Entertainment
Dolly Parton’s Sister Says Singer Was Prepared for Her Death
Dolly Parton’s sister, Stella Parton, is reflecting on the “Jolene” singer’s mindset before her death.
Appearing on the Thursday, September 10 edition of CBS Mornings, Stella, 77, acknowledged that Dolly appeared to be ready for what was to come. (Dolly died at age 80 on August 25, after a brief battle with an undisclosed form of cancer.)
“I know she was at peace,” Stella told host Gayle King. “I could always tell by looking at her face, even if I hadn’t seen her in months.”
Stella continued, “On camera, I could tell if she was hurt, angry, happy or sad or felt bad. I could see it on her. She was my sister. You know, we were very close as a family. She knew where she was going. She wasn’t going anywhere bad, she was going to be with Momma and Daddy.”
Speaking about Dolly nearing the end of her life, Stella added, “She was definitely prepared.”
During the interview, Stella explained why her sister chose not to share publicly that she was struggling with serious health issues.
“Well, Dolly did not want anybody to tell that because Dolly could not bear negative things and she would not have wanted her fans worried about it,” Stella revealed. “She didn’t want a lot of the family worried about it. Some of us knew, the ones that were closer, but not every relative.”

Dolly Parton. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Stella also shared that she thought Dolly would be pleased at the outpouring of love that has been expressed since her passing.
“She’d be really happy and delighted that people have shown her so much love because she knew that that would make us feel better as her family,” Stella said.
Last month, Us confirmed the “9 to 5” country icon had died.
“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,” Dolly’s rep said in a statement. “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.”
Stella broke her silence on Dolly’s death via Instagram two days later.
“My big sister Dolly got her wings this past Tuesday. If anyone gets to heaven, I’m sure she made it right on time,” she wrote on August 27. “I know she’s showing out big time, in all her sparkles and shine. That was my sister’s way.”
Entertainment
Meet the Winner of Project Runway Season 22: Jude Mikulenak
Just in time for New York Fashion Week, Project Runway has crowned its winner for season 22.
During the Thursday, September 10, finale of Freeform’s hit reality show, judges Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Law Roach and guest judge Fausto Puglisi agreed that Jude Mikulenak was the top fashion designer of the season.
“The winner not only showed us stunning clothes throughout the competition, but we saw them grow as a designer,” Heidi, 53, shared during the season finale. “Their finale collection brought beauty, was cohesive and in the end, we’re investing in this designer’s future.”
As soon as the winner was announced, Jude, 23 — who beat fellow finalists Joseph McRae, Anna Molinari and Bi Pham — couldn’t hide his excitement.
“I’m the youngest person in the competition. In the beginning, I felt like I had a lot to prove,” he shared. “But I came here and did the best work that I could. Now I have the most wins out of the final four. I believe in myself. I got this.”
As the winner of season 22, the Brooklyn-based designer walked away with a $200,000 cash prize, six months of representation with Agentry PR, a spread in Elle magazine and a mentorship with CFDA.
“Right now, I’m a kid that makes clothes in his bedroom,” Jude shared with the judges. “But I have so much fire in me and pour some gasoline on the fire because I can promise you that I will be making clothes until the day I die.”
As part of finale week, each contestant had one week and a $7,500 budget to design five eye-catching looks.

Jude Mikulenak Heidi Gutman/Disney
After impressing the judges with his classic tailoring and interest in both menswear and womenswear, Jude once again impressed fashion lovers with his finale collection.
“You were trying to prove to us that you can be a tailor, but you can still have a feminine touch, which you undeniably do,” Nina, 61, shared. “So few people know how to do that. You have the skill and the eye and the taste that could deliver great clothes.”
Law, 48, added, “This is your very first collection and to be able to tailor the way you tailor at 23 is incredible…. The work and craftsmanship is undeniable.”
Before the finale came to an end, mentor Christian Siriano — who made history as the youngest winner of the show in 2008 — couldn’t help but celebrate seeing how far the winner came from his very first challenge with 21 other designers.
“I couldn’t get much out of you at the beginning,” Christian, 40, shared. “But in the end, I think we did. You did amazing. I’m so proud.”
Catch up on the entire season of Project Runway by streaming season 22 now on Hulu and Disney+.
Entertainment
5 Psychological Thriller Books for Fans of Agatha Christie
The “Queen of Crime,” Agatha Christie, perfected the art of the whodunit with over 80 published crime fiction books, including novels and short story collections. A major part of Christie’s mystery blueprint, besides her iconic detective leads, is the closed-circle plot device. Often trapping a group of characters in an enigmatic, immersive, and isolated setting, such as a moving train in Murder on the Orient Express or a lavish steamboat in Death on the Nile, Christie builds suspense by exploring a limited pool of suspects who can’t flee the scene.
These five new thriller releases debuting this September likewise place, or, rather, strand their characters in remote locations, where the setting becomes a character in and of itself. From the coast of Southeast Alaska to a hotel in the Swiss Alps, these authors put their own spin on the closed-circle mystery formula, albeit without the seasoned detective lead. Agatha Christie devotees will find much to love in these twisty psychological thrillers from some of today’s best suspense authors.
5
‘Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel’
By Lucy Foley / Agatha Christie
If you’re looking for the most direct connection or homage to Agatha Christie on this list, popular thriller author Lucy Foley has you covered. Her forthcoming Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel, releasing on September 22nd, is the first full-length Miss Marple mystery novel published since Sleeping Murder in 1976. With the full blessing of the Christie estate, Foley is reviving the iconic Christie detective character, Miss Marple, by sending her on a rare holiday in the Swiss Alps, where a murder and a sudden snowstorm leave the guests stranded.
Foley populates the Grand Alpine Hotel circa 1950 with an ensemble befitting the Golden Age mystery tradition, including an aging movie star, a British political candidate and his wife, a French inspector, and even a group of skiing nuns. Once a blizzard cuts the hotel off from the outside world, Miss Marple, the unassuming and astute sleuth, must sort through a puzzle of disguises and stolen gold. For readers who have ever wished they could experience a brand-new Christie murder mystery release, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel is the closest thing to the real deal.
4
‘Untamed Coast’
By Kevin C. Morris
Kevin C. Morris’ debut novel, Untamed Coast, takes the genre’s fascination with puzzling crimes and disappearances into the rural terrain of Southeast Alaska. The story follows Marconi Franco, a grieving widower living aboard his boat, who hears a mysterious distress signal late one night. His decision to investigate quickly pulls him into a decades-old mystery involving stolen gold and a string of missing women, drawing the attention of someone determined to keep the past quiet and buried.
Unfolding across three timelines, connecting a 1938 radio operator, a woman struggling to survive an abusive marriage in the 1980s, and Marconi’s present-day search for the source of the mysterious mayday signal. This trifold structure doesn’t adhere as literally to the locked-room premise of Christie’s tightly woven mysteries, but its core elements are immediately familiar to fans of the genre: scattered clues, secrets stretching across generations, and an amateur sleuth in uncharted, dangerous territory.
3
‘Ten Perfect Guests’
By Jonathan Santlofer
Jonathan Santlofer‘s Ten Perfect Guests is a classic isolated ensemble mystery novel that recalls the timeless appeal of And Then There Were None. When celebrated artist Victor D’Arcangelo dies unexpectedly, his closest friends and associates receive an invitation to attend his weekend memorial or else forfeit their inheritance. Thus, ten curious, though self-absorbed, guests arrive at a secluded tropical island, where things take a sinister turn, and bodies begin to pile up.
Santlofer’s tropical island is a deeply effective, atmospheric Lord of the Flies backdrop of sweltering weather, not to mention bugs and crocodiles. As the memorial descends into claustrophobic chaos, these elite guests have to figure out who, if anyone, they can trust, and whether any of them will make it off the island alive. If you want a Christie-reminiscent read with a dose of coastal horror, this pick is for you.
2
‘The Silent Appeal’
By Janice Hallett
Agatha Christie’s influence is unmistakable in Janice Hallett’s latest novel. The Silent Appeal, a follow-up to her 2021 bestseller, The Appeal, returns to the amateur theater troupe known as the Fairway Players. This time, the group is staging Christie’s mystery play, The Hollow, but their rehearsals take a dark turn when a gruesome accident occurs during production. Two lawyers, Charlotte and Femi, are tasked with uncovering the truth of what happened on opening night, which cracks open this story of betrayal, blackmail, and misdirection.
Like The Appeal, Hallett’s latest mystery unfolds through an epistolary collection of texts, emails, and WhatsApp messages, which force readers to piece together the truth from the evidence themselves. The result is a particularly witty, entertaining, and Christie-esque reading experience. All in all, The Silent Appeal is a cozy mystery with a long cast list, worth reading as a sequel or a standalone.
1
‘The Getaway’
By Kieran Scott
Big Little Lies meets The White Lotus in this new release from bestselling author Kieran Scott. Three couples have been reuniting at a villa in The Hamptons every year for three years running. This enviable estate, owned by their billionaire bud, Lincoln Foster, is an idyllic weekend getaway opportunity. But this year, mysterious blue cards appear in each bedroom, exposing buried secrets, impulses, and rivalries between the guests that kickstart this fast-paced locked-room mystery of ambition and revenge.
As a hurricane moves in on The Villa night one of the trip, this group of dysfunctional, coupled-up characters is forced to stay put with a killer hiding amongst them. The Getaway deftly turns a luxury vacation setting into a delicious, drama-filled death trap, where friendships crumble, alliances are shaken, and everyone, guests invited and uninvited, is suspect. Best put on your detective hats early, because this whodunit wastes no time getting into the murder plot.
Entertainment
Remy Ma Tells Papoose To Sign Divorce Papers At Next Hearing
Remy Ma is not letting up on Papoose and Claressa Shields! After seemingly calling the couple panini pressed, she circled back to give a long-awaited update on her divorce. The ‘Wanna Go’ rapper revealed her next court date with Pap and challenged him to sign the divorce papers to “prove [his] love.”
RELATED: Wayment! Remy Ma Appears To Call Papoose & Claressa Shields “Mr. & Mrs. Panini” In Clapback To Recent Comments (PHOTO)
Remy Ma Reveals Next Divorce Court Date With Papoose
While Remy’s “Mr. & Mrs. Panini” shade was posted on Instagram Story, her latest whacker was shared on the rapper’s main feed. The post featured a clip of Rem riding around in a vehicle with the window down. She silenced the clip’s original audio and added her and Millyz’s song ‘Say Yea’ to the post. Her caption started by promoting the song.
But the hashtags? That’s where the shade appeared to creep in! One hashtag read, “NOBODYYYY want Ya Man,” while another said, “And I mean nobody.” A third hashtag said, “He’s All Yours Boo.” Then, Remy Ma penned a sentence about being played with before naming Papoose and revealing their next divorce court date is allegedly tomorrow, meaning Friday, September 11. She pleaded with him to sign their papers.
“Sidebar: Only thing that can play in my face is this sun 🌞 RemFunFact: Court TOMORROW 9:30am Ayo Pap prove ya luv😂📋✍🏾pleaseeeeee🙏🏾,” Remy Ma wrote.
Remy & Claressa Having Been Coming For Each Other
As previously reported, also on Thursday, the estranged wife shared a photo of a sandwich sitting in a panini press. Remy Ma seemed to direct the text she added toward Papoose and Claressa Shields. The rapper claimed that “Mr. and Mrs. Panini” were bothering her again while she was allegedly minding her business.
Before that post, Shields talked about “3 loser btchs linking up” and “3 btcs who can’t whoop” her. Those comments appeared to be a clapback at Remy Ma linking up with her rival boxers, Alycia Baumgardner and Amanda Serrano. “Weak a** h**s,” Shields add in one X tweet.
Furthermore, Claressa called on the rapper’s rumored boo, battle rapper Eazy E, to come get his “b***h.” Also, she accused Remy Ma of being pressed about her and her man, Papoose. She then responded to an X user who said Remy acts “like she got left.” Claressa replied, “Crazy sh*t!!! Mind you I been with this man 2+ years!!!”
Meanwhile, Papoose has yet to comment on his estranged wife and current girlfriend’s online spats this week.
Fans Weigh In On Rapper’s Divorce Court Message
In about three hours, the divorce court post pulled in over 3,400 comments on Instagram. For the most part, the responses appeared to come from fans who either encouraged her petty or called for Papoose to free Remy Ma. Keep scrolling for a taste of her comment section.
@msboxingbaby_thequeen commented, “Free Remy Bumpoose!! 🔥🔥🔥 and heavy on the NOBODY part.”
“😍😍❤️❤️Hey Reminisce because they really reminiscing over you😂😂😂 You all on they brains. 🫶🏾🫶🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💪🏾💪🏾I pray everything goes in your favor as it should,” @swagittarius12_11 added.
“Facts prove your luv ☝🏽 sign those papers 🤷🏽♀️ leave with NOTHING.. Tf ❤️ .. Team Remy all day ❤️🔥,” @lyfewithparker wrote.
“ReMY HE DONT even want her! He just mad at you! lol. 😂,” @rocksatr_robin alleged.
@vickiirvin said, “Once that ink is dry they gonna look at each other like, “now what do we do?” 😂😂”
“Remy BEGGING for this man to sign them papers 📑 😂😂😂😂💀 release my good sis,” @kalyn_jk_ said.
@kiara_ki09 wrote, “Remy posted the court date so he can free her and sign 🤣🤣.”
“Let’s see if he’ll sign them papers y’all.. Let’s see if he really love Clarence.. I’m taking all bets that he don’t sign them papers.. WHO WANNA BET ME 🤔 FREE REMY,” @hurrican_trinaa added.
“I bet he don’t sign them papers 😂😂,” @quayjudah predicted.
RELATED: Issa Wrap! After A Year Of Marriage, Rebecca Louise Reveals She & Blueface’s Dad Are Getting A Divorce (PHOTO + VIDEO)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
Apple Martin’s Romance Gets Gwyneth Paltrow’s Approval
For a celebrity raised in one of Hollywood’s most famous families, finding a relationship that earns approval from both parents might be harder than landing a movie role. However, new reports suggest Apple Martin may have done exactly that.
The 22-year-old daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin recently sparked attention after being spotted sharing affectionate moments with boyfriend Moshe Levi in the Hamptons, and insiders say the romance has already won over the people whose opinions matter most.
The Hamptons sighting may have introduced Levi to the public, but insiders say he has been part of Apple’s life for quite some time.
According to sources, Levi has spent months quietly integrating himself into the circles that matter most to Apple, including her closest friends and family members.
“He has gotten to know Apple’s close friends like Sascha Seinfeld and Destry Spielberg. He has been floating around in her world for a while. Everyone seems to approve,” a source told the Daily Mail.
That acceptance reportedly extends well beyond her social circle. Levi was present at Apple’s Vanderbilt University graduation in May, where he spent time with Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris, Apple’s brother Moses Martin, and stepfather Brad Falchuk.
Sources say those interactions only strengthened the family’s opinion of him. One insider explained that Levi has already become a familiar presence around Apple’s loved ones and that his relationship with the family did not happen overnight.
Rather than arriving suddenly on the scene, he gradually built trust with those closest to her, creating the kind of foundation parents often hope to see before fully embracing a relationship.
Paltrow Reportedly Values What Moshe Levi Isn’t

While Apple is beginning to explore Hollywood, sources say one of Levi’s biggest advantages is that he exists outside that world.
According to insiders, Levi studied business and plans to pursue philanthropy. His life is reportedly centered in New York rather than Los Angeles, and sources say that distinction has resonated with Gwyneth Paltrow.
“Gwyneth approves of this guy because he comes from a good family and he has been around – he is not some dude she met in a bar,” a source revealed.
The insider added that Levi’s interests helped set him apart. According to them, “He also has impeccable manners and has interest in business, politics – he is well read and college educated, and Gwyneth likes that.”
Sources also say Paltrow sees balance in the relationship because Apple is pursuing acting while Levi is charting a different professional course.
Gwyneth Paltrow And Chris Martin Allegedly See A Bright Future Ahead

Beyond family approval, sources say the relationship has deepened through shared experiences and extensive travel. Apple and Levi reportedly met at Vanderbilt University and have remained close ever since.
“They met over a year ago at Vanderbilt University [in Nashville] and they have been pretty much in love ever since. They are cute together and seem to have a very passionate relationship,” one insider said.
Another source described the pair as focused on building a future together, saying, “Apple and Moshe are deeply in love and really grounded in the fact that they’re both building an amazing future together.”
Their bond has reportedly grown through trips abroad, with insiders claiming they have already traveled to destinations including France and Italy. Levi has also supported Apple’s career ambitions, reportedly visiting her while she worked on the set of “Paris Paramount.”
Perhaps the strongest endorsement came from a source who suggested Levi embodies many of the qualities Paltrow and Martin would want in a partner for their daughter.
“Gwyneth and Chris think very highly of Moshe. They’ve both hung out with him on multiple occasions and they both realize that he is very special to Apple and they love that he is both well rounded and on a trajectory to be very successful,” they stated.
More From The Blast
Apple’s Acting Career Begins To Take Shape After Boyfriend Spotlight

While much of the recent attention surrounding Apple has centered on her relationship with Levi and the overwhelming approval the romance has reportedly received from both Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, the young star is building something even more significant behind the scenes.
Apple recently revealed that acting has become a serious career goal, a notable shift for someone who previously envisioned a completely different future.
In a February interview with Vogue, she admitted that during her younger years she deliberately resisted following her parents into entertainment.
“I was in that rebellious, ‘I don’t wanna be like my parents’ type of phase,” she explained. Instead, she pursued law, history and society studies at Vanderbilt University, where she enjoyed what she described as a relatively normal college experience away from Hollywood.
That path, however, gradually evolved. During college, Apple became involved in theater and creative projects, eventually discovering a stronger interest in performance and storytelling.
Her ambitions are already turning into tangible opportunities. Reports recently confirmed that she has landed a role in Nancy Meyers’ upcoming film “Paris Paramount,” marking the biggest step yet toward a professional acting career.
The project places her alongside an impressive cast and gives her an entry point into an industry her parents know well.
Beyond acting, Apple has quietly built a résumé in fashion. She has modeled for major campaigns, appeared in Vogue, and become increasingly visible within the fashion world.
As Apple navigates young adulthood, relationships, and career decisions in the public eye, Paltrow has been reflecting on her experience growing up under intense scrutiny.
During a recent appearance on Benny Blanco’s “Friends Keep Secrets” podcast, the actress opened up about her relationship with Brad Pitt and why its ending affected her more deeply than many realized.
Paltrow recalled meeting Pitt while filming “Se7en” and described the connection as “love at first sight.” Their romance quickly became one of the most talked-about celebrity relationships of the 1990s.
They became engaged in 1996, but the engagement ended the following year. Looking back, Paltrow said the breakup carried an unusual emotional burden because of how invested the public had become in their relationship.
The Oscar winner explained that she felt an “extra shame” after the split, partly because the relationship had taken on what she described as greater cultural significance.
She was still in her early twenties, navigating fame, career success and a highly visible romance all at once. The pressure of living through such a public breakup made it even harder.
Despite the heartbreak, Paltrow spoke warmly about her former fiancé, calling Pitt “a great guy” and noting that they remain friends decades later.
Entertainment
Jenna Dewan’s Flowy Dress Style Is Transitional Wardrobe Must
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I don’t believe in completely swapping out your wardrobe by the seasons — and I’m assuming neither does Jenna Dewan. Certain pieces in the actress’ closet seamlessly transition from summer to fall. Yes, that includes dresses, especially a flowy, boho-inspired maxi design.
In a recent Instagram photo dump, Dewan shared a striking rooftop picture of herself wearing a ruffled floral maxi dress. I’m not sure where her dress is from, but I found a nearly identical design on Amazon for under $50 that is the perfect addition to your fall closet.
Get the PrettyGarden Boho Floral Wrap Maxi Dress for $46 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Because of its full skirt and long sleeves, this maxi dress can easily be worn throughout the chillier fall months with a solid pair of boots and maybe even a light jacket. Plus, the silhouette is very forgiving thanks to the elastic waist and adjustable tie that cinches you in or can be worn extra loose, depending on how you’re feeling that day.
The versatility is what really sets this dress apart, though. The lightweight, breathable fabric keeps you from overheating in the summer. That same design feature makes it easy to layer when temperatures drop, making it the ideal summer-to-fall wardrobe staple.
Shoppers specifically love the flexibility this dress provides, but also its durability.
“I’ve owned this dress for 2 years, and I’ve worn it a million times and washed it a ton, yet it’s held up really well. No snags or frays or holes,” one reviewer writes. “It’s so comfy and flowy. A perfect throw on when you don’t feel like putting together an outfit!”
As summer slowly gives way to fall, you’ll be so glad you have the PrettyGarden Boho Floral Wrap Maxi Dress in your closet. Shop it today before we’re in the throes of autumn.
Get the PrettyGarden Boho Floral Wrap Maxi Dress for $46 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more from PrettyGarden here and more maxi wrap dresses here! Don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
Entertainment
Netflix’s New ‘John Wick’ Rival Officially Becomes the Alpha of Streaming
In an unusual turn of events, Netflix’s non-English movies chart this week was dominated by Indian films. The streamer puts out weekly viewership reports unlike most of its competitors, and this week’s chart tracks data for the week of August 31 to September 6. The English-language chart was topped by the psychological thriller The Whisper Man, which has amassed 55 million views in two weeks, while the non-English chart was topped by The Secret Woman, which has hit 30 million views in the same period. Among the six Indian movies on the top-10 list was the action-thriller Gandhari, which took the third spot. The number four spot, on the other hand, was claimed by a holdover hit that topped the chart in four countries this week. The movie’s plot, which revolves around a woman who rebels against her oppressors, would appeal to fans of Black Widow and From the World of John Wick: Ballerina.
The movie in question is a part of the Spy Universe franchise, which is modeled on the Marvel Cinematic Universe and follows secret agents on high-stakes, globe-trotting missions. Previous installments include the hit movies War and Pathaan, as well as the slightly less successful Tiger 3, and the outright flop War 2. The latest installment, which is redeeming itself on Netflix, underperformed commercially as well. It’s headlined by Alia Bhatt, the first female lead in the Spy Universe. Western audiences would know her as the antagonist in Netflix’s Heart of Stone and for her supporting role in RRR.
The Movie Follows a Woman Who Breaks Out of Her Cage and Goes Rogue
We’re talking about the movie Alpha, which follows a woman who is injected with a super serum as part of an experiment, only to go rogue against her creator as she discovers her truth. The movie also features Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor, and Sharvari in supporting roles. Deol’s career received a boost thanks to his antagonist role in the blockbuster Animal, which also happened to feature Kapoor, whom audiences would recognize from Slumdog Millionaire and Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol. According to Netflix, Alpha jumped to 5.2 million views in its second week, following 3.3 million views in its first week. According to FlixPatrol, the movie also found a spot on the domestic top 10 list last week. The movie’s streaming success comes despite poor reviews; it holds a 22% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes.
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
-
June 6, 2025
- Runtime
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125 minutes
- Director
-
Len Wiseman
- Writers
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Shay Hatten, Derek Kolstad
Entertainment
Tasia Fortune’s Death Investigated As Homicide Pending Autopsy
An update in the Tasia Fortune case claims that the police are investigating her death as a homicide pending autopsy results. The 29-year-old mother was found hanging from a tree in Jackson, Mississippi, on Monday, August 3.
RELATED: Christine Wonsley Shares Heartbreaking Post Ahead Of Her First Birthday Without Her Son Nolan Wells (PHOTOS)
Police Chief Gives Update On Tasia Fortune’s Death Investigation
TSR reported that Tasia was found hanging from a tree behind a vacant property in Jackson. The property is located on the 500 block of Road of Remembrance, and Tasia’s body was found in the backyard. However, her mother, Christy Spivey, said at the time that she did not believe her daughter died by suicide.
During the Jackson City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 8, Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney gave an update on the case after a letter was read by Spivey.
“I have no more answers from one day of this investigation,” Spivey said in her letter, which Councilman Kenneth Stokes read in the meeting, per WAPT. “The detectives are like they are on a prerecorded message just saying the same thing over and over. Now it’s gone to silence.”
An autopsy was reportedly completed on or around August 11-12. However, Brackney claims that the medical examiner’s office has not yet provided the JPD with the results. Brackney also claimed that the police were investigating Tasia’s death as a homicide pending the autopsy results, per WABT. Furthermore, she advised that the police had been doing so since “day one,” and would keep investigating until hearing “otherwise.”
She also pushed back against Spivey’s communication claims, saying that she’d been in constant contact with the grieving mother.
“Jackson police have been investigating this case since day one as a homicide,” Brackney said. “Until we hear otherwise from the medical examiner’s office. I have been in contact with the commissioner who oversees the medical examiners several times…. There is a lot of misinformation out there about this case and other ones. In addition, if you want to talk about the letter, we have been in constant contact with Miss Christy Spivey.”
Mississippi History Noted At Council Meeting
As said, Spivey’s letter was read at the meeting by Councilman Kenneth Stokes, and he noted the state’s history of lynching.
“Hanging is a ugly, ugly part of our past that we never, ever want to come back again,” Stokes said.
In addition, on Sunday, September 6, Stokes called for transparency in the case, per WLBT.
“We need to know whether it was suicide, homicide, gun shot, or whatever happened, to this young lady that was hung,” said Stokes. “Mississippi can not go backwards. We can not revisit our ugly past where hanging was a common thing.”
Not only that, but Stoked called out the Hinds County Coroner, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Mississippi Medical Examiner’s Office for not responding to his inquiries about the investigation. He added that it appears as if they are trying to hide something.
“It sends a message that you’re trying to hide something, and we do not need to hide anything in the state of Mississippi,” said Stokes. “We want the world to know we’re open and above board.”
Unfortunately, it appears that there are no more answers after the council meetings.
Man Arrested And Questioned
According to WLBT, a man named Terence Anderson was arrested in August on a firearm charge, and he is reportedly a person of interest. NBC News noted that the 65-year-old is the father of Tasia’s five-year-old son, who reportedly resides with his father. Anderson denied being involved in her death. However, he allegedly admitted to having an argument with her. In addition, he lives on the same street where Tasia was found, per WLBT. However, he has not been charged with her death.
RELATED: Tasia Fortune’s Mom Doesn’t Believe She Died By Suicide After Body Found Hanging From Miss. Tree As Person Of Interest Reportedly Interviewed
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
8 Thriller Books I Knew Would Be Masterpieces From the First Chapter
A good thriller book keeps the reader hooked with clever twists and turns, but a true masterpiece of thriller literature is one that instantly grabs the reader’s attention at the very start and never lets go. Some of the best thriller books have earned their place because they can create intrigue even before the story begins and hold that interest until the end.
From shocking opening lines to setups that completely break the reader’s expectations right at the start to plot twists that come early, a masterfully written thriller is all about the momentum it builds that ensures that the reader will not want to leave until it’s over. Ranging across crime, mystery, sci-fi, and conspiracy theories, these gems of thriller literature are easily some of the most brilliantly crafted works of fiction ever written. Without further ado, here’s our selection of thriller books we knew would be masterpieces from the very first chapter.
1
‘Three Assassins’ (2004)
Three Assassins is the English translation of the Japanese black comedy-thriller novel Grasshopper by Kōtarō Isaka, which follows Suzuki, an ordinary man and schoolteacher who is drawn into the criminal underworld after his wife is murdered. In an attempt to infiltrate the criminal gang responsible, Suzuki leaves his old life on a quest for revenge, only to find himself pulled into the orbits of an unusual trio of professional hitmen, each with their own agendas. Three Assassins marks the first novel in Isaka’s Hitman trilogy, followed by Bullet Train and The Mantis.
Fun and fast-paced, Three Assassins surprises the audience within the very first pages of the story, where the man whom Suzuki targets for revenge gets killed before he can make a move. This turn of events not only takes the story in a completely unexpected direction, but it also rouses more curiosity in the reader, and the rest of the narrative just raises the tension even further until the final resolution. A gripping story of dangerous assassins and the twists and turns of fate, the novel balances its intense, high-octane action with eerie, meditative moments, making it an underrated gem of modern thriller literature.
2
‘Dark Matter’ (2016)
Blake Crouch’s mind-bending sci-fi novel, which has been adapted into a well-acclaimed TV series, Dark Matter follows quantum physicist Jason, who is kidnapped and wakes up in an alternate reality. Jason finds himself in a different version of his life from 15 years ago, where his destiny takes a different turn because of his choices, and he must find a way to return to his true reality. The narrative relies heavily on the many-worlds interpretation in quantum mechanics, wherein every possible outcome of every event creates a new, parallel universe.
Widely considered Crouch’s most popular and defining work, Dark Matter was a major bestseller and a hit among its readers, even though the critical reception was mixed. The book hooks the reader almost immediately in the first couple of pages with a terrifying abduction and a disorienting experience for the story’s hero. This shocking opening shatters any further expectations of the reader, thrusting them into a complex, immersive journey through various possibilities of Jason’s life.
3
‘The Husband’s Secret’ (2013)
Liane Moriarty’s fifth novel and an international bestseller thriller, The Husband’s Secret centers on three different women, Cecilia, Tess, and Rachel, whose only connection is the school their kids go to. One fine day, Cecilia suddenly finds a letter from her husband that is meant to be opened only after his death. When she uncovers a disturbing secret in that letter, it leads to devastating consequences for all three women, unexpectedly entangling their lives.
The Husband’s Secret is a brilliant example of how a character-driven, domestic drama with themes of guilt, grief, and morality can also be immensely thrilling. Even though the story builds up slowly, introducing the central protagonist and her moral dilemma, that setup pays off in very unexpected ways. Rather than being just a dark and intense psychological thriller, The Husband’s Secret thrives on its intriguing mystery, which teases the reader with details but also rewards them with a shocking but satisfying resolution.
4
‘The Spy Who Came in from the Cold’ (1963)
The third novel and breakthrough work of the master of spy fiction, John le Carré, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold is a Cold War thriller that also became his first book to be adapted into a film. The story centers on Alec Leamas, a British intelligence officer who infiltrates East Germany under the cover of being a defector to trap an East German spy. But Leamas soon discovers that he is but a simple pawn in an elaborate political conspiracy, making him question his mission and his purpose.
A novel that perfectly captured the dark, disillusioned zeitgeist of the Cold War, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold is a gripping page-turner. It is a tense thriller right from the start, where the story opens with Leamas watching the last remaining agent at his Berlin station being killed, setting up a chilling journey ahead for the protagonist. Instead of the conventional, action-packed, glossy adventures of tuxedo-clad spies, Le Carré’s narratives are known for portraying espionage as a cold, bureaucratic, and psychologically draining affair, and none more so than this masterpiece.
5
‘The Da Vinci Code’ (2003)
An alternate history thriller by Dan Brown, The Da Vinci Code marks his fourth novel and the second book featuring Harvard professor and symbologist Robert Langdon. The book follows Langdon on a trip to Paris, where a sudden murder at the Louvre Museum sets him off on a thrilling crime-solving mission. Along with French cryptologist Sophie Neveu, Robert Langdon races across Europe, decoding cryptic messages and cracking codes hidden in plain sight to catch the killer, seek the truth, and learn a hidden history that puts Christianity in a whole new light.
The Da Vinci Code is unarguably an intelligent conspiracy mystery thriller, even if it’s often too overwhelming in its intricate details. The book is thrilling and fast-paced right from the first chapter, where a dying curator at the Louvre leaves a bizarre message for Langdon to solve, setting off a high-stakes murder investigation with no warning. With a cleverly crafted plot, complex ciphers, and riddles set around an alternate religious history, The Da Vinci Code ranks among the best thrillers of the 21st century, despite all its controversies and criticisms.
6
‘Rebecca’ (1938)
Written by Daphne du Maurier in what became her most celebrated work, Rebecca is a dark Gothic mystery revolving around a young, anonymous woman who narrates the story behind the titular character. The woman, while working in Monte-Carlo, meets Maximilian de Winter, a wealthy and handsome English widower, and after a brief courtship, they get married and arrive at his family’s estate in Cornwall. As the woman gets herself acquainted with the house and its strange housekeeper, she discovers a dark buried secret that haunts her and her new home.
Celebrated as a masterpiece of Gothic mystery, Rebecca is atmospheric and intriguing from the first chapter, opening with one of the most famous lines in literature and setting the haunting, dream-like tone that defines the novel. Even though it builds suspense slowly, the story creates immediate curiosity in the reader with the opening setting. Often creepy and chilling, Rebecca is a genre landmark that immerses the reader in the dark, mysterious environment of Manderley and all its bloody secrets.
7
‘The Killer Question’ (2025)
A modern epistolary mystery novel written by British journalist and author Janice Hallett, The Killer Question revolves around the mystery of a once-popular pub in the English countryside, famous for its trivia quizzes, which becomes a pitch for a Netflix true-crime show. Through text messages, email exchanges, local news, and police reports, the history of the pub and its mysterious owners, Mal and Sue Eastwood, is brought to light, unraveling a dark, twisted mystery spanning decades.
The Killer Question puts a deliciously thrilling spin on the English pub quizzing culture, with mysterious disappearances, shady characters, and a fast-paced narrative. Despite no shocking opening, the book thrills right from the start with its unique and breezy style, with the tone quickly shifting from light banter to deep discomfort and surprising the reader with the discovery of a dead body. Packed with scandals, rivalries, and character drama, The Killer Question is a masterpiece of contemporary mystery that is thrilling and comedic at the same time.
8
‘Gone Girl’ (2012)
In her third book, Gillian Flynn tells a twisted story of love and marriage with different perspectives on the same events. In Gone Girl, when writer Amy Dunne suddenly disappears on her fifth wedding anniversary, it hints at a troubled marriage. When the investigation uncovers Amy’s personal diary with compromising information about her husband Nick, he becomes the key suspect, sparking a massive media storm. But nothing and no one is as they seem in this twisted tale of toxic love.
Gone Girl is not only Flynn’s most successful and popular work, but also one of the most influential mystery thrillers of the 21st century — a book that transformed the genre and cultural conversations on gender and marriage. While the entire story keeps you on the edge, the novel opens with a creepy statement by Nick Dunne, which instantly plants doubt in the reader’s mind about whether Nick is truly responsible for Amy’s disappearance or probable death. Full of surprise twists, shifting perspectives, and suspense, Gone Girl is a brilliant psychological thriller that feels like a fascinatingly complex puzzle from start to finish.
- Release Date
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October 3, 2014
- Runtime
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149 minutes
- Writers
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Gillian Flynn
- Producers
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Arnon Milchan, Ceán Chaffin, Joshua Donen
Entertainment
B2K’s Raz-B and Wife Mona Li Mourn Death of 3-Month-Old Son
B2K singer De’Mario “Raz-B” Thornton and his wife, Mona Li Thornton, are mourning the death of their 3-month old son Astro.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Astro Monte Thornton, beloved son of Mona and De’Mario ‘Raz B’ Thornton of the R&B supergroup B2K,” the couple’s spokesperson, David Robinson, told USA Today on Thursday, September 10. “The family asks for privacy as they navigate this difficult time. They truly appreciate your love and support.”
No cause of death has been made public at this time.
Us has reached out to Raz-B’s representatives for more information.
Raz-B, 41, and Mona Li are also parents to son Versai Carter Thornton, who was born in October 2024. (Mona Li has an older daughter from a previous relationship as well.)
Mona Li confirmed she was “nine months pregnant” in April while celebrating the end of B2K and Bow Wow’s coheadlining Boys 4 Life tour.
“What people see on stage is the talent, the dancing, the performance. What they don’t see is the pain you push through every single night. And still, you show up and give everything like it’s effortless,” she wrote to Raz-B.
Mona Li added, “Thank you for letting me share this journey with you babe. 9 months pregnant and outside w my man ha. I know you didn’t just do this for yourself you did it for your family, for your future, and for the legacy you’re building.”
In May, Raz-B shared a new family photo while revealing that he and Mona Li were getting ready to welcome their second child together.
“Right now we’re at the hospital getting ready to welcome our newest addition, Astro 🚀👶🏾 another baby boy to the Thornton family,” he wrote on May 16. “Big congratulations to my beautiful wife for being so strong through this journey. Watching you become a mother again is one of the greatest blessings I could ever witness. The Thornton family continues to grow… and our legacy does too.”
Five days later, Raz-B penned a moving tribute to his wife, in which he thanked her for giving him “such a beautiful family.”
“Watching you be a mother, a partner, and the heart of this family makes me love and respect you even more every single day. Through all the ups and downs, you’ve stood beside me and helped make this journey long, meaningful, and beautiful,” Raz-B wrote at the time.
The musician added, “I appreciate your strength, your patience, your loyalty, and the way you love all of us. I just want you to know that I see it, I feel it, and I’m forever grateful for you. I love you more than words can explain.”
The family officially celebrated their new arrival with a post on older son Versai Carter Thornton’s Instagram account on May 23.
“Best week ever 🥹💙✨ We welcomed my new baby brother Astro into the family, and it already feels amazing being a big brother,” the post read. “Even during such a special moment, my mom and dad still made sure to love on me and make me feel special.’
Raz-B is best known for forming the ‘90s R&B group B2K with Lil’ Fizz, J-Boog and Omarion, with whom he scored a Billboard No. 1 hit in 2002 with “Bump, Bump, Bump,” a collaboration with Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Entertainment
Best Emmy Awards Selfies Throughout the Show’s History
The Emmy Awards focus on honoring TV’s best, but for many fans, it’s an excuse to see the best dressed stars and the selfies they take.
When Amy Schumer attended the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2015, she kicked off her social media coverage with a snap of her room service order. Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake, meanwhile, opted to stick their tongues out at the camera before heading to the show in 2018.
“Just a buncha professional mature adults en route to the Emm-ahhhhhhs (see what I did there 👅) #emmys,” Biel captioned her goofy pre-Emmys photo.
In 2020, the Emmys were held remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic, but a few celebrities still managed to sneak in some low-key selfies. Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington, for example, watched the show together at a socially distanced viewing party.
Scroll down for a look at Emmys past and a peek at the best selfies from celebs in attendance:
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