s kids?

Well, she’s getting married now.

We’d say “they grow up so fast,” but that’s pretty mandatory in the Duggar cult.

Her wedding date is only weeks away. And the groom is already an in-law of sorts.

Johannah Duggar is barely an adult and already about to be a bride

At only 20 years old, Johannah Duggar has reportedly filed for a marriage license in the state of Arkansas.

Given the limitations that the state imposes, she has 60 days in which to get married.

According to a site apparently set up for the big day, Johannah will marry on October 10.

However, we cannot confirm that this is the wedding date. We are simply reporting what we know.

In light of Joseph’s arrest just a few months ago, it’s unclear how much the Duggars will share with the public about their daughter’s upcoming nuptials.

The groom is not really a public figure, despite having appeared on TLC. But he’s a familiar character all the same.

David Swanson is 23 years old. He is the younger brother of Lauren Swanson, whom Josiah Duggar married back in 2018.

Way back in 2010, when he was just a little kid, he appeared on 19 Kids and Counting during an episode where the Swansons visited the cult compound.

He was probably about 7 years old at the time. Johannah would have been preschool age — though, of course, not allowed to attend an actual school, pre- or otherwise.

David also appeared as one of Josiah’s groomsmen on Counting On. That was before TLC finally, finally canceled all things Duggar.

There was a ‘bachelorette trip,’ if you can call it that

It’s reported that Johannah Duggar went on what one can very loosely refer to as a “bachelorette” trip in August.

One of the many sad details of this trip to Charleston is that Michelle was there, alongside Josie, Jenni, and Jordyn — the only sisters younger than Johannah.

Additionally, Jessa and Jana were reportedly also present. Them and their own kids. What bachelorette trip is complete without a grandmother and little kids?

During the trip, Johannah allegedly spoke about her upcoming nuptials and flashed her engagement ring.

Growing up in the cult, this probably feels like a normal bachelorette trip to her. No partying, no hanging out with friends, no sowing of wild oats. Just family and the expectation that she will start conceiving Duggar grandbabies before she’s old enough to drink.

As we said, Johannah is 20. In fact, she was born the Duggar family’s Raising 16 Children special on Discovery back in 2006.

Many may seem surprised. Some commenters on social media remarked that they thought that Johannah was younger than this.

Others admitted that they knew her age, but hoped that she could reach a more appropriate age before marrying. The cult really wants them to marry young, however.

Johannah marrying at 20 doesn’t make her the youngest. Josh and Joseph (double yikes) both married at 20. Joy-Anna married at 19. Justin Duggar married when he was barely 18.

Sometimes, marriage gives the Duggar children their first taste of independence. But marrying a Swanson likely means that Johannah won’t learn anything but that she’ll need to have proper hygiene for the first time in her life.

Johannah Duggar is Engaged & Set a Wedding Date (The Groom is Already an In-Law to … was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

​The Hollywood Gossip

Amelia Dimoldenberg is locking up the chicken shop. 
More than a decade after premiering Chicken Shop Date, the journalist confirmed that her YouTube series was officially coming to an end.
“When…
​E! Online (US) – Top Stories

Billy Ray Cyrus is letting his butterfly fly away. 
After Miley Cyrus dropped her surname to debut her forthcoming Bass Persuades album, out Sept. 18, her dad shared his reaction. 
“Family means…
​E! Online (US) – Top Stories

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. has died at the age of 40 after sharing a deeply troubling message on Facebook in which he apologized to his loved ones and reflected on painful experiences from his childhood.

Smith, who played for the Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions, reportedly died by suicide in Florida on Wednesday, September 2, according to TMZ.

His death came just hours after the lengthy Facebook post appeared on his account.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dean Shore (@dean_shore_wfubarber)

The message immediately raised alarm, with Smith writing that he had fought what he described as “demons” and insisting that he had tried everything he could to overcome them.

“I did not want to be that WAY!” Smith wrote, adding that he knew he had disappointed people and that he had “HURT so many.”

He then delivered one of the most heartbreaking portions of the message, writing:

“I needed help & did not get it!”

Smith continued by apologizing for his behavior and describing himself in brutally self-critical terms.

“I am A COWARD! A HUGE COWARD!” he wrote.

He went on to address his children, writing, “To my kids, daddy is SO SORRY!”

He also apologized to his friends, telling them that although he loved them, “your boy was f–ked up!”

Smith’s message then turned toward his family and his childhood.

He claimed that something had happened to him when he was young involving an older woman.

Smith suggested that the experience had profoundly affected him and made the disturbing claim that he subsequently “did the same onto others.”

Smith did not elaborate on the allegations in the post, but repeatedly asked those he had affected for forgiveness. He also urged his loved ones and others reading the message to pray for their families and for everyone impacted by his actions.

Near the end of the post, Smith described himself as “the WORST” and wrote that while he believed his heart was pure, his “BRAIN & experience” were deeply troubled.

He concluded with another apology.

“I am SORRY! THIS IS IT!” he wrote.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by StreetWisdomHQ | Sports & Culture (@streetwisdomhq)

The disturbing message has since become a central part of the coverage surrounding Smith’s death.

Before his death, Smith had built an impressive career on the field.

The Florida native starred at Wake Forest from 2004 to 2008, finishing his college career with 21 interceptions. He earned All-American honors as a senior and was inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.

The Denver Broncos selected Smith with the 37th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. He played one season in Denver before being traded to the Detroit Lions, where he spent three seasons.

Smith appeared in 42 NFL games, recording 88 tackles and eight interceptions before his professional football career ended following the 2012 season.

Now, Smith’s final words have cast a painful shadow over the legacy of a player once celebrated for his accomplishments on the football field.

Our condolences go out to Alphonso Smith’s loved ones during this enormously difficult time.

Alphonso Smith Jr., Former NFL Star, Dies By Suicide Following Bizarre Facebook Post was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

​The Hollywood Gossip