There’s nothing like binge-watching an excellent TV series from start to finish. With long-running shows, this can take months, but shorter series can be watched in full over the course of just a day or two. A great short series makes the most of its limited number of episodes and gets viewers attached to the characters early on. These shows, no matter the genre, keep viewers engaged with compelling storylines and captivating relationship dynamics.

From limited series to shows that only got two seasons to others that are still releasing new episodes, there are so many fantastic shows that don’t have very many episodes. These shows make for the best binge-watches, and they are also great to rewatch over and over. Whether they be hilarious sitcoms with just a season or two or absolutely devastating miniseries, these are the seven best series to stream with fewer than 20 episodes.

1

‘Bad Sisters’ (2022–2024)

Image via Apple TV

Bad Sisters is a dark comedy thriller series that follows the five Garvey sisters: Eva (Sharon Horgan), Grace (Anne-Marie Duff), Ursula (Eva Birthistle), Bibi (Sarah Greene), and Becka (Eve Hewson). In the present day, Grace’s abusive husband, Jean Paul (Claes Bang), has just died. As Grace mourns, her sisters try to cover up their mysterious involvement in his death, and two insurance agents try to find a way out of paying Grace.

In the past, Jean Paul ruins the lives of each of Grace’s sisters, while continuing to treat her horribly. Feeling out of options, Eva, Ursula, Bibi, and Becka decide to plot his murder. None of them know anything about killing someone, though, so they go through a lot of trial and error along the way. They try out a number of different methods to try to kill Jean Paul, and the result is both suspenseful and hilarious. Bad Sisters makes the most of its 18 episodes, and it keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

2

‘Crashing’ (2016)

Image via Channel 4

Crashing is a hangout sitcom that follows a group of people who all act as property managers for an abandoned hospital. Because of this, they get to live there for free — at least until the property gets torn down or used for something else. The events of the show start when two new people move in and shake things up: Lulu (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), the wild childhood friend of one of the residents, and Colin (Adrian Scarborough), a recently separated man going through a midlife crisis.

Crashing only has six episodes, and you can watch the entire show in just about two hours. Even though it is so short, Crashing is one of the best sitcoms on streaming. It is laugh-out-loud funny, with sharp dialogue, a delightfully bizarre main setting, and uniquely strange and charming characters. The main dynamics are also incredibly compelling, both among the larger group and through the individual friendships and romantic connections.

3

‘Daisy Jones & the Six’ (2023)

Image via Prime Video

Daisy Jones & the Six tells the story of an iconic ’80s rock band, all building up to the night that mysteriously split them up at the height of their fame and success. The show starts with the formation of a band called The Six, while separately, up-and-coming singer-songwriter Daisy Jones (Riley Keough) makes a name for herself. Then, Daisy Jones and The Six are paired together to work on a song, where she and lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist Billy Dunne (Sam Claflin) butt heads. It soon becomes clear that Daisy and Billy are magic together, and they are pushed to keep making music together.

Some time several decades into the future, the members of the band and those connected to them tell the story of those years in a tell-all interview, each separately recounting their own memories of the events. In the past, Daisy and Billy form an unlikely and explosive connection that propels all of their careers, while also threatening the core dynamics that make up the band’s inner circle. Daisy Jones & the Six is a deeply captivating drama series with excellent music and memorable characters, and it makes for the perfect binge-watch.

4

‘Over the Garden Wall’ (2014)

Image via Cartoon Network

Over the Garden Wall is an animated fantasy miniseries that aired on Cartoon Network a little over a decade ago. The series follows two half-brothers named Wirt (Elijah Wood) and Greg (Collin Dean), who are already lost in a magical forest called the Unknown at the start of the series. They don’t remember how they got there, and they have no idea how to get out. Still, the brothers embark on a quest to get home, making both unlikely friends and dangerous enemies along the way.

Over the Garden Wall is a cozy and whimsical series with excellent animation and well-written storylines. Each episode, Wirt and Greg stumble upon a new part of the Unknown, having exciting adventures and getting to know the creatures and people that populate the space. All the while, the brothers are at risk from a villain who turns children into trees and burns them as kindling for his lantern. The series perfectly balances its lightness and whimsy with this darker storyline.

5

‘Adults’ (2025–Present)

Adults is an excellent sitcom that first premiered last year and will be releasing its second season at the end of this month. The show follows five close friends who all live in a house together in Queens: Anton (Owen Thiele), Issa (Amita Rao), Billie (Lucy Freyer), Samir (Malik Elassal), and Paul Baker (Jake Innanen). Each episode, the friends deal with anything from normal adult issues like money problems to strange dilemmas like accidentally befriending a local “stabber.”

The highlight of Adults is its fantastic main friend group. Each of the characters is complex and quirky in their own unique ways, and they all have excellent dynamics with one another. The writing is absolutely hilarious as well, and the show’s humor is delightfully over-the-top and strange. In between seasons, Adults released a prequel episode that shows how all the friends met Paul Baker, and its nine episodes are all available to binge-watch ahead of Season 2.

6

‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’ (2020)

Image via Netflix

Based on The Turn of the Screw and other works by Henry James, The Haunting of Bly Manor is a stunning and terrifying limited series about a woman named Dani Clayton (Victoria Pedretti), who is trying to escape her painful past back in America. In 2007, an older woman (Carla Gugino) tells a scary story at a wedding. In the events of the story, back in 1987, Dani Clayton goes to work as an au pair for two young children at their family’s isolated and mysterious manor in Bly.

Soon, Dani starts to see things that make her question her reality, all while learning that this place has a horrifying history — starting with its beginning and ending with the recent death of Rebecca Jessel (Tahirah Sharif), the children’s last au pair before Dani. Over the course of the series, Dani becomes very close with her new coworkers and the children, forming a beautiful found family dynamic. Her new life here isn’t safe, though, and she’ll have to learn more about this place if she wants to keep her new family protected.

7

‘Galavant’ (2015–2016)

Image via ABC

Galavant is a hilarious fairy-tale spoof that follows Galavant (Joshua Sasse), a formerly successful knight who’s been a mess since his true love, Madalena (Mallory Jansen), left him to marry the evil King Richard (Timothy Omundson). Galavant’s sulking is interrupted when the desperate Princess Isabella (Karen David) asks him for help saving her kingdom from Richard, telling him that Madalena misses him and needs saving as well.

Little does Galavant know, though, that Isabella is tricking him. Richard is holding her parents captive, and in order to save them, she has to take an unknowing Galavant to his death. Galavant is a laugh-out-loud funny and truly delightful series that has excellent original songs and some seriously exciting quests throughout. It’s fun and entertaining from start to finish, and over the course of its 18 episodes, it delivers some truly phenomenal arcs for its characters.

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Galavant

Release Date

2015 – 2016-00-00

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• 
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  Timothy Omundson

  King Richard

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Get a rundown of Us‘ top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on August 25, 2026. Here are the key takeaways:

• Country music icon Dolly Parton died peacefully in Nashville, her rep announced Tuesday, August 25. The singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist leaves behind a seven-decade legacy that includes hits like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” her Dollywood theme park and her Imagination Library book-gifting program.

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• Hayden Panettiere‘s rep is pushing back on “disrespectful” online speculation surrounding the actress’ sudden death, saying there is “much more to this story” than what’s circulating publicly. Panettiere died on August 16 following a reported cardiac arrest, and the Greenville County Coroner’s Office and Greenville City Police Department in South Carolina are conducting a parallel investigation, with an autopsy finding no signs of trauma.

• Nearly seven months after Savannah Guthrie‘s mother, Nancy, was taken from her Tucson, Arizona, home, Us takes a closer look at the missteps, theories and clues that could crack the case. Experts weigh in on two ransom notes demanding millions in Bitcoin, criticism of early crime scene handling and the sheriff’s department’s limits on FBI involvement, and possible paths forward through DNA and digital evidence.

Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance

Zoë Kravitz has a way of making the fashion trends we thought we left behind suddenly feel like the only thing we want to wear. Her latest denim moment is making a strong case for bringing a slightly retro silhouette back into rotation — and thankfully, you don’t need a celebrity budget to channel the effortlessly cool look this fall.

On August 22, Kravitz was spotted strolling through New York City in light-wash cropped flare jeans, which she paired with a fitted white tee, black block heels and a slouchy black bag. The ankle-baring hem gave the throwback flair a fresh 2026 update, showing off her shoes while keeping the outfit sleek and minimal. We couldn’t pin down her exact pants, but we found a nearly identical pair on Amazon for $32.

Get the Amazon Essentials Mid-Rise Kick Crop Jeans for $32 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, August 25, 2026, but are subject to change.

The Amazon Essentials Mid-Rise Kick Crop Jeans make it easy to recreate Kravitz’s look without spending a fortune. They have the same slim-through-the-hip silhouette, subtle flared hem and cropped design that gives her otherwise simple jeans-and-tee combination a cool, fashion-forward finish.

Related: Savannah Guthrie’s Slimming Dress Is an Ageless, Luxe-Looking Staple

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There are certain dresses that earn permanent closet status, and Savannah Guthrie just reminded Us why. A polished midi dress with a waist-defining shape can make getting dressed for the office, a nice lunch or an important event feel practically effortless. It’s a style that lets you look put together without trying too hard, and […]

Made from a cotton-blend fabric, the jeans are designed to move with you while maintaining their shape. Plus, they have a semi-stretchy feel that makes the jeans actually comfortable to wear.

The mid-rise waist makes them easy to pair with everything in your closet. We can see them worn with fitted tees and tanks for summer, and then styled with lightweight sweaters and blazers as temperatures drop.

The Amazon jeans come in a similar light wash to Kravitz’s pair, along with black and dark-wash options; sizes range from 0 through 20.

Petite shoppers are especially impressed with the cropped fit. One reviewer raved that the “no hemming is a win,” and noted that they even “work with flats.” Another buyer who called them “a must buy” wrote, “I love the flare and the crop, [it’s] really trendy and catches everyones eyes.”

Kravitz paired hers with a white tee and heels, but these are the kind of jeans we would also wear with sneakers for errands, loafers for the office or ankle boots once fall weather officially arrives. For $32, they’re an affordable way to test-drive the once-dated denim trend Kravitz made look cool again.

Obsessed with Kravitz’s jeans? Find more cropped flare lookalikes on Amazon.

Shop more light-wash cropped jeans that we love:

Not your style? Explore more cropped jeans here, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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Related: Elisabeth Moss’ Loose, Polished Blouse Is Perfect for the Office

Bloated days have a funny way of making even your most reliable work tops feel like the enemy. But Elisabeth Moss just made a strong case for swapping anything clingy or restrictive for a loose, silky button-down that still looks completely polished — and we found a similar style on Amazon for just $24. Moss […]

Chicago house legend Green Velvet is taking over OMNIA Skybar on Sunday, August 30 — and the rooftop above OMNIA Dayclub has a trick that keeps golden hour going long after the actual sun is gone.

A Sunset That Doesn’t Stop

Sunset Club Sundays is built around one moment: the sun dropping behind the mountains while the Las Vegas Strip goes gold beneath you. But the real draw kicks in after.

As natural light fades, the OMNIA Horizon — a custom 8K LED canvas wrapping the entire rooftop — lights up with cinematic sunset footage shot in some of the most striking places on the planet. Golden coastlines. Cliffside horizons. Skies most guests will never see in person.

The effect is less screen than portal, and it turns a fifteen-minute sunset into an all-night visual run.

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Who’s Behind the Decks

Green Velvet needs little introduction to anyone who’s been in a club in the last thirty years. Born Curtis Jones, he’s spent three decades building a catalog that runs from the deep, soulful material he releases as Cajmere to the darker, wirier acid tracks that carry the Green Velvet name — “Flash,” “Answering Machine” and “La La Land” among them.

He founded Relief and Cajual Records, helped push Chicago house into clubs worldwide, and still turns up on festival and residency bills across Europe and the U.S. His sets skew raw and percussive, which makes for a sharp gear change once the rooftop’s ambient programming gives way to the night.

The Food Is Dayclub-Level

The kitchen pulls straight from OMNIA Dayclub’s menu — Tomahawk Taco Platters, Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, shrimp cocktail — served with craft cocktails and the full length of the Strip laid out below.

Dolly Parton has died at 80 years old, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that spans music, film, television, and philanthropy. Following news of her passing, the entertainment industry has come together to mourn the loss of the beloved country music icon, with stars sharing heartfelt tributes and memories. Among them is rapper Eminem, who honored Parton by sharing a sweet letter she had sent him years earlier.

Before her passing, Dolly Parton had been dealing with several health issues that led her to postpone or cancel performances and appearances. The country icon repeatedly assured fans she was on the mend, most recently appearing via video at the grand opening of a new roller coaster in Dollywood, where she said she got dizzy at times and was dehydrated.

Days after, Parton was admitted to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and she peacefully passed away on August 25 surrounded by her loved ones.

Per Parton’s request, the news of her death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who also served as her head of security for over two decades. A representative later announced that Parton died after a “brief battle with cancer,” as The Blast reported.

Eminem Shares Sweet And Impactful Letter From Dolly Parton

Following the news of Parton’s death, the entertainment industry paid tribute to the country legend. Eminem took to social media and shared a touching letter he received from the singer. The rapper noted he never met Parton in person, but said he was deeply touched by her kindness.

In 2022, Parton and Eminem were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the same class. In her letter, the country singer praised the rapper’s “amazing” performance and said he was “the very best” at rapping. Parton also said she felt an “unexplained connection” with Eminem, despite never having met.

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“Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense,” Eminem wrote in the caption, thanking Parton for the note.

Dolly Parton’s Legacy Extends Far Beyond Her Music

Parton left behind an extraordinary musical legacy, with hit songs that cemented her place as one of country music’s most beloved figures. However, her influence extended far beyond her music, as she was equally celebrated for her compassion, generosity, and kindness.

Sir Elton John shared his shock over the singer’s passing, writing on Instagram Stories, “A giant of an artist – unique and irreplaceable, with the kindest heart.”

Jack White, meanwhile, shared a black-and-white photo of a young Parton, simply writing, “Instant Sainthood” in the caption.

Journalist Megyn Kelly described Parton by writing she was “as close to total goodness as any mere mortal could come” in a tribute on X.

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Parton supported several causes in her decades-long career and launched the Dollywood Foundation in 1988 to fund literacy initiatives and educational programs for children. She also supported disaster relief, animal welfare, and medical research, among others.

Fellow Singers Honor The Country Music Legend

Sabrina Carpenter was among those who honored Parton, writing in an Instagram post, “There will never be another you, and how lucky are we all to have experienced your singular magic as well as your once in a lifetime voice, songs, and heart.” Carpenter and Parton recorded a special duet remix of the former’s song “Please Please Please” in 2025 and appeared together in a music video.

Beyoncé honored Parton on her official website, writing, “You were the barometer. The North Star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious… You are truly one of one.” The two singers collaborated on Beyoncé’s country album “Cowboy Carter,” with Parton appearing in a spoken-word intro for Beyoncé’s cover of her song, “Jolene.”

Musicians who honored Parton include Reba McEntire, Keith Urban, Kacey Musgraves, Brandie Carlile, Blake Shelton, and Shania Twain, among many others, who all expressed the profound impact the country singer had on them.

A Private Service Will Be Held For Dolly Parton

Following the news of her passing, Parton’s team announced that the country icon will be laid to rest in a small, private ceremony, in accordance with her wishes.

Parton’s family has also asked fans to donate to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library instead of sending flowers.

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Those who want to honor Parton are requested to share their tributes and memories of the singer on social media or by writing messages on her official website, dollyparton.com.

Dolly Parton’s journey from a one-room cabin in the Tennessee mountains to international superstardom became one of the most remarkable stories in entertainment history. Before her death at age 80, Parton spent more than six decades building a career that reached far beyond country music. She became an acclaimed songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist while maintaining the humor and authenticity that made millions of fans feel connected to her. From her childhood performances and arrival in Nashville to Dollywood, Hollywood and her final projects, these photos capture the defining chapters of Parton’s extraordinary life.

Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, and grew up in nearby Locust Ridge. She was one of 12 children raised by Robert Lee Parton and Avie Lee Owens Parton in a one-room cabin.

Money was scarce, but music remained a constant presence inside the family’s home. Parton began singing in her grandfather’s church as a child and wrote her first song, “Little Tiny Tasseltop,” at approximately 6 years old.

Her rural upbringing would later inspire some of her most personal songs, including “Coat of Many Colors.”

The Future Star Began Performing As A Child

Parton received her first real guitar when she was 8 and quickly began pursuing opportunities beyond her hometown.

By age 10, she was appearing on local television and radio programs in Knoxville. She performed at the Grand Ole Opry when she was 13, where she reportedly met country music legend Johnny Cash.

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Even at that young age, Parton had already decided that music would become more than a childhood hobby. After graduating from high school, she immediately left home to pursue her dreams in Nashville.

Dolly Parton Arrived In Nashville With Big Dreams

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Parton moved to Nashville in 1964, arriving in the center of the country music industry on the day after her high school graduation.

Her first major success came as a songwriter, with other performers recording material she had written. Parton released her debut studio album, “Hello, I’m Dolly,” in 1967, introducing audiences to the voice and storytelling that would eventually make her a global star.

That same year, Porter Wagoner invited her to join his syndicated television series, “The Porter Wagoner Show.” Their partnership gave Parton national exposure and produced numerous successful duets.

Her Partnership With Porter Wagoner Changed Her Career

Parton and Wagoner became one of country music’s most recognizable performing teams throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Their professional relationship helped Parton establish herself with country audiences, but she eventually wanted greater control over her solo career. Her decision to leave the show created tension between them and inspired one of her most enduring songs.

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Parton wrote “I Will Always Love You” as a farewell to Wagoner and their creative partnership. The song topped the country charts after its 1974 release and again after Parton rerecorded it in 1982.

‘Jolene’ Turned Dolly Parton Into A Music Icon

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Parton’s solo career soared during the 1970s as she released several songs that would become country standards.

“Jolene,” inspired partly by a bank teller who appeared interested in Parton’s husband, became one of the most recognizable songs of her career. Other hits included “Joshua,” “Here You Come Again,” “Two Doors Down” and “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.”

Parton’s lyrics frequently explored love, poverty, heartbreak and the experiences of working-class women. Her distinctive voice and visual style helped her reach audiences far beyond Nashville.

Dolly Parton Built A Private Life With Carl Dean

Parton met Carl Dean outside a Nashville laundromat on the day she arrived in the city.

The couple married in 1966 and remained together until Dean’s death in March 2025. Although his wife became one of the world’s most recognizable performers, Dean preferred a quiet life and rarely accompanied her to public events.

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Parton often joked that spending time apart helped their marriage last, but she consistently described Dean as her greatest supporter. Their relationship lasted nearly 60 years and inspired several of her songs.

The Country Singer Conquered Hollywood

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Parton expanded her career into acting with the 1980 comedy “9 to 5,” starring alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. She also wrote and recorded the movie’s title song, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned an Academy Award nomination.

Parton later appeared in movies including “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” “Rhinestone,” “Steel Magnolias” and “Straight Talk.” She also earned multiple Golden Globe nominations for her work onscreen.

Whitney Houston Gave ‘I Will Always Love You’ A New Life

Parton’s songwriting reached another generation when Whitney Houston recorded “I Will Always Love You” for the 1992 movie “The Bodyguard.”

Houston’s powerful rendition became a worldwide phenomenon and one of the best-selling singles in music history. Parton remained proud that a song born from the end of her partnership with Wagoner had taken on an entirely new meaning.

The success also affirmed Parton’s decision to maintain control of her publishing rights. She frequently described songwriting as her greatest gift and the legacy she most wanted to leave behind.

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Dollywood Brought Her Success Home To Tennessee

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Parton joined the owners of the former Silver Dollar City Tennessee in 1986 to create Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.

The theme park combined attractions and entertainment with the culture and traditions of the Great Smoky Mountains. It eventually grew into one of Tennessee’s most popular tourist destinations while providing thousands of jobs in the region where Parton was raised.

Parton remained closely connected to Dollywood and frequently appeared at the park for openings and celebrations. Its growth allowed her to invest her success back into the community that shaped her.

Dolly Parton Used Her Fame To Help Children

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Parton founded the Imagination Library in 1995 to honor her father, who was unable to read or write.

The program began by mailing free books to young children in her home county and later expanded across the United States and several other countries. Hundreds of millions of books have since been distributed to children from birth until they begin school.

Parton also supported scholarships, disaster recovery, medical research and numerous charitable causes. In 2020, she donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to help fund COVID-19 research.

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The Singer Continued Reinventing Herself

9

Parton remained creatively active well into her 70s, collaborating with performers from multiple generations and genres.

She maintained a particularly close relationship with her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, appearing with her on “Hannah Montana” and joining her for several memorable performances. Parton also worked with artists including Beyoncé and Sabrina Carpenter as her songs continued reaching younger listeners.

After initially hesitating to accept her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Parton embraced the honor and released the rock album “Rockstar” in 2023. The ambitious project featured an extensive lineup of prominent musicians.

Dolly Parton Faced The Deaths Of Her Husband And Brother

The final years of Parton’s life brought devastating personal losses.

Her husband, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 at age 82 after their nearly six-decade marriage. Parton subsequently honored him with “If You Hadn’t Been There,” describing their relationship as a love story that would never truly end.

In July 2026, she also mourned the death of her older brother, Coy “Denver” Parton. The two losses came as the singer was managing ongoing health challenges and reducing some of her public commitments.

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Health Issues Forced Her To Step Away From The Stage

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Parton postponed her planned Las Vegas residency in 2025 after doctors advised her to undergo several procedures.

The shows were rescheduled for September 2026 but eventually canceled as her recovery continued. Parton disclosed that she had experienced recurring kidney stones and problems involving her immune and digestive systems.

She also missed a Dollywood appearance shortly before her death after becoming dehydrated and being advised not to travel. Despite those setbacks, Parton repeatedly assured fans that she was responding to treatment and remained committed to her work.

Dolly Parton Was Still Planning Her Future

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Only days before her death, Parton revealed that she had not stopped dreaming about what she wanted to create. “Even though I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’!” she told PEOPLE Magazine. “I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”

Her remaining plans reportedly included a Nashville museum and hotel, an autobiographical Broadway musical and possible collaborations with companies developing avatar performances.

Rather than looking back on a completed career, Parton continued approaching her life as if another creative chapter was about to begin.

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The Country Music Legend Dies At 80

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Parton’s family announced her death on August 25, 2026. She was 80 years old.

An official cause of death was not immediately disclosed. Her death followed a career spanning more than six decades and encompassing music, film, television, business and philanthropy.

From “Jolene” and “9 to 5” to Dollywood and the Imagination Library, Parton created a legacy that extended far beyond the stage. Although she did not live to complete every remaining dream, she built much of her life’s work to continue inspiring others after she was gone.

Glen Pysher, a New Jersey college baseball player, has died after being shot by police when he mistakenly tried to enter the wrong home. He was 23.

Pysher, known by his friends as Bubba, was out at a bar in Upper Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania, celebrating a friend’s birthday, on Saturday, August 22. The group then decided to move the party to a friend’s house. Pysher was shot and killed when he accidentally arrived at the wrong house and tried to get inside.

Pysher was set to play baseball at Saint Elizabeth University in Florham Park, New Jersey, in the spring. He transferred from Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

“He ended up at the wrong house after having a few drinks,” Glen’s mom, Erin Pysher, told ABC6. “He didn’t know that, so he was knocking on the door, saying, ‘Hey, let me in.’ Thinking it was his friend’s house, but it wasn’t.”

The couple inside became frightened and called 911. Local police responded to what they believed could be an attempted break-in and an “encounter ensued.” Glen was fatally struck, according to a statement from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, shared via Facebook. An investigation is underway.

“12:32, he was on the phone with his friends. By 12:35, I believe he’s already shot,” Erin said. “So, within a few minutes, the cop pulled up and shot him. He was unarmed. He had a cell phone and a book bag.”

She remembered him as a “lovable goofball” who didn’t have a “care in the world.”

“He will walk in the back door and say his favorite thing, ‘Hey mom, your favorite kid is home,’” Erin recalled. “He was just happy-go-lucky.”

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A GoFundMe was set up to help the Pysher family at such a difficult time. As of Tuesday, August 25, more than $24,000 has been raised.

“Everyone who knew him will remember his love for baseball and the joy he found in catching balls, something that brought so much pride to his father, mother, three sisters, and the entire Pysher family,” the GoFundMe description reads. “Bubba meant so much to so many, and his loss has deeply shaken all who loved him.”

The description continued, “100 percent of every contribution will go to the Pysher family immediately. The Pysher family has always been the kind of people who would do anything for anyone, and now they need that same love in return. Please consider donating, sharing this fundraiser, and keeping Bubba and the entire Pysher family in your prayers.”

We all love a good plot, but some novels reel us in purely with their words. The greatest prose stylists understand rhythm, imagery, metaphor, dialogue, and perspective so completely that practically every paragraph seems to hum with energy.

Of course, there’s no single definition of beautiful prose. Some masterpieces use simple writing, while others get dense, lyrical, or even experimental. Taken together, the books on this list remind us that language itself can be an art form.

10

‘The Secret History’ (1992)

Image via Vintage Books

“Beauty is terror.” Donna Tartt‘s phenomenal debut novel centers on Richard Papen after he joins an exclusive circle of classics students at a prestigious Vermont college. However, what begins as intellectual fascination and the pursuit of knowledge eventually curdles into obsession, selfishness, betrayal, and even murder. Although the plot bears some dark thriller/mystery hallmarks, Tartt takes a decidedly literary approach in telling it. For instance, she packs the pages with countless allusions to Greek mythology and classic literature.

The sentence construction is elegant and frequently beautiful. This amount of stylistic confidence is striking for a first novel. Tartt also excels at atmosphere, immersing us in descriptions of icy New England winters and crackling fireplaces in isolated old university buildings. Finally, there’s real psychological insight in the prose, with all the major characters drawn in shades of gray.

9

‘The Sound and the Fury’ (1929)

Image via Vintage Classics

“I give you the mausoleum of all hope and desire.” This is one of William Faulkner‘s defining novels. The Sound and the Fury charts the decline of the once-prominent Compson family through four distinct narrative voices, each possessing its own unique rhythms, vocabulary, and perception of reality. Faulkner’s prose changes dramatically between sections, reflecting the mind of each narrator. Indeed, the book is highly experimental and pushed serious boundaries back in the late 1920s.

For example, much of it is stream-of-consciousness, the narrators are often unreliable, and the chronology is fractured, while the mood and aesthetic are Southern Gothic to the core. Sentences often flow according to memory and emotion rather than storytelling conventions or, indeed, logic. All this is in service to the sweeping themes, touching on everything from nihilism and faith to morality and the weight of the past.

8

‘The Brothers Karamazov’ (1880)

“The mystery of human existence lies not in staying alive, but in finding something to live for.” Plenty of Dostoyevsky novels could have made this list, though The Brothers Karamazov is one of the best-written of them. It follows the deeply dysfunctional Karamazov family after the murder of the cruel and manipulative Fyodor Pavlovich. His three sons, Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha, embody profoundly different worldviews. Through them, Dostoyevsky explores a ton of big, challenging ideas: faith, goodness, free will, justice, suffering, and the nature of evil.

Psychological intensity and moral depth are at a premium here. Part of what makes Dostoyevsky’s prose here great is that it captures the complexity of human thought without simplifying it. Characters frequently wrestle with contradictory emotions and philosophical uncertainty, creating conversations that feel startlingly alive more than a century after they were written.

7

‘The Corrections’ (2001)

Image via Simon & Schuster Audio

“Families carry entire histories inside ordinary conversations.” This was the book that put Jonathan Franzen on the map, with many hailing it as a new Great American Novel. The Corrections is a portrait of the Lambert family in the late 20th century, shifting back and forth in time but focusing on aging parents Alfred and Enid’s struggle to reunite their three adult children for one final Christmas together. Along the way, each family member confronts personal disappointments, professional failures, romantic complications, and long-buried resentments.

The Corrections is a brilliant ensemble character study, one packed with subtle humor and sharp observations. In particular, it shows off Franzen’s extraordinary ability to reveal character through seemingly ordinary details. In his hands, everyday conversations and seemingly throwaway internal reflections can say a lot. Finally, on the style front, his sentences are engaging and accessible without ever sacrificing nuance.

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‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (1959)

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“Whatever walked there, walked alone.” The Haunting of Hill House is one of the greatest horror novels of all time, hugely influencing so much writing that followed. In it, the unstable young Eleanor Vance joins a small group investigating the supposedly haunted Hill House. As increasingly disturbing events unfold, author Shirley Jackson gradually blurs the line between supernatural haunting and psychological deterioration.

The writing is dark and creepy but also beautiful and economical, holding the reader’s attention the whole way through. The paragraphs carry a subtle but palpable unease, so that the book feels scary even when nothing overtly spooky is actually happening. This restraint proves more effective than explicit horror could ever be. Not to mention, the descriptions make Hill House itself feel like a character, a conscious malevolent entity analyzing its prey and probing at their weaknesses.

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‘In Search of Lost Time’ (1913–1927)

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“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” This is really a seven-volume series, frequently ranked among the greatest in all literature. The plot (such as it is) is concerned with the narrator’s memories as a child in late 19th-century France, and then his adulthood in the 1900s. That said, it’s more about emotion and perception than narrative, far more interested in the inner workings of the protagonist’s mind than the literal events of his life.

We get a front-row seat to the character’s feelings about everything from art and adolescence to jealousy, love, high society, and, of course, the passage of time. Through it all, Proust’s prose is almost musical, consisting of long, flowing, ornate sentences that often build toward some kind of emotional or intellectual revelation. It adds up to a powerful statement on the power of memory and creativity.

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‘Moby-Dick’ (1851)

“Call me Ishmael.” Moby-Dick is striking right from the get-go, hitting us with its legendary opening line and expanding from there. Plot-wise, it’s told from the perspective of the character Ishmael aboard the whaling ship Pequod under the command of the obsessive Captain Ahab, who relentlessly pursues the white whale that took his leg. His quest becomes a vehicle through which Herman Melville comments on ambition, fate, revenge, and humanity’s relationship with nature.

Themes aside, the writing itself is incredibly ambitious, melding various tones and styles. For instance, the book oscillates between Shakespearean grandeur, biblical cadences, philosophical meditation, scientific observation, and thrilling adventure. Even passages devoted to whaling techniques and whale anatomy become unexpectedly beautiful because of the richness of Melville’s language and the force of his imagination. Talk about a classic.

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‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ (1967)

Image via  Harper Perennial Modern Classics

“Many years later, as he faced the firing squad…” A cornerstone of magical realism, One Hundred Years of Solitude chronicles multiple generations of the Buendía family in the isolated town of Macondo, where love, war, memory, mysticism, and history intertwine across decades. Miraculous events unfold alongside ordinary domestic life with complete naturalness. Here, the fantastical and the mundane exist side by side.

Here, Gabriel García Márquez’s writing style is lyrical yet clear, defined by rich imagery, memorable metaphors, flowing rhythms, and luminous descriptions. His language gives Macondo the feeling of a place suspended somewhere between fact and myth. Some paragraphs are amazingly intricate. Take the opening one, for instance, which pivots between three different time periods in a single sentence. Overall, the book’s style was hugely influential, with countless writers around the world channeling it in their own stories.

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‘Blood Meridian’ (1985)

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“Whatever exists without my knowledge exists without my consent.” Frequently cited as Cormac McCarthy‘s masterwork, Blood Meridian is a brutal, bloody, biblical Western/horror/drama hybrid set on the American frontier. There, our protagonist (known only as the Kid) joins the notorious Glanton gang, a group of scalp hunters wandering across the American Southwest and northern Mexico during the mid-nineteenth century. Their journey becomes an uncompromising meditation on violence, destiny, morality, and human nature’s darker impulses.

McCarthy’s prose is remarkable for its capacity to find beauty within desolate landscapes and horrifying events. Vast deserts, towering mountains, violent storms, and moments of unimaginable cruelty are all described with the same poetic intensity. The sentences are grand and stark, hypnotic and breathtaking, making the Wild West feel timeless and terrifying.

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‘Ulysses’ (1922)

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“History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake.” Written by the iconic James Joyce, Ulysses is one of the landmark modernist novels, representing so much of what made that movement interesting. Set over the course of a single day in Dublin, the novel follows Leopold Bloom, Stephen Dedalus, and numerous other characters as their lives intersect in ways both ordinary and profound. In the process, Joyce transforms everyday routines into epic experiences through constant stylistic experimentation.

At the time, Ulysses innovated in all sorts of ways, breaking open new possibilities of what the novel could accomplish as a medium. It uses stream-of-consciousness and interior monologues, incorporates foreign languages, frequently deploys onomatopoeia, and even invents new words, its style shifting constantly across its 18 episodes. All this is intended to mirror the chaos and depth of the human mind.

A man killed eight of his relatives, including four children, as they gathered for Sunday dinner at a home in Billings, Montana. The father of two of the kids and a family spokesperson confirmed the info to The Associated Press. Police appear to believe the Montana man responsible was named Alan Smith.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Teen Couple Arrested After Allegedly Killing 5 Of Girlfriend’s Family Members In Shooting Spree In Illinois

Details About The Family Killings In Montana

Police said they responded to the home on Sunday (August 23) evening and heard gunshots coming from out back. Then, the house was completely engulfed in flames, allegedly by the shooter. Investigators confirmed Tuesday (August 25) that there had been eight victims, including four children.

Additionally, one person had suffered a fatal, self-inflicted gunshot wound. Brad Ireland, whose former wife and two children were among the dead, identified the shooter as Alan Smith. He was 44. Smith had recently been told to move out of the home, Ireland said.

Who Were The Victims?

The victims represented four generations of the blended family. Their victims ranged from a great-grandmother in her 90s to a 7-year-old girl, according to Jennifer Mercer. Mercer is a neighbor and family friend who set up an online fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and other expenses. She was reportedly authorized to release these details.

Neighbor Recalls What He Heard Of The Incident

David Hiller, a neighbor who lives three doors down from the home, heard what he thought were fireworks just after 6 p.m. on Sunday. He didn’t think much of the noise until another neighbor called to warn him about a shooting on the cul-de-sac. Hiller then rushed outside to find police in tactical gear sheltering behind vehicles. Some officers had long guns, while plumes of black smoke rose from the home.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Minnesota Man Fatally Stabs Wife & 7-Year-Old Daughter At Daycare After Allegedly Killing Another Relative

Associated Press writers Matthew Brown, Michael Biesecker, Gene Johnson and Mikella Schuettler contributed to this report via AP Newsroom. 

Jenna Johnson knows the only language on “Dancing with the Stars” is dance!

The reality star trashed the argument that professional dancers on the show often have an unfair advantage ahead of those who do not have the experience.

Jenna Johnson made her debut on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2014, joining the show in Season 18 as a troupe dancer. She later became a professional partner in Season 23 in 2016, appearing alongside actor Jake T. Austin.

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The media personality got candid about the circulating notion that people with dance experience find it easier on “DWTS.” Following her trajectory of partnering with several contestants from dramatically different backgrounds, the ballroom pro testified that the ballroom always presents a unique challenge that trained dancers can never anticipate.

Johnson has enjoyed taps on the dance floor with celebrities in Hollywood, athletes accustomed to intense physical demands, and some performers with prior knowledge of how the dance floor works. 

Johnson explained that one major challenge is performing live in front of millions of viewers while a studio audience watches from just feet away. Once the cameras are rolling, there are no second chances, and she says it is impossible to know how someone will react in that moment.

Contestants also have less than a week to learn ballroom techniques while tackling characters, themes, and judging expectations. Because of those demands, Johnson believes every celebrity essentially starts a new experience when entering the ballroom. In her words to Us Weekly,

“I understand when people are like, ‘Oh, you know, dance experience, whatever.’ Who cares! This is the first time they’re ever doing Dancing with the Stars. That is very different.”

The Choreographer Admits She Gets A Kick Out Of Fans’ Nosiness Into The Show

While the official cast is expected to be unveiled live on “Good Morning America” on Wednesday, September 2, the judges list is already finalized with names like Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli expected to be in their seats.

Although the dancer has kept mum on giving away any secrets about potential contestants, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Conner Leavitt, Sarah Jane Nader, Tyler Cameron and Jenna Dewan are expected to compete. 

Media personalities like Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, Jackson Olson and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” personality Guillermo Rodriguez are also billed to appear for the upcoming season. Johnson confessed to one guilty pleasure of hers, which is enjoying watching the fans attempt to unravel the celebrity line-up themselves.

In her words: “The fact that people care enough about our show to drop everything and zoom in on visors and parking lot pictures and try to be detectives is just so exciting.” Johnson is making the most of her downtime with husband Val Chmerkovskiy and their 3-year-old son ahead of the ballroom becoming hectic again.

Inside The Long-Running ‘DWTS’ Controversy Over Trained Contestants

The ABC show has been plagued with unfair advantage over the years, especially with the entry of trained dancers into the show. A decade ago, a contributor on Huffington Post explored the topic, noting that there are others on the flipside of the opinion who believe the criticism overlooked how different ballroom dancing is from other forms of dancing.

The controversy reached a peak in Season 22 when UFC fighter Paige VanZant danced her way to the finals alongside Ginger Zee and Nyle DiMarco. VanZant had admitted to studying dance for 13 years before finally becoming a high school cheerleader, and viewers thought it gave her a serious edge.

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Previous dance experience may help on “DWTS,” but ballroom requires different techniques and partnering skills. Contestants also bring other advantages, from athletic stamina and acting skills to musicality and strong fan bases.

The debate has been inconsistent, with trained performers like Zendaya receiving support while inexperienced stars are sometimes criticized for weaker dancing. Ultimately, experience can help, but it does not guarantee the Mirrorball Trophy.

The Mother-Of-One Thinks A Jason Kelce ‘DWTS’ Pairing Could Earn Her The Trophy

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Johnson spilled some tea to Parade on Tuesday, August 25, about her dream partner, revealing her willingness to guide Jason Kelce, a former NFL player, to give his best in the ballroom.

As shared by Parade, although the former Philadelphia Eagles star has not declared her interest in busting some moves on the dance floor, Johnson is optimistic about getting him in the future.

Johnson stated that she has never been paired with a professional footballer; however, she believes NFL players tend to thrive in the ballroom thanks to their stamina, built from years of intense preparation, hard work, and performance under pressure.

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She also expanded her dream list to work with another Olympian after an impressive showing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, noting that their focus and discipline would mean well for the “DWTS” dance floor.

Country star and “American Idol” judge Luke Bryan is another celebrity Johnson would happily partner with. When the possibility was raised, she enthusiastically suggested that competing alongside Bryan would make for an exciting pairing.

Jenna Johnson’s Emotional Moment Sparked Concerns About The Demands Of ‘DWTS’

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Earlier in the year, a clip from the dancer sparked concerns after she shared an emotional glimpse of herself struggling during a live tour for “DWTS.”

As shared by The Blast, the professional dancer appeared exhausted and tearful in a TikTok video as she documented what she described as a mid-meltdown conversation with her manager.

Johnson explained that she has been sick and dealing with body aches amid other things when she made the video, as she heaped compliments on her manager for getting ahead of the situation.

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While the dancer did not directly blame the tour for her condition, some fans argued that the show must reconsider the demands of the tour after seeing how exhausted the dancers appeared.

Other commenters suggested that the live tour’s timing must be shortened to give performers more time to recover and prepare. Another set of fans also pointed to a recurring pattern of dancers becoming sick, injured, or severely fatigued towards the end of the tour. 

Wishing Jenna Johnson a blast on the new season when it kicks off!

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