“Golden Years” arrived at a moment when David Bowie was redefining what his plastic soul could become, but with a noticeable maturation of the energy he had crafted. Released as a single on November 21, 1975, ahead of the rest of Station to Station, “Golden Years” came during a moment of transition when it wasn’t certain that Bowie would even be the one to sing the recorded version. Elvis Presley was waiting in the background as a potential performer, yet Bowie’s own delivery ultimately made it a hit, sending it to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Its success landed at a pivotal point in Bowie’s career, one many fans regard as his creative peak. “Golden Years” is musically funky and groovy, but its lyrics reveal a story of isolation, naivety, and a loss of direction. It was, perhaps, an undercurrent that reflected Bowie’s own state at the time. In this way, the track represents his remarkable ability to blend American pop with a distinctly European sensibility, subtly foreshadowing the experimentation of the Berlin Trilogy.

Elvis Presley Nearly Sang “Golden Years,” and His Vocal Influence on the Song

Amazingly, “Golden Years” was first written with Elvis Presley in mind to perform it, according to Bowie’s biographers. Bowie and Presley were both signed to RCA Records at the time “Golden Years” was being written, and Presley had heard demos from Bowie. Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, thought it would be wise for Bowie to write songs for the King, given the ease that sharing a label naturally brought the pair. It’s written in David Buckley’s biography, Strange Fascination – David Bowie: The Definitive Story, that Bowie simply “adored” Presley and would have loved the opportunity to have worked with him. Alas, Elvis Presley never recorded a version of “Golden Years,” despite the artists’ offices being in contact with each other.

When you listen to “Golden Years,” it’s clear why Elvis Presley would have been an incredible performer of the song. The vocals on the track start in a distinctively Elvis-inspired, low and smooth, coolly delivered croon. In the first verse alone, Bowie’s voice bounced around melodically and rhythmically, shadowing the free elasticity that Presley made so iconic twenty years before “Golden Years” was recorded. Bowie references Presley’s technique throughout the song, but one line in the second verse does so particularly accurately. “In walked luck, and you looked in time / Never look back, walk tall, act fine,” exudes a dulcet baritone power that is cooly restrained, a loosely phrased way that prioritizes expression over rhythmic rigidity. Bowie performed so incredibly as various characters, and the pastiche of Elvis Presley was such a smart way to epitomize a feeling of nostalgic soul in his forward-facing funk. In subtly referencing an icon, Bowie bravely asserted that his music was aiming to exist in the legendary realm, and that it certainly did.

David Bowie’s Creative Transition With ‘Station to Station’

After Bowie’s success with Fame, he and his label were keen for a repeat. Bowie expanded on the upbeat funk elements of the record to build the foundations for Station to Station. “Golden Years” is more understated than the large-sounding “Young Americans,” “Fascination,” and “Fame” of the previous 1975 album, and leans more into a cool, sophisticated exploration of his soul-influenced music. The slowing down in pace also implies a steady preparation for the experimentation that Bowie took on in the Berlin Trilogy. “Golden Years,” and the rest of Station to Station could then be considered to be a creative bridge between Bowie’s plastic soul sound and the more left-field avant-garde output of the late-’70s.

It was also at this time, in 1975, that Bowie was at the height of his drug use. He was living in Los Angeles in an unhealthy state, frequently experiencing paranoia. The lyrics of “Golden Years” tell a story of feeling lost and isolated, with lines like “Run for the shadows / In these Golden Years” expressing an almost fear-like state among a fragmented sense of self. Set against an upbeat soul instrumental, the narrative holds a strong sense of suspicious melancholy, which was carried over from Young Americans and expanded even further on Station to Station in a more dismissive manner, which only heightened the eeriness of it.

Bowie captured glamour versus decay expertly, and it reached a new peak on Station to Station with the introduction of the Thin White Duke. If I may, the Thin White Duke is the persona of Bowie I regard as having the most depth and bearing in his career. It may not be the opinion of every Bowie fan, but the era of The Thin White Duke is perhaps not as equally ubiquitous as his other characters. Bowie embraced nostalgic elements of soul, dark romance and obsession combined with an inherently unfeeling man. This feels like a theatrical dramatization of figures like Elvis Presley, whose iconically romantic presence was used as a reference to the surface of the Thin White Duke.

“Golden Years” was the first song from Station to Station to be recorded. RCA actually released it as the lead single for the record on 21 November before the remainder of Station to Station was even finished. It’s a testament to Bowie that the label was so confident in his musical abilities to commit to Station to Station without a confirmed final destination. “Golden Years” continues to be one of Bowie’s most celebrated works. As it approaches 50, the song perfectly crystalizes Bowie’s shifting identities and how his music will forever exist in golden leagues.

Jennifer Lawrence has zero interest in pretending that she’s a stranger to cosmetic procedures. The Oscar-winning actress recently spoke candidly about her cosmetic enhancements.

She also opened up about the type of invasive procedures that make her anxious and the ones she would like to undergo if she wasn’t such a popular figure.

Although Jennifer Lawrence revealed that she often gets Botox in minute amounts, there is one procedure she has shied away from due to public scrutiny.

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During an interview with Vogue at the Dior Spa Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Lawrence spoke at length about her true approach to cosmetic treatments.

The 36-year-old admitted that she loved getting facials; however, she has been careful not to do too much, so she doesn’t limit her facial expressions. This caution is very important because the entirety of her job involves her ability to convey strong facial emotions on camera.

Baby Botox generally refers to using the treatment in small amounts to achieve a lasting result. While it might not be as effective as taking on full Botox treatments

“I get baby Botox, but I can’t do a lot,” she explained to the outlet, adding that instead of fully relying on these treatments, she also keeps herself hydrated to achieve glowing skin.

The Actress ‘Would Love’ To Have Buccal Fat Removal

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Lawrence may have taken a laid-back approach to Botox, but she admitted that she is curious about buccal fat removal.

This surgical procedure involves removing fat from between the cheekbones and jawline to help create a more defined look and facial appearance. While Lawrence may love the idea of a refined jawline, she admitted that her fame has made her reluctant to undergo the surgery.

She noted that while she “would love” to have the procedure done, “everybody would know” if she does.

Throughout her career, Lawrence has faced continuous public scrutiny. Fans often take different photographs from different timelines to speculate if the actress has ever had any cosmetic work.

Jennifer Lawrence Is Nervous About Fat-Transfer Procedures

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Aside from Buccal fat removal, the “Silver Linings Playbook” actress revealed in her interview that she is familiar with another procedure called cosmetic fat transfers.

This cosmetic work generally involves taking fat from one area in the body and adding it to another part of the body.

However, Lawrence said she remains nervous about trying it herself. She explained that she supports other people making that choice but wants to continue observing the results before deciding whether it is something she would consider.

She Once Denied Ever Having A Facelift Or Using Fillers

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In 2025, during a sit-down with The New Yorker, Lawrence addressed speculations surrounding her appearance once and for all.

The actress confirmed that she had engaged in Botox procedures, but denied ever doing fillers to enhance her facial structure.

She went on to say that she stayed away from fillers because she believed that people would notice the changes on camera. She again stressed the need to retain enough facial movement to portray different characters well.

When asked whether she had undergone a facelift, Lawrence denied the speculation while joking about the possibility of having one in the future.

“No. But, believe me, I’m gonna!” she responded.

Lawrence also admitted during the interview that she is making plans to have a cosmetic breast procedure after the arrival of her second child.

Professional Makeup Previously Fueled Jennifer Lawrence’s Surgery Rumors

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Lawrence also shut down plastic surgery rumors that spread like wildfire in 2023.

She explained that her makeup artist, Hung Vango, used a technique of overlining her lips that led people to believe that she had gone under the knife to get cosmetic surgery.

“I didn’t have eye surgery; I’m doing makeup,” the actress stressed.

Lawrence also pushed back against people who took photos from when she was younger and compared them to ones from her thirties as proof that she has undergone cosmetic surgery.

She argued that the unfair comparisons did not account for the fact that she could have just been aging naturally, which has led to changes in her facial structure.

Lawrence insisted that, besides her Botox use, she has not gone through any other invasive surgery on her face.

Hey, Beyond the Gates fans. We have Dana ‘Leslie’ Thomas (Trisha Mann-Grant) at a fork in the road. One way could lead to redemption and the other to rejection and ruin. And it all starts with the request Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) made for Leslie to give them permission to use Barbara Mitchell’s voice in these new recording sessions.

And things are going to spiral from there. In fact, it already started. Let’s talk about how Leslie’s foolishness could ruin the The Articulettes legacy unless a miracle happens and it somehow turns out well.

Beyond the Gates: Leslie’s Tragic Backstory

If you recall, Leslie didn’t know the identity of her biological mother for her whole entire life. Peaches Evans (Arle Michel) raised Leslie after her friend Barbara Mitchell, the founding member of the The Articulettes, left Leslie with Peaches when she was an infant and then she took her own life. Leslie was stunned when Peaches showed up in town. And this was after Eva Thomas Richardson (Ambyr Michelle) told Leslie to stop ignoring the letters from the trust lawyer.

But Leslie thought they were scam letters because she didn’t know anyone with money to leave her. And Peaches showed up to finally share this secret she’d kept hidden her whole life because Barbara made Peaches promise to act as Leslie’s mother and never reveal she was really her biological mother.

Anita Drowning in Guilt on BTG

Meanwhile, money had been piling up for years because of Anita. She was so guilt-ridden that Barbara killed herself after she was pushed out of the The Articulettes because the producer thought she was too straight. So, Anita refused and didn’t push back on the producer and let it happen to Barbara because Anita was prioritizing her own career, never having any idea that Barbara was going to take her own life.

So, Anita was haunted. She set up the trust for Barbara’s heirs and over time it grew into a veritable fortune and she was horrified to find out Leslie was Barbara’s only heir and she got the entire fortune after destroying Nicole Dupree Richardson (Daphnee Duplaix)’s marriage of a lifetime. So, she got money but Leslie never got to know her mother. And Leslie grew up, like so many of that generation, as an The Articulettes superfan with no idea her biological mother was the driving force behind the formation of the famous girl group that Anita went on to be the lead singer and star of.

Beyond the Gates: Leslie’s Deal with The Articulates

And now Tracy, Sharon Winger (Bonita Brisker), and Anita are supposed to be getting back into the studio to recut versions of all their songs and adding in archival tapes of Barbara’s voice to make the The Articulettes group whole again retroactively. Problem is, as her sole heir, Leslie is the one who controls the permission over using Barbara’s voice. So, Leslie demanded some concessions that Anita didn’t like, but Sharon pushed Anita to set the feelings aside and just make the deal.

Leslie wants to sit in the booth while they record. That was the very first thing. And she wants a producer credit on the new The Articulettes album, plus a share of the profit. But I doubt what Anita agreed to is going to be the end of it. Leslie could make things much more difficult actually during these recording sessions. Anita may give Leslie an inch and she takes five yards instead.

Leslie Replaces Anita on BTG?

Big question is whether she will wind up ruining these recording sessions and honestly ruining the The Articulettes legacy. Right now Anita can’t do the concert because her voice isn’t back. She’s hopeful it’ll recover before the studio sessions with Tracy and Sharon. But if it doesn’t, we could see Leslie pushing to take her place.

We know she loves to be the center of attention. Also, like her mom, Barbara, we know that Leslie can actually sing, and she may jump at an opportunity to get onto the album. Or worse yet, Leslie might create an opportunity to get onto the album. She may do something really sneaky and manipulative.

Red Flags on Beyond the Gates

Actress Trisha Mann-Grant, who plays Leslie, is a singer in real life and she sang on Beyond the Gates not too long ago. She serenaded Marcel Malone (Darryl W. Handy). And I feel like having Leslie sing was a red flag that we’re going to see more of her vocal talents on BTG. And we have seen Leslie humble lately. Like when she was trying to make things right with Marcel, she blew him off about the whole boat thing, but then Leslie softened her approach to her grumpy cop boyfriend Marcel.

But the question is, can Leslie also be humble about this The Articulettes opportunity? Because realistically, she should just be thrilled to be in the same room with these legends that were her mom’s best friends and to watch the The Articulettes record. But I can’t imagine Leslie just settling for watching Tracy, Sharon, and Anita sing. So Leslie may find a way to work her way into it.

BTG: Leslie’s Rotton Move

Worst case is she does something awful trying to wiggle her way in. Like Leslie erases Barbara’s tapes. So they need to find another way to have their original founder’s memory and legacy honored with this project. And it could be that Leslie’s voice sounds a lot like her mom’s enough to where they reluctantly agree that she can sing with them. Anita, Tracy, and Sharon may be hesitant to allow this unless they were in a bind. And of course, it would be horrifying if Leslie ruined what might be the only copies of her mom’s early recordings.

At the same time, I wouldn’t put it past her. We’ve seen she’s willing to use Eva, use Peaches, use anybody else to make Leslie’s schemes happen. So, it could also be something benign like a technical issue that makes Barbara’s recordings unusual, and Leslie may humbly ask for a chance to audition for them, and maybe she wows them.

Beyond the Gates: Leslie Pushes Anita Out

Another way for Leslie to worm her way in is if Anita’s voice doesn’t come back on the timeline they need. Devon Winters (Bryton James) may have a deadline for the project and if Anita’s voice isn’t recovering fast enough, they may be left in a tight spot. And again, Leslie could offer to audition. She may suggest she can sing alongside her mom’s voice on the album. You know, pop stars’ children often do tributes like this, like when Natalie Cole did that amazing version of Unforgettable.

And it was a posthumous duet after her dad Nat King Cole’s death. I’ll never forget listening to that. But even if none of these things happened, I fully expect Leslie to abuse this opportunity when she should just be enjoying watching her mom’s best friends make music. So, she could do what Anita expects and Leslie can make trouble or she can do something right for a change.

Beyond the Gates: Leslie Out for Revenge

So, since Sharon got Anita to agree to the producer credit, we could see something less intrusive like Leslie’s just bragging about it all over the place, doing interviews about being Barbara’s daughter and trying to blow up her role in the project and make herself seem more important. This is a big opportunity that could change Leslie’s life and help her work through some of her issues around never knowing her mom, you know, or she could abuse it and it just isn’t a positive thing.

Leslie was really enjoying the stories about her mom, Barbara, that she was hearing from Anita and Sharon and Tracy, but at the same time, Leslie may want some payback because Barbara was kicked out and Anita didn’t stand up for her and then basically took her place. So, Leslie might try to get more involved with the project specifically to damage Anita. I wouldn’t put it past her.

Eva Warns Leslie on BTG

I know Eva is going to be thrilled for her mom, but we’ll also see this is probably a situation Leslie will abuse. Eva may even warn her mom, don’t do it. But Leslie doesn’t listen and she tends to make a fool of herself and make others hate her. So that could happen again. Anita’s already on edge about having to involve Leslie.

But Sharon and Tracy may give Leslie the benefit of the doubt in honor of Barbara. Question is, will Leslie rise to the occasion and be an important part of honoring Barbara’s legacy, or will she make a mockery of it all by trying to glory hound, hog the limelight, and make it all about Leslie herself rather than her mom? I know which outcome I expect.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is expected to be freed from prison in 2028. When exactly? That date has changed at least three times in the last three months. As first reported by TMZ, the latest update puts ‘Brother Love’ outside before Valentine’s Day 2028.

RELATED: Diddy’s Prison Release Date Reportedly Updated — Again

Latest Report On Diddy’s Release Date

Diddy’s release date has been revised several times since his sentence last year. In November 2025, his release was set for June 4, 2028, and by March 2026, it was moved up even closer to April 25, 2028. It underwent another 10-day change, and then February 23, 2028, became the next possible date back in June. Days after getting into an altercation with another inmate, the date was bumped up a month earlier to January 24, 2028, per FOX11. Following that incident, last month, it was again pushed back to February 20, 2028.

In the latest update from the Bureau of Prisons, Diddy is now expected to be released from behind bars on February 5, 2028.

He is still being held at the FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey for two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. His sentence included 50 months in prison and a six-figure fine. The jury acquitted him of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that carried heavier sentences.

Sean Combs Family Has Been Sticking Beside Him

Through the trial and post-conviction changes, Diddy’s family, namely his adult children, have stuck beside him. That includes Quincy Brown, his stepson from his time with Kim Porter; Chance Combs; Christian Combs; and D’Lila and Jessie Combs. From attending the sentencing to asking the judge for leniency, their support did not waver. Outside of the courthouse, the children have remained close, still spending holidays together.

RELATED: Whew! Christian & Justin Combs Spark Strong Reactions With Father’s Day Messages For Diddy (VIDEO)

Roomies, Blueface is giving a glimpse into some quality time with his little ones, and the rapper had fans taking notice of the sweet family moment. The cozy scene had both his and Nevaeh Akira’s newborn son Jonathan Porter Jr. and Nevaeh’s eldest son Superior right by his side, making for an adorable snapshot.

RELATED: Unbothered? Blueface Responds To Jaidyn Alexis’ Parenting Comments & Accuses Her Of Brainwashing Their Son Javaughn (VIDEOS)

Blueface Shares Sweet Snuggle Moment With Family

In a photo shared to the rapper’s Instagram Story this week, Blueface appeared to be getting comfortable while cuddled up with his stepson, Superior, and his newborn son, Jonathan Porter Jr. whom he shares with Nevaeh Akira. In the pic, Jonathan Jr. lays on Blue’s chest as Superior rested slightly to the side. Blueface appeared to cuddle close to both boys as they snuggled together in bed. And Roomies, the setup was giving cozy with a side of luxury! The trio appeared tucked under cream-colored sheets with a blue headboard behind them, while Louis Vuitton and Chanel artwork decorated the wall above the bed.

Blueface Gets Cozy With Jonathan Jr. And Superior

The sweet snapshot offers a glimpse at Blueface spending some downtime with the boys as he embraces fatherhood and life with his growing family. Jonathan Jr. is Blueface and Nevaeh’s firsrt child together. The photo also comes as Chrisean Jesus Jr., who has been the subject of longstanding speculation about his paternity, celebrates his birthday today, with Blueface having continuously denied that he is the child’s biological father. Still, some folks couldn’t help but wonder if the timing of the post meant anything more.

The Internet Wasn’t Letting This one Slide

Roomies, folks quickly ran to The Shade Room Teen’s Instagram comment section to sound off on the cozy family snapshot. One person joked that everybody in the photo looked “fake sleep,” while others argued that Blueface needs to stop having kids. Meanwhile, some commenters took a sweeter route by wishing Chrisean Jr. a happy birthday, while others said Superior had them cracking up.

One Instagram user @therealrolkeishac_ said, “Superior look like me when I’m in the arms of someone I got no business being with 😂😂😂”

This Instagram user @saradaslayer_ joked, “Superior bad *ss fake sleep 😂😂😭 playing along”

And, Instagram user @negangaa claimed, “Blueface was like let’s play sleep 🤣🤣🤣”

This Instagram user @am_a_real_unique_gurl claimed, “Tryna distract people cos it’s Chrisean Jesus birthday…”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @atl.liya_ wrote, “he definitely trolling Jaidyn 😂 sir please”

While Instagram user @kateralaverne added, “I don’t understand why y’all women keep having babies by this man😂”

Then @therealjmarkee said, “Happy birthday Chrisean Junior 🥳🥳🥳🥳”

And, Instagram user @ezzydacreator commented “lmfaoo he js smiling away😂”

Lastly, @brownskiinnae shared, “Now this is cute 😂😂”

RELATED: Jaidyn Alexis Calls Out Blueface’s Parenting As She Reveals How Javaughn Has Reacted To His Apparent Absence (VIDEOS)

Tawkify took the idea of finding the perfect match beyond dating, bringing together celebrities, media, and tastemakers for an unforgettable Las Vegas experience.

A Weekend All About Connection

In celebration of National Matchmaker Day, the matchmaking service hosted The Perfect Match Weekend, a three-day experience centered on intentional connection, modern matchmaking, and the people who help bring couples together.

The curated weekend featured Selling Sunset stars Mary Bonnet and Sandra Vergara, along with Love Is Blind alum Chelsea Blackwell. The group gathered in Las Vegas for an experience designed to celebrate meaningful relationships in a world increasingly driven by digital connections.

The Perfect Match Takes Flight

The experience began and ended aboard Theos, a Challenger 850 operated by Cirrus Aviation Services. The private jet transported guests between Van Nuys and Las Vegas, adding an exclusive touch to the weekend.

“National Matchmaker Day is about celebrating the people who still believe meaningful connection deserves intention,” said Chris Kumar, CEO of Tawkify. “The Perfect Match Weekend was our opportunity to celebrate not only matchmaking, but what happens when the right people, places and experiences come together.”

Theos’ Weekly Route Takes Center Stage

Transportation was more than a way to get guests to the event. Theos was part of the experience itself, highlighting Cirrus Aviation Services’ new weekly, members-only route between Van Nuys and Las Vegas.

“Great experiences begin long before guests arrive at their destination,” said Eric Grilly, president of Cirrus Aviation Services. “We were proud to partner with Tawkify to welcome its guests aboard Theos for round-trip travel between Van Nuys and Las Vegas via our new weekly route.”

The new route gives Cirrus Aviation Services members a convenient private travel option between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, while The Perfect Match Weekend provided a fitting showcase for the service.

With the trip beginning and ending aboard Theos, the weekend brought Tawkify’s central message full circle: when the match is right, everything just works.

If you have hit the stretch of adulthood where making a new friend feels harder than it used to, you are not alone, and the culture is starting to respond. Craft hobbies like knitting, crochet and embroidery are moving out of the living room and into craft care pop-ups, workshops and café-style gatherings, and the shift is quietly reshaping what a night out can look like for Gen Z and younger millennials. What began as grandmacore, a nostalgic online aesthetic, is becoming an in-person social experience. At the same time, analog hobbies are also gaining a place in the growing conversation around “third places.”

What’s Happening

Analog hobbies are increasingly being organized as shared, in-person experiences rather than solo activities at home. Workshops, pop-up craft nights and project-centered gatherings are giving Gen Z and younger millennials a structured way to make something while socializing offline.

Financial Express has documented the rise of grandmacore experiences built around knitting, crochet, embroidery and ceramics. In turn, the younger consumers finding workshops through social media and showing up in person. Michaels’ 2026 Creativity Trend Report names “project-centered gatherings” as a defining behavior for 2026. The retailer says it is expanding in-store events where customers can experience creative trends, learn new skills and connect with local creative communities.

The through-line is simple. The craft itself is becoming the reason to gather.

See How a Grabbing Latte Inside Coach and Uniqlo Stores Powers Gen Z Experiential Retail Growth

Why It’s Happening

Several forces are stacking on top of each other. First, grandmacore normalized analog hobbies for a generation that grew up online. Knitting and embroidery stopped reading as old-fashioned and started reading as intentional. Financial Express traces this shift specifically to younger consumers discovering slower, hands-on hobbies through digital feeds and then seeking out the physical version.

Second, there is a structural pull away from screens. Michaels’ 2026 report frames project-centered gatherings as a way to move from passive scrolling toward shared making, arguing that shared making can lower social pressure and build deeper connection. If you have ever felt the flat exhaustion of trying to catch up with an old friend across a loud restaurant table, that framing lands.

Third, the format is flexible. Workshops and ticketed events can bring analog hobbies into existing social spaces. Financial Express documents sessions held in cafés and resto-bars. Organizers also use social media and ticketing platforms to reach attendees.

“Project-centered gatherings are replacing passive scrolling, as shared making lowers social pressure and builds deeper connection.” — Michaels’ 2026 Creativity Trend Report

What Could Be Next

Expect this to keep building through 2026, not level off. Several pieces of the trend are unusually well-aligned. Grandmacore is already established, Michaels is leaning into events and pop-ups and workshops offer a flexible format. Here is where it is most likely to go, and what it could mean if you have been quietly looking for an easier way to meet people.

1. Craft cafés will become a recognizable venue category, not just an occasional pop-up. As demand proves out, expect standalone spaces that blend coffee-shop hours with drop-in project stations, plus hybrid bars and restaurants that add a weekly craft night to their calendar. If you are a regular at a local coffee shop or independent bar, watch for the first “craft night” or “stitch night” to appear on their events page, and consider going to the first one.

2. Retailers will compete for the workshop layer, not just the supply layer. Michaels has already signaled it wants to be where customers gather, not only where they buy yarn or paint. Expect craft stores, yarn shops and independent makers to escalate their event programming. Additionally, ticketed classes could expand beyond beginner kits into multi-week series. If you have been meaning to learn to knit, crochet or embroider, this is a good window to lock in a workshop. Series-based classes can also be a low-pressure way to see the same faces week after week, which is often the missing ingredient in adult friendship.

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3. Social discovery will keep driving offline turnout, and the funnel is going to tighten. Financial Express describes social media as the discovery point for these workshops. As a result, that pattern could intensify as creators build audiences around in-person analog experiences. Popular events will sell out from a single post. A useful move is to follow two or three local makers or venues now, before the algorithm catches up to what your city is doing. Turn on notifications for the ones that host events. That is the difference between hearing about a workshop and getting a ticket to one.

The bigger takeaway is that grandmacore is no longer just an aesthetic to scroll past. It is becoming a place to go. The craft café is quietly opening up a third option if your social calendar feels stuck between staying in and going out for drinks. The earliest adopters in each city are going to shape what the format looks like for everyone else.

THREE SIGNALS TO WATCH

1. New standalone craft café openings announced in mid-size U.S. cities through the rest of 2026.
2. Michaels’ rollout pace on the expanded in-store events program outlined in its 2026 Creativity Trend Report.
3. Ticketed craft workshops selling out within 24 hours of being posted on Instagram or TikTok, the clearest sign the discovery-to-attendance funnel has tightened.

Dolly Parton’s niece is opening up about why the singer chose to keep her cancer battle “real private” before her death.

“She never wanted to worry anybody,” Jada Star told Extra on Tuesday, September 1, adding, “So I think it was just a shock.”

Star also got candid about how she’s been doing since Parton’s death on August 25. “It’s been really difficult and very surreal,” she shared. “It’s also been really bittersweet because of this beautiful opportunity we’ve had to see how much the whole world loves her. All of these tributes have helped so much.”

She ended her interview by revealing what she would say to Parton if she could. “I think I would just say thank you so much, and I love you so much,” Star said while tearing up. “And I know you’re OK. We’re going to be OK.”

Related: Dolly Parton Died Following ‘Brief’ Cancer Battle, Rep Says

Dolly Parton‘s spokesperson revealed that the singer died following a “brief battle with cancer.” “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a […]

Parton’s rep confirmed her death at age 80 in a statement last month. “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,” the statement read. “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.”

That same day, a spokesperson for Parton shared that the country icon had a “brief battle with cancer.”

“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” the message read. The type of cancer was not disclosed.

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Related: Miley Cyrus Breaks Her Silence on Godmother Dolly Parton’s Death

Miley Cyrus is honoring country music icon — and her godmother — Dolly Parton after her death. “The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts,” Cyrus, 33, wrote via […]

More of Parton’s loved ones have since reacted to her death, including Miley Cyrus, who was her goddaughter.

“The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts,” Cyrus, 33, wrote via Instagram one day after the news broke. “What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis. 🦋.”

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

There’s a new pro in the Dancing With the Stars ballroom — and she’s no stranger to the dance floor.

Hailey Bills joined the pro roster for season 35, pairing up with model Sarah Jane Nader in a rare same-sex pairing.

While Nader is new to the competition, Bills isn’t exactly another DWTS newcomer. Her path to season 35 has been years in the making — and it runs in the family.

Keep scrolling to learn more:

Related: Remember When ‘DWTS’ Had a Junior Version? Where the Mini Pros Are Now

Seven years before Rylee Arnold and Hailey Bills slayed the Dancing With the Stars stage, they were both junior pros on the younger iteration of the ballroom competition. In 2018, DWTS aired a junior version of the competition where a slate of child stars or kids of celebrities competed for a star-shaped mirrorball trophy. The […]

From ‘DWTS Juniors’ to the Main Show

Bills first showed up on the franchise back in 2018, when she was cast as a junior pro on Dancing With the Stars: Juniors, the short-lived spinoff that paired child stars and the kids of celebrities with young dancers to compete for a star-shaped mirrorball trophy.

At age 12, Bills was partnered with Tripp Johnston Palin, the then-9-year-old son of exes Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston. The duo, who were the first couple eliminated, were mentored by longtime pro Jenna Johnson  — who happens to be Bills’ aunt. (Bristol competed on DWTS season 11 and season 15, both times dancing with fellow pro Mark Ballas.)

“I think for being a non-dancer, he was able to retain [the steps] really well,“ Johnson told Us at the time of coaching Tripp. “It’s very hard for someone who has never danced before. This is a very daunting place. It’s covered in lights and cameras and costumes, so he did really well.”

Hailey Bills Joined the ‘DWTS’ Troupe Before Pro Promotion

Bills kept dancing in the years after DWTS Juniors, even performing with judge Derek Hough at a Savannah Bananas game in September 2025. That same month, Bills was cast in the DWTS troupe for season 34 alongside Onye Stevenson, Carter Williams and Jaxon Willard.

The DWTS troupe was introduced during 2011’s season 12 and has served as a launchpad for pros including Alan Bersten, Sharna Burgess, Witney Carson, Daniella Karagach, Britt Stewart and Johnson herself.

Hailey Bills’ History-Making 1st Partnership 

Bills was named a pro for season 35 in September 2025 and paired with Love Thy Nader star Sarah Jane, whose older sister Brooks Nader appeared on season 33 of the competition. According to Sarah Jane, her sibling wasted no time sharing words of wisdom.

“She really just said to enjoy every moment and, like, soak it up and embrace the challenging [side] of it all,” Sarah Jane told Us. “[She said] don’t be scared to embarrass yourself. And so I’m really just leaning in.”

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Fellow season 35 pro Emma Slater also told Us that she’s rooting for Sarah Jane and Bills, which is only the second time that two women have danced together. (Johnson previously partnered with JoJo Siwa in 2021’s season 31.)

“I’m excited to see Hailey and Sarah Jane dance together,” Slater gushed at the time. “That’s going to be really cool, too.”

This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.