Dolly Parton was open about her health issues before she died at the age of 80 in August 2026.

In September 2025, Parton surprised fans when she missed a scheduled visit to her Dollywood theme park to celebrate the new Night Flight Expedition Ride. Instead, the country singer appeared in a prerecorded video message played for the crowd.

“Hello Dollywood! It’s me,” Parton said in the clip, which was shared by attendees via X. “I know — and I’m here, and you’re there. And you’re wondering why that is? Well, I had a little problem. I had a kidney stone that was causing me a lot of problems. Turned out it’d given me an infection.”

After assuring fans she needed time to rest, Parton also postponed her Las Vegas concerts scheduled for December 2025 due to a “few procedures.”

Related: Dolly Parton Is Fine, Dealing With Kidney Stones, Rep Says

Dolly Parton’s rep is assuring fans she is fine amid concerns over her health. The “Jolene” singer’s fans expressed their concern on Tuesday, October 7, after Dolly’s sister Freida Parton shared in a Facebook post that she was “up all night praying” for the star. Dolly, 79, recently postponed several Las Vegas shows due to take […]

“Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet,” she told fans in an Instagram post in September 2025. “But, I believe he is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with you all.”

When kicking off a new season at Dollywood in March 2026, however, Parton appeared to be in good spirits as she stopped by the theme park to speak with attendees.

Nearly one year after her health problems were first revealed, Parton’s nephew Bryan Seaver confirmed her death in a video on August 25, 2026.

Keep scrolling to see everything Parton has said about her health so far:

Skipping Dollywood Event Due to Kidney Stone Infection

Instead of attending a Dollywood appearance to celebrate the new Night Flight Expedition ride in September 2025, the singer appeared in a video to the crowd revealing she had “a kidney stone” causing her a “lot of problems.”

“Turned out it’d given me an infection,” Dolly Parton explained at the time in the clip, shared by attendees via X. “And the doctor said, ‘You don’t need to be traveling right this minute, so you need a few days to get better.’ So he suggested I not go to Dollywood today, but I am there with you in spirit and I was looking forward to it.”

Parton apologized to fans that she couldn’t “be there in person” and said she would “be back as quick” as she could.

“Don’t worry about me, I’m gonna be OK. Just can’t do it today,” she said.

Postpones Vegas Shows Because of ‘Health Challenges’

After missing her Dollywood appearance, later that month Dolly Parton pushed back her Las Vegas concerts, scheduled for December 2025, by nearly a year because of her health.

“I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts,” she said in a written statement shared via Instagram that September. “As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures. As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!”

Related: Dolly Parton’s Sister Clarifies Comments Asking Fans to ‘Pray’ for Her

UPDATE — 10/8/25, 3 a.m. ET: Dolly Parton’s sister Freida clarified her comments asking fans to pray for the singer in a new Facebook post late Tuesday, October 7. “I want to clear something up. I didn’t mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly,” Freida wrote. […]

The legendary singer went on to say that “in all seriousness, given this, I am not going to be able to rehearse and put together the show that I want you to see, and the show that you deserve to see.”

“You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you,” she said, adding that she will be “able to work on all of my projects here in Nashville” for the time being. “I just need a little time to get show ready, as they say. And don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet. But I believe he is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with you all.”

Parton concluded her message by thanking her fans for “understanding.” The shows were rescheduled for September 2026.

Opening Up About Worries Over Her Health

After concern for Dolly Parton’s health rose following her Vegas show cancellations, the singer reassured fans that she isn’t dealing with “anything major.”

“I wanna say something,” Parton said in a video posted on social media in October 2025. “Well, today’s October the 8th and, obviously, I’m here doing some commercials for the Grand Ole Opry, which is why I’m dressed kinda like a country western girl.”

Parton went on to say she knows that “everybody thinks” she’s “sicker” than she really is.

Related: Another One of Dolly Parton’s Sisters Speaks Out About Singer’s Health

Dolly Parton’s younger sister Stella Parton has spoken out amid the widespread discussion about the singer’s health. “My big sister Dolly posted last week, giving her fans an update concerning her health and that she has been seeking treatment for kidney stones,” she wrote via Facebook on Wednesday, October 8. “My sister Freida is concerned […]

“Do I look sick to you? I’m working hard here,” she explained. “Anyway, I wanted to put everybody’s mind at ease, those of you that seem to be real concerned, which I appreciate. And I appreciate your prayers ‘cause I’m a person of faith. I can always use the prayers for anything and everything. But I want you to know that I’m OK.”

The singer explained that she’s “got some [health] problems,” which she has “mentioned” previously.

“Back when my husband, Carl [Dean], was very sick, that was for a long time, and then when he passed I didn’t take care of myself, so I let a lot of things go that I should have been taking care of,” she said. “So, anyway, when I got around to it, the doctor said we need to take care of this, we need to take care of that. Nothing major, but I did have to cancel some things so I could be closer to home and closer to Vanderbilt [University Medical Center] where I’m kind of having a few treatments here and there. But I wanted you to know that I’m not dying.”

Parton went on to address a fake photo of her and Reba McEntire that contributed to the rumors about her health.

“Did you see that AI picture of Reba and me? Ooh, Lordy. I mean, they had Reba at my deathbed. And we both looked like we needed to be buried,” she joked. “But I thought, ‘Oh, my Lord, if I was really dying, I don’t think Reba would be the one at my deathbed.’ She might come visit me earlier, but anyway, there are just a lot of rumors flying around, but I figured if you heard it from me you’d know that I was OK. So anyhow, that’s what I wanted to say, and I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me and I ain’t done working. So I love you for caring, and keep praying for me.”

Needing Time to Rest After Health Issues

In November 2025, Dolly Parton missed her induction into the IAAPA’s Hall of Fame for Dollywood — and instead spoke in a video message to fans.

“I sure wish I could be with you in person today, but you probably heard that I’ve been dealing with a few health challenges this fall, and my doctors told me to take it easy for just a little while,” she explained in an Instagram video. “And I’m truly sorry I can’t be there, but I sure wanted to take the chance to say thank you for this incredible honor.”

Dolly Parton Shares Update in Rare Public Appearance

In March 2026, Dolly Parton made a rare public appearance at Dollywood in Tennessee to give an update on how she was feeling.

“I’ve had a few little health issues, and we’re taking good care of them,” Parton told attendees via Entertainment Weekly. “I just kind of got worn down and worn out. I just got myself kind of where I needed to build myself back up spiritually, emotionally and physically. But, all is good. It didn’t slow me down.”

During her appearance, Parton announced new attractions for the theme park and teased additional projects in the works.

“There are more things coming,” Parton teased. “I’m not done.”

Dolly Parton Skipped Opening on New Dollywood Ride Due to Her Health

On August 21, 2026, Parton explained she had to skip the opening of a new ride at Dollywood because her doctor ordered her not to travel.

“I’ve told you before, all my fans, that I’ve had a few little health issues, and sometimes I get a little dizzy and I get dehydrated,” she said in a video uploaded days before her death, according to News Nation.

Dolly Parton’s Death Confirmed at Age 80 in August 2026

True Public Relations confirmed that Parton died at the age of 80 on August 25, 2026.

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“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience,” the press release stated. “With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”

The press release included a video from Seaver, who confirmed her death in a video shared via her Instagram account.

“It is an honor. An honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness,” he said of his aunt’s request that he share the news. “But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.”

Beyond the Gates delivers Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) catching Hayley Lawson (Marquita Goings) red-handed with Randy Parker (Maurice P. Kerry). It sure looks like Bill is seeing the evidence of an affair, but Randy and Hayley are definitely not kissing cousins.

Still, I think Bill’s going to want revenge after seeing Hayley and Randy together. We are going to talk about Bill’s next move after learning his wife has been lying to him.

Beyond the Gates: Hayley Doubling Down on Kill Bill Plot

Hayley’s trying her best to kill Bill, only he is not kicking off like Hayley hoped he would. This week, Bill finally gets out of the hospital after Hayley kept berating nurse Ashley Morgan (Jen Jacob) to get the doctors to let her husband out of Garland Memorial. So, on Monday’s episode, we saw Madison Montgomery (Kenjah McNeil) signing off on Bill’s release. And Ashley gave him the orders to take home and also a rehab plan to follow.

The thing is, Bill is refusing cardiac rehab. And that may only make things easier for Hayley because if Bill collapses again, Hayley can blame it on him not following doctor’s orders. So, we also saw Bill sent off to the showers once they got home while Hayley poured in a scotch and then poured in lots of poison.

And then when Chelsea Hamilton (RhonniRose Mantilla) and Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne (Arielle Prepetit) showed up at the house, Hayley’s imagination got the better of her and she was daydreaming about Bill keeling over and dying right in front of his daughters. It looked like for a moment, oh, Hayley finally won and then she blinked and dead Bill disappeared. So, it’s just a fantasy, but it certainly got Hayley excited about finishing off Bill.

Hayley & Randy Busted on BTG

So, let’s talk about what is next. The first thing is with Hayley and Randy talking about Bill’s impending death at Uptown, that’s trouble. So, Hayley tells Randy that by the time she gets home, she expects Bill to be dead, not breathing anymore. Hayley is all smiles about that and lays her hand on Randy’s arm.

But that’s just family affection. You know, a co-conspirator congratulating their partner. It’s not an affair. But Bill is spying on them from outside Uptown and he assumes the worst. So, it looks like he may now believe the rumors of an affair between Hayley and Randy, which of course were being pushed by Chelsea, Naomi, Kat Richardson (Colby Muhammad), and Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley).

Little does Bill know, an affair would be preferable to what Hayley and Randy really have been doing to him. That mega dose of poison in the scotch didn’t seem to phase Bill. I kind of wonder if Hayley has given him so much for so long that somehow Bill has built up a tolerance to it. And it sounds like Hayley gives him another dose before she goes to meet Randy and Bill follows and assumes an affair.

Beyond the Gates: Bill Flies into a Rage

So, another thing we might have happen after seeing Hayley with Randy, obviously Bill’s going to be really mad. And at least he now knows Hayley is a liar, which is a step in the right direction. So, from there, Bill may hit up Joey Armstrong (Jon Lindstrom) and tell him about his discovery.

Bill may tell him that Hayley is with Sammy. And I’m trying to remember if Joey knows that Randy is Sammy, but Joey definitely knows that Randy’s been slinking around with Hayley. Randy, of course, is terrified of Joey. And Joey wants to keep Bill happy and he won’t be happy that Randy’s helping to murder somebody who is in Joey’s sphere of influence.

So, we’ll see if Joey can scare the truth out of Randy. Hayley’s had warnings from Randy that she’s being too sloppy. And now their plan to score 10 million in life insurance to split is about to fall apart. And Randy may realize it’s time to bail if he wants to live. He may rat out Hayley’s plan to Joey. If you recall, Randy lied and let Joey think he was with Hayley.

And now Bill comes to Joey and then he may dig further into what Randy’s really got going on with Hayley because Joey seems to know when Randy is lying. So, it could be Joey gets the name of the poison from Randy and then Joey can make sure that Bill gets treatment to save him. That would be a good outcome.

Beyond the Gates: Hayley Exposed at Last

Next, we know Hayley poisoning Bill is going to come out one way or another. If he collapses again, Madison may dig deeper and finally run the right test. But even if Bill finds out he’s been poisoned, he still may not believe that Hayley was the one trying to kill him. Bill thinks he’s this super stud that every woman is going to want. I mean, he’s got plenty of notches on his bedpost during his marriage to Dani and since then to make him think so.

But if Madison calls to confirm and say, “You’ve been poisoned.” Can Bill’s ego let him accept that his little wife Hayley never wanted him and has been playing him this whole time? I doubt Bill will call the cops about him being poisoned. I’m guessing he might ask Joey to take care of his poisoner for him. And I’m sure Bill is going to want Hayley to pay, but Bill’s also not the kind to get his own hands dirty. Joey, though, has no problems with wet work, and he could kill Hayley for him.

BTG: Bill Makes Hayley Miserable

Another option for Bill to punish Hayley for trying to kill him is just to make her life miserable. Bill could turn the tables on her and pretend to drink the toxic stuff that she’s been giving him. And then while Hayley’s looking away, Bill could toss it in a plant or down the drain. Then he could even play dead like a possum and wait for Hayley to find him. And then when she’s doing a happy I killed Bill dance, he could pop up and just scare the crap out of her. It would be ironic if Bill actually did that and gave Hayley a mild heart attack.

Bill could confront her and ask Hayley, “Why were you dancing?” instead of doing CPR or calling 911. Bill could have Hayley right where he wants her if he did something like this. I’m sure she would deny poisoning Bill, but she’d be busted. And then he could toss Hayley out without a penny. Divorce her and send her away broke. That would honestly be the best revenge, but then she’d live on to con some other guy.

Beyond the Gates: Horrifying Mishap Ahead?

One last awful way for Bill to find out he’s been poisoned is for somebody who loves him to accidentally get dosed. So, Dani’s been coming over to see him. Chelsea and Naomi have just been there to see him. I mean, heck, Joey might drop by the house to see him. Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) comes by sometimes.

And if Hayley left out some scotch or a smoothie or some lemonade with poison in it, somebody else may drink it and collapse because Hayley is now doing mega doses. It could even be Tomas Navarro (Alex Alegria) who drops by or somebody random like the housekeeper or the housekeeper brings her dog to work and somebody ends up dying or the dog ends up dying on Beyond the Gates.

Bottom line is by the end of the week, Bill’s going to see Hayley with Randy. He knows something is off and Bill goes on high alert, but he won’t know about the poison yet. Hopefully though, he’ll be suspicious of anything that Hayley wants him to do. Even if he doesn’t know he’s been poisoned, I think Bill’s going to realize that Hayley is not who she says she is and she has a hidden agenda.

BTG: Haley Lashes Out in Desperation

But if Bill starts acting out or confronts her about his suspicions, honestly, Hayley might do something crazy and just grab a gun and try to finish him off or whack him with a fireplace poker. I think she’s desperate enough to kill Bill any way that she can and then tell a lie about how it happened. You know, whoops, he fell and hit his head three times.

So, it looks like Hayley’s time is almost up at last. But the question is, how close to death will Bill get before he finally realizes the extent of her treachery? Hayley is straight up evil, where Bill’s just a cheating jerk. So, I think he’s kind of punching above his weight class where Hayley’s concerned because she’s a coldblooded shark of a conwoman and she is a killer. So, Bill should proceed with caution or else he might really wind up dead.

Country music icon Dolly Parton died on Tuesday, August 25. She was 80.

“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee,” read a statement from Parton’s rep. “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family.”

The statement continued: “Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.”

At Parton’s request, a “small, private service will be held for immediate family” while her “fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly” on social media and her website. The statement concluded that “in lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.”

Related: Dolly Parton’s Generosity Knows No Bounds: Most Charitable Moments

Dolly Parton must have worked longer than 9 to 5 to balance her music and impressive charitable efforts. In 2022, Parton was honored with the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy for her decades of good deeds and gushed over how “proud” she was to receive the recognition. Her acts of kindness included the creation of The […]

Born in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, in January 1946, Parton grew up around music —  her mother taught her church songs and ballads while her uncle Bill Owens bought her a guitar. At age 10, Parton landed a gig on a television variety show in Knoxville, Tennessee, before going on to make her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry stage in 1959 at 13. Despite the disappointing performance of her early singles, Parton moved to Nashville in 1964 after her high school graduation. She soon garnered recognition for her songwriting and earned her first Top 40 hit with “Dumb Blonde.”

In 1967, Parton became Porter Wagoner’s duet partner on The Porter Wagoner Show, launching her to a new level of fame. This led to a recording contract alongside Wagoner and as a solo artist with RCA Records. Parton achieved her first solo No. 1 hit with 1971’s “Joshua,” followed by the additional chart-topping songs “Jolene,” “Love Is Like a Butterfly” and “I Will Always Love You” in 1974.

As her star rose, Parton crossed over from country to pop with 1977’s Here You Come Again. She also pursued a film career with memorable roles in 1980’s 9 to 5, 1982’s The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and 1989’s Steel Magnolias. In 1992, Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” became an even bigger hit when Whitney Houston recorded the track for her movie The Bodyguard.

Parton returned to her country music roots in 1989 with the release of her album White Limozeen. In the decades that followed, she continued to try her hand at different genres, including bluegrass, rock and gospel. She also launched her own record label, Dolly Records, in 2007.

Outside of her musical projects, Parton was known for her many business and philanthropic ventures. She opened her Dollywood theme park in East Tennessee in 1985, created the Dollywood Foundation to inspire educational success among children in 1988 and launched her Imagination Library to gift free books to kids in 1995.

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As for her many accolades, she was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1986, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. She received the Living Legend Award from the Library of Congress in 2004, the National Medal of Arts in 2005, Kennedy Center Honors in 2006 and a Lifetime Achievement from the Recording Academy in 2011. Throughout her career, she also won multiple Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award and received Academy Award and Tony Award nominations.

Parton was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Dean, whom she married in May 1966 after meeting him at a laundromat on her first day in Nashville. She announced in March 2025 that Dean had died at the age of 82.

“Carl and I spent many wonderful years together,” she wrote in a statement at the time. “Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”

A man killed his girlfriend, her two family members and two friends on a rural property in Oregon before he died by suicide, according to authorities.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Benjamin Charles Parker died of an apparent suicide inside of a car after he murdered his girlfriend, Stella Jade Kimsey, her mother, Rowan Karla Kimsey, and her grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Kimsey, on Saturday, August 22. In addition to Stella, 26, and her family members, police said Parker, 36, killed Stella’s best friend, Linsey Mae Haraldsen, and Haraldsen’s boyfriend, Alvin Raymond Chu.

The killings took place on a farm, which was owned by Rowan, 60. Rowan also lived at the property with Stella and Parker.

Several animals also lived on the property, and authorities said that two cats and dogs were found dead at the crime scene. Another cat was taken to a veterinarian for treatment, but was ultimately euthanized “due to the extent of its injuries.”

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Police fatally shot a Washington man in order to stop him from a stabbing spree that left his mother and three other women dead. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office announced that Aleksandr Aleksandro Shablykin was shot dead by a responding deputy. The victims have been identified as the suspect’s mother, 52-year-old Zoya Anatolyevna Shabliykina, and […]

Authorities have not yet announced how the five people or animals were killed, and a motive for the killings is not currently known.

Authorities learned of the murders when firefighters responded to a report of a vehicle fire at the property, according to KGW8.

“We do have a deceased victim up here. We’re gonna need law enforcement,” a firefighter said in dispatch audio, which was obtained by KGW8. “I need a police unit or a sheriff’s office unit code for you to see just in case we have two victims here.”

The firefighter added, “This is some suspicious circumstances certainly so we’re gonna … just take our hoses and get out of here and let the sheriff’s office clear this. Then we’ll return.”

After detectives found the five victims at the property, they tracked Parker’s vehicle about 180 miles away behind a Safeway in Enumclaw. He was already dead by the time police found him.

Enumclaw Police Chief Tim Floyd said that detectives found Parker by tracking his cell phone, per the outlet.

“They called us and said, ‘We have a cell phone ping in your city,’ here’s the plate and the car that you’re looking for,’” Floyd continued. “So we go to the flock system, we put the plate in, we could see that he’s hit a couple of our cameras and the last hit was him coming into the city and he had not left so we had a good indication that he was still here.”

Related: Michigan Man Called 911 After Shooting, Killing His Fiancee and Her 2 Teens

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A man in Michigan called 911 to report that his fiancée and her two teenage sons were fatally shot. However, it wasn’t until later that he admitted to committing the killings himself. Charles Broomfield first called 911 to report the deadly shootings on Tuesday, January 27. He told officers that he heard his fiancée, Jacqueline […]

The crime was further discussed in a press conference on Sunday, August 23, in which Washington County Detective Shannon Wilde said that authorities do not believe the killings were a “random act.”

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Forest Grove Fire and Rescue addressed the tragedy in a Facebook post, saying they viewed the victims as “our friends and our neighbors.”

“Tragedies like our community experienced over the weekend are incredibly sad, while also being so hard on our hearts and souls. Even though many of you did not know the vibrant lives so needlessly lost, some of you most certainly did,” the department wrote on Facebook. “While others still undoubtedly moved past them in a local grocery store, restaurant, or our otherwise normal day to day lives. These were our friends, and our neighbors, and they too called this beautiful place home.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

There have been some truly fantastic political thrillers in the past two decades. Whether you want high-stakes international espionage found in Homeland or a salacious White House romance over on Scandal, this genre always offers plenty of intrigue and drama. Some of these shows have more charming idealism, like The West Wing, while others offer heart-racing plot points, like The Diplomat. If you’re looking for a political thriller that combines the vibes of all of these dramas, there’s one CBS show that’s currently finding a whole new audience over on Apple TV.

What Is ‘Madam Secretary’ About?

Madam Secretary first started airing in 2014, and with a total of six seasons and 120 episodes, it’s completely worthy of a binge-watch. Created by Barbara Hall (Judging Amy), the series follows Elizabeth McCord (Téa Leoni), a former CIA analyst who is appointed the next United States Secretary of State. Elizabeth has a loving family, including her husband, Henry (Tim Daly, who would end up marrying Leoni in real life in 2025), and their three children. After retiring from the CIA to work as a political science professor, Elizabeth at first seems like an unusual candidate for such an esteemed and high-profile position. But her former CIA boss, Conrad Dalton (Keith Carradine), is now the President of the United States, and deems her worthy of the position.

There’s just one catch: the previous Secretary of State has died in a mysterious plane crash, and part of Elizabeth’s new job responsibilities include trying to figure out who was behind his death. Elizabeth is quickly thrown into a high-pressure environment, including an icy chief of staff named Nadine Tolliver (Bebe Neuwirth), who is wary of Elizabeth’s lack of political experience. With all of these obstacles, it would be easy for someone to crumble, but Elizabeth rises to the occasion, leading the country (and her family) to peace.

‘Madam Secretary’ Is an Addictive Drama With an Incredible Cast

Madam Secretary would be fun to watch just to see each episode’s drama unfold. But it becomes even more binge-worthy because of the political intrigue that threads throughout the series. Whether Elizabeth is juggling international relations or just interpersonal conflicts within her office, there are always twists and turns to keep things interesting. In any given episode, Elizabeth might be addressing a vast global emergency or the challenges of being a working mom, but she’s still able to pull everything off like a pro. Madam Secretary operates at a breakneck speed and is an example of past network shows that featured seasons with more than 22 episodes each. Because of this pace, the series never fails to draw you in and keep your attention. Madam Secretary is also incredibly authentic, and this realism is apparent in several real-life secretaries of state making appearances in Season 5, including Hillary Clinton, Colin Powell, and Madeleine Albright (who actually plays herself giving advice to Elizabeth in Season 2 as well).

Madam Secretary could have fallen flat with a leading lady with less charisma. Luckily, Leoni is pure brilliance here as the tough-as-nails and intelligent Elizabeth. She inspires a quiet confidence that’s evident in subtle gestures and in pointed dialogue that work to make her a protagonist truly worth celebrating. But the show doesn’t just highlight Leoni’s talents. Daly is a great scene partner for Leoni as the supportive, steady force helping ground her during times of extreme stress. Neuwirth is also exceptional as the stern Nadine, whose taciturn nature actually belies a complex personal life. Zeljko Ivanek, Erich Bergen, Patina Miller, and Sebastian Arcelus all create a fascinating team that supports Elizabeth’s administration, and each actor portrays characters that feel both compelling and realistic. Some network shows run the risk of feeling predictable and schmaltzy, but because of Madam Secretary‘s stellar cast, the series never fails to be exceptional.

If you’d like a break from real-life politics, but still want to get sucked into a completely gripping Washington, DC-set drama, Madam Secretary should fit the bill. With an exciting twist in Season 6 (hint: technically, the title of the show should have been changed), the series never rests on its laurels, always evolving with riveting storylines and impressive performances. The series ended in 2019, but it concludes with a natural progression for the characters, ensuring that Madam Secretary is the perfect, relevant political thriller to add to your must-watch list.

Seasons 1–6 are available to stream on Apple TV or Prime Video in the U.S.

The United States Secret Service is familiar with a video aired by Iran’s state broadcaster appearing to threaten the life of President Donald Trump’s youngest son, Barron Trump.

“The U.S. Secret Service is aware of the video and investigates anything that can be perceived as a threat toward our protectees,” a Secret Service spokesperson told Us on Tuesday, August 25. “Out of concern for operational security, we do not discuss matters of protective intelligence.”

According to CNN, the nearly three-minute video begins with an English-language graphic reading, “Where to kill Barron Trump?!” and features graphics showing locations where the college student is publicly known to spend time.

Near the end of the video, the narrator suggests people were “eagerly waiting to receive our $10 million reward.”

Related: Iran-Linked Video Details Ways to Assassinate Melania and Barron Trump

A video linked to the government of Iran is under investigation after appearing to issue a threat — and detail ways — to assassinate First Lady Melania Trump and her and President Donald Trump’s son, Barron. On Monday, July 27, a video titled “Where to Kill Melania” was shared by Tasnim News Agency, an entity […]

The video was reportedly broadcast over the weekend by state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). The head of the broadcaster is directly appointed by Iran’s supreme leader.

As his dad serves as the president of the United States, Barron, 20, tries his best to live a private life. He doesn’t have social media and is believed to be studying business at New York University.

First lady Melania Trump has been especially protective of her only child ever since Donald entered politics.

“She’s got a great love of children. She has a wonderful son that she loves probably more than anybody, including me,” Donald, 80, said at the White House in August 2025. “I hate to say it.”

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President Donald Trump’s recent exit out of Turkey was allegedly much more than just an ordinary travel day. According to multiple reports, Trump, 80, secretly slipped out of Turkey in July on an alternate military plane, which he boarded while hidden inside a catering truck. (The White House previously stated he was aboard Air Force […]

The president has previously addressed personal threats made against him specifically.

“They want to take out the US leader — me,” Donald told reporters in July when responding to reports that Iran had a desire to kill him. “I’m on whatever list. I saw this morning I’m on every single one of their lists. And so far, I guess I’ve been a bit lucky, but maybe that doesn’t last very long. These are evil, sick people. And we have to root out that cancer. That cancer. You know what you do? You’ve got to cut out cancer early. And that’s the way I feel.”

Since February, the United States has been at war with Iran and its regional allies. Eighteen U.S. service members have died since the conflict began, with more than 750 U.S. service members being wounded since the start of the war, according to the Defense Department.

Dolly Parton’s family is asking fans to honor the late country music legend by supporting one of the causes closest to her heart. Following Parton’s death at age 80, her representative announced that she would be laid to rest during a small, private service attended by immediate family members. Rather than sending flowers, fans were encouraged to donate to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the childhood literacy program she founded more than 30 years ago.

The request offered a fitting way to honor a woman whose generosity became nearly as famous as her music. Long after Parton’s final song, millions of children will continue discovering their own dreams through the books she helped place inside their homes.

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Parton founded the Imagination Library in 1995 through The Dollywood Foundation. The inspiration came from her father, Robert Lee Parton, who never learned to read or write. Although Parton described him as one of the smartest people she knew, she understood how his lack of literacy affected his confidence and opportunities.

She initially launched the program for preschool children living in Sevier County, Tennessee, where she grew up as one of 12 siblings in a poor family. Parton wanted every local child to have access to books, regardless of how much money their parents earned. She also wanted receiving a new book to feel special, which led to the program mailing each selection directly to the child’s home.

What began as a tribute to one father soon became a global effort to help millions of families.

When the program launched, it served only children in Parton’s home county. Its popularity quickly demonstrated that families well beyond East Tennessee could benefit from the same model. By 2000, the Imagination Library had begun expanding nationally, and it mailed its one-millionth book in 2003.

Parton’s home state of Tennessee committed to pursuing statewide availability the following year. Canada joined the program in 2006, followed by the United Kingdom in 2007, Australia in 2013 and the Republic of Ireland in 2019.

The Imagination Library now operates across five countries through shared funding from Parton and local community partners.

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The Imagination Library grew at a pace few could have anticipated when the first books were mailed in Sevier County. By 2016, it was distributing one million books each month. The program celebrated its 100-millionth book in 2018 and reached 200 million books in 2023.

As of January 2025, the organization had gifted more than 267 million books, including over 3.2 million mailed during that month alone. More recent reporting estimates that the total had surpassed 330 million books by the time of Parton’s death.

The Country Legend Wanted Children To Dream Bigger

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Parton’s involvement with the program extended beyond allowing the charity to use her name. She frequently appeared at Imagination Library events, read to children and celebrated its major milestones. She also used her visibility to encourage governments, businesses and community organizations to establish local partnerships.

The singer understood firsthand how imagination could take a child beyond their immediate surroundings. She grew up in a one-room cabin in the Tennessee mountains before becoming an internationally recognized songwriter, actress and businesswoman. Through the Imagination Library, Parton wanted other children to see that their circumstances did not have to determine the limits of their futures.

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The Imagination Library Can Continue Without Its Founder

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Although Parton remained the heart and public face of the Imagination Library, she built it within a structure designed to continue expanding. The program operates through The Dollywood Foundation, a nonprofit organization, and relies on thousands of local partners to fund and administer book distribution in participating communities.

Its international network already stretches across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.

“That’s So Raven” and “Cory in The House” star Kyle Massey is stepping back into the spotlight, gearing up to headline his second comedy show at the famed Laugh Factory Hollywood. On August 26, the Disney Channel favorite will host a Birthday Comedy Jam, featuring sets from Massey, Tiffany Haddish, his brother Chris Massey, and a lineup of other celebrity guests. During an exclusive interview with The Blast, Kyle spoke with us about his major return to the Hollywood scene and detailed why now was the perfect time.

Fans are eager to see Kyle back in action after his first Laugh Factory show packed the venue, with an overflow crowd waiting outside to get in.

The response was so strong that Laugh Factory Hollywood invited the fan-favorite back for another round, this time alongside his brother, Chris.

“The audience certainly loves Kyle and Chris!! What a reaction. It was like having the Beatles in the house,” said David Fuhrer, President of Laugh Factory.

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And Kyle’s return promises plenty of laughs, with the new show featuring celebrity guests and a deeper look at his personal story.

“The one thing about my comedy show is all of the stories that I tell are real, true stories,” Kyle told The Blast. “They’re hilarious, and it’s the uncut perspective of a child star growing up in Hollywood that a lot of these people don’t really understand.”

What Inspired Kyle Massey To Tell His Story In A New Way?

Fans may know Kyle from beloved sitcoms and fan-favorite reality competition shows, but his stand-up act is giving them a chance to see a side of the star they’ve never seen before.

In his conversation with The Blast, Kyle credited his brother, known to fans from the Nickelodeon classic “Zoey 101,” with helping push him toward his next career move.

Watching Chris find success on the stand-up circuit, coupled with encouragement from comedy heavyweights like Chris Tucker, gave Kyle the confidence to bet on himself.

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“They inspired me to just get up there and just do it,” he said.

Kyle Massey Is Ready To Give Fans The ‘Real, Raw’ Story Of His Life

Elsewhere in our conversation, the “Being Mary Jane” actor opened up about making the leap into comedy, a space where he can ditch the script and give audiences an unfiltered look at who he really is.

“Growing up with so many funny people and in my family and around me has just kind of made it easier to transition to this, to this free [style] of comedy,” he said. “It’s because this is my story. This is, you know, there’s no one telling me [what to say].”

He continued, “This is me. This is me—raw, and, you know, some people aren’t going to believe half of the things that I say, but this is my perspective coming out as a child star.”

Kyle Is Staying On His Comedy, Focusing On New Show In San Diego In September

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Kyle’s return to Hollywood has exceeded his expectations, and he’s already looking forward to what’s ahead. After his upcoming Birthday Comedy Jam, Kyle will hit the stage again on September 7 at Laugh Factory San Diego for an all-new show.

“You know, the focus is on the comedy right now. The comedy shows are going very well. I’ve been booked left and right,” he shared. In addition to his California stops, Kyle will also visit Detroit, Michigan and Orlando, Florida.

More Details About Kyle’s August 26th Show

For those of you still wanting a ticket to Kyle’s upcoming Laugh Factory show, tickets are available to purchase online.

KYLE MASSEY’S BIRTHDAY COMEDY JAM

DATE: Wednesday, August 26

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TIME: 9:45 PM – 11:15 PM (Doors at 9:15 PM)

LOCATION: Laugh Factory Hollywood

UPCOMING SHOWS:

August 27 – Laugh Factory Hollywood (TBD)

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September 7 – Laugh Factory San Diego

September 20 – The Comedy Bar in Detroit

General Hospital fans, we have got some juicy new leaks for you from our reliable behind the scenes sources. This latest rumor roundup includes a shocking return for Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey), some deaths, a possible recast, and a twist for Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna).

And in today’s rumor roundup, we’ll talk surprise returns, a couple of deaths, two possible recasts actually, and Hudson Parker (Troy Lennon Appel) and Phoebe’s (Lucia & Luna Brighton) storyline may take an explosive turn tying into another huge story line.

General Hospital: Cassius’ Name Tarnished

So, right now everybody in Port Charles thinks Cassius Faison is dead and Z leaned on Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) so that she would stick to the WSB‘s fake story and say that Cassius is the villain and that Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) died a hero trying to stop him.

It’s all lies the furthest thing from the truth because Cassius died trying to stop Cullum only. He didn’t die. Good news is at least Cullum did die. And of course, Z saved Cassius and then packed him off to a WSB black site to decide what to do with him later.

This exit was to facilitate an end to Ryan Paevey’s stint on GH. He had some movie work to do, but there was supposed to be an eye on bringing him back later. And now, of course, Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati)’s mourning. Britt is upset.

Everybody thinks the worst of Cassius and assumes he’s dead. So, Josslyn helped the WSB save face. And in exchange, she got Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) and Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart) both pardoned and released from WSB custody.

But Ryan Paevey said he’s definitely open to returning as Cassius. And our leaker said a while ago he wasn’t gone for good. That was before his death/non death on GH. And now the leaker’s back with more info about Ryan Paevey’s return to General Hospital.

GH: Cassius Returns

Our source says we’re going to get Cassius back this fall. Now, originally we’d heard Ryan Paevey would be back late summer, but now our source says Fall instead. We’ve heard chatter that we will see Cassius and Z both back sometime in October or November.

And of course, November is sweeps. There was also a John Oliver tidbit that hinted at his return. So, for a guest star, honestly, I thought he did okay. His stint on Days of Our Lives was a little more over-the-top than his GH turn as Z.

Also, this Fall, we know Chris McKenna is leaving GH and his character Jack Brennan is being killed off. We leaked this many, many months ago and then another source recently confirmed it.

So, there’s always the chance that Z is back with Cassius and some WSB plot gets dangerous, and that’s how Brennan dies because we know Hudson may be on the WSB‘s radar because of JJE. Plus, we know he’s a bad guy.

Also, because of how tangled Brennan is with Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros), Willow Tait (Katelyn MacMullen), and Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison), I kind of suspected one or more than one of them might have something to do with Brennan’s death, whether it’s accidental or deliberate.

General Hospital: Drew & Ava Target Brennan

Right now, we know that Drew wants to get his hands on the blackmail that Brennan has on him. Drew wants to steal it so Brennan can’t hold it over his head. And Drew is working with Ava Jerome (Maura West) to deal with their enemies.

And this week, Drew wants Ava to keep Brennan busy while Drew searches his hotel room. So, he’s hoping to find the incriminating evidence there. Looks like Ava may be drugging Brennan’s drink to make it happen. So, Drew and Brennan might end up in some physical confrontation soon.

Plus, we just saw him and Willow in a confrontation. Brennan dropped by her house to rant about her missing a WSB funding meeting. And Willow was really sneaky and recorded Brennan admitting he used WSB resources to make the footage of her on the night of Drew’s shooting disappear.

So, we have Willow getting that leverage against Brennan and Drew and Ava also teaming up against him. So, it certainly sounds like Brennan’s going to be in trouble on more than one front. And this could all factor into his death.

General Hospital: Anna on a Mission

We’ve also got Peter August (Wes Ramsey) pushing Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) to kill Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud). And if Brennan’s in the wrong place at the wrong time and intervenes, that could be how he dies. We also have Jenz Sidwell’s (Carlo Rota) final arc that’s just starting now. That could also tie into Brennan’s exit and possible death.

Carlo Rota confirmed that Sidwell wasn’t done and he’d be in Pentonville with another character. And obviously, we know now that’s Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner). But the leaker said that this isn’t a plan for Sidwell to stick around. They told us this is Sidwell’s last storyline before he’s done on General Hospital. So, he might die, too.

Now, we’ve heard different rumors, including one that hints Brennan might help Sidwell escape and get out of Port Charles for some reason. So, Sidwell might have some dirt on Brennan because Cullum dug something up and gave it to him since they were partners in crime. Sidwell might even have proof that Brennan deleted those files.

Also coming this Fall, our leaker says the WSB story line and the Hudson, Delilah Wilson (Lily Cardone), and Phoebe story are going to overlap. Looks like an umbrella story, which honestly I don’t usually care for, but General Hospital writers love them.

General Hospital: Hudson after Pheobe

We definitely know the Hudson and Phoebe storyline is heating up because Hudson just saw Phoebe with Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) and then Josslyn blabbed a bunch of info and pretty much confirmed to Hudson that Phoebe is his daughter. And Hudson probably suspects Ethan Lovett (Christian Howard) frauded and said he was the dad. So, Hudson’s wheels are turning and he’s finding reasons to show up and see Phoebe.

And I fully expect his next move is to get proof that she’s his daughter. He could swipe a binky. He could swipe a drool rag or a baby bottle while he’s over at the Q estate talking to Josslyn. And with her taking the position of CEO at JJE, that will give Hudson even more reason to stick around and be on the Q property seeing her.

We’ve also heard from our source that Hudson is not the next big villain, but works for the next big villain. So, wait and watch on that, too. And that kind of makes sense for why the WSB might have JJE on their radar with the leaker saying the Hudson and Phoebe stuff ties back to WSB. It’s all aligning with what we’re seeing now. Our insider said Hudson would be Josslyn’s next WSB assignment. And I can totally see that manifesting since Brennan just told Josslyn her new assignment is to take the CEO job at JJE.

Hudson’s Family Ties on GH

There was a mention in the rumors about Josslyn not knowing that Hudson is family. That might have been a weirdly worded reference to him being Phoebe’s family, but that would be kind of strange. Or maybe Hudson is Josslyn’s actual family. His last name is Parker, but that could be his mom’s name. Honestly, I’d love it if he was her cousin. And Hudson was the son of super villain Jerry Jax (Sebastian Roché). I would be so thrilled to have Sebastian Roché back to General Hospital. I love him.

You never know on soaps. And they have been bringing old characters back. They just brought back Ethan. We’ve got Serena Baldwin (Kelly Krueger) back now. We finally got Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst) back after many years.

So, another info is a rumor that Frank Valentini pitched recasting Agent Vaughn with a more well-known soap actor, but that was rejected by the network. We also heard he pitched a love triangle with Giovanni Palmieri (Giovanni Mazza) in the middle of Josslyn and Emma and got another no.

And we’ve been promised an offscreen death for Robert Scorpio (Tristan Rogers) and a memorial for Tristan Rogers and it keeps not happening. Word on the street is it’s because of Finola Hughes and Steve Burton’s long breaks that everything got pushed back by months, including this.

So, now I’m hearing it might even be next year before we say goodbye to Robert Scorpio, and that kind of hits hard. Tristan Rogers was my very first soap crush when I was a kid, and I would like to see him and Robert Scorpio properly honored by General Hospital.