Carrie Underwood recalls first time meeting Loretta Lynn in tribute post: “She is irreplaceable”

Carrie Underwood recalls first time meeting Loretta Lynn in tribute post: “She is irreplaceable”
Carrie Underwood recalls first time meeting Loretta Lynn in tribute post: “She is irreplaceable”
ABC/Connie Chornuk

Carrie Underwood is paying her respects to Loretta Lynn

In an Instagram post, Carrie recalls meeting Loretta backstage at the Grand Ole Opry early on in her career — specifically how Loretta lightly spanked her as she walked by. 

“I turned around and there she was…in a big sparkly dress…laughing as she continued to walk down the hall at what she had just done…,” Carrie says. 

She goes onto describe the country legend as a “cantankerous little pistol” who was friendly, sweet, and “never afraid to be herself and speak her mind.”

Over the years, Carrie has been part of musical tributes to the legend, joining forces with Loretta and Reba McEntire on “Still Woman Enough,” the title track off Loretta’s 2021 collaborations album. She also contributed a cover of “You’re Lookin’ at Country” on the 2010 album Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Tribute to Loretta Lynn, in addition to performing “You Ain’t Woman Enough” during her homage to women of country music at the 2020 ACM Awards. 

“She is irreplaceable. She will be incredibly missed…but her legacy lives on in those of us whom she has influenced. I am truly grateful to have known such an amazing woman and artist,” Carrie continues. “Thank you, Loretta, for showing us how it’s done.” 

In the wake of Loretta’s passing, there has been an outpouring of support from artists across genres, including Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton and Carole King.

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Parker McCollum offers look inside closet fit for a country king

Parker McCollum offers look inside closet fit for a country king
Parker McCollum offers look inside closet fit for a country king
ABC/Connie Chornuk

Looks like Parker McCollum needs more room in his closet. 

Parker took to Instagram Stories to show off the contents of his walk-in closet, which is filled to the brim with clothing and accessories fit for a country star. Parker pans over rows of striped shirts, denim jackets and flannels, plus a top shelf that’s laden with many different ball caps.

He also has rows of jeans neatly hanging next to his leather bags, while the floor is covered in cowboy boots and sneakers that stretch up to shelves lining the wall. 

“Running out of room,” Parker captions the video. 

His boot collection is likely to contain a few pair of Lucchese boots, as Parker recently launched an ongoing partnership with the famous brand. 

Parker shares a home with wife Hallie Ray Light. The couple wed in March 2022. 

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Misfits playing Las Vegas concert on New Year’s Eve

Misfits playing Las Vegas concert on New Year’s Eve
Misfits playing Las Vegas concert on New Year’s Eve
Scott Gries/Getty Images

The Misfits will be ringing in 2023 in Sin City.

The reunited horror punks — consisting of original members Glenn Danzig and Jerry Only, along with longtime guitarist Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein — have announced a show in Las Vegas this coming New Year’s Eve, December 31.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 7 at 10 a.m. local time.

Danzig and Only reunited in 2016 — 33 years after the former left the Misfits in 1983 — and have played a number of one-off shows since. Last month, they headlined Chicago’s Riot Fest with a full-album performance of their 1982 debut, Walk Among Us, in honor of its 40th anniversary.

Prior to the Vegas date, the Misfits will celebrate Halloween with a Dallas show on October 29. Alice Cooper and The Distillers are also on the bill.

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Shawn Mendes reveals he has stage fright

Shawn Mendes reveals he has stage fright
Shawn Mendes reveals he has stage fright
Marion Curtis / StarPix for Sony

Shawn Mendes has toured the globe and performed before millions of fans — but it turns out he struggles with stage fright.

Speaking with Extra ahead of the release of the movie Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, Shawn revealed just how much he has in common with the titular character, which he voices.

“I love the juxtaposition of him being this giant, terrifying creature, and being so sensitive and so scared,” he said of what attracted him to the scarf-wearing reptile. He said Lyle’s character was “a beautiful way to express what it feels like” to be him.

Shawn noted that his career makes him seem larger than life, or even intimidating, but that’s not who he is at all. “He’s super shy. He’s super introverted and [has] stage fright,” he said of all the characteristics he shares with Lyle, noting he “constantly” feels these emotions.

The singer also finds inspiration in Lyle, adding, “I love how vulnerable he is. I feel like I am trying to embody that more at this place in my life.” Shawn also says Lyle taught him to be more honest.

Shawn revealed he does consider this movie an acting debut, even though he only provides the singing voice for Lyle. “There was a lot more acting involved in the way the songs had to be sung than I was expecting,” he said. 

Shawn said he is curious about movies and wants to get more involved with them. “This felt like a perfect first step into that world,” he expressed.

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile arrives in theaters October 7.

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“Love you Loretta”: Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton & more of Loretta Lynn’s contemporaries share tributes

“Love you Loretta”: Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton & more of Loretta Lynn’s contemporaries share tributes
“Love you Loretta”: Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton & more of Loretta Lynn’s contemporaries share tributes
ABC/Heidi Gutman

Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire and many of Loretta Lynn‘s peers are sharing their admiration for her following her death. 

Among those is Loretta’s sister Crystal Gayle, who wrote on Instagram, “the world lost a legend. We lost a sister. Love you Loretta.” 

Dolly and Reba connected Loretta to their own families, with Dolly saying that she and Loretta shared a sisterly bond, acknowledging how Loretta had been a support system for her in Nashville throughout their careers.

“So sorry to hear about my sister, friend Loretta. We’ve been like sisters all the years we’ve been in Nashville,” Dolly says, describing Loretta as a “wonderful human being” and reflecting on her talent. “I miss her dearly as we all will. May she rest in peace.” 

Loretta’s passing also brought up familial memories for Reba, noting that Loretta reminded her of her late mother, Jacqueline, as they were both “strong women” and “fiercely loyal.”

“I always did and I always will love Loretta. She was always so nice to me. I sure appreciate her paving the rough and rocky road for all us girl singers,” Reba shares alongside a photo of her and Loretta backstage at a show. 

Barbara Mandrell also has fond memories of the country icon, sharing a throwback photo of her, Loretta, Reba and Tanya Tucker with the caption, “Loretta Lynn contributed enormously to the world of Country Music. All of us adored and loved her.” 

Lynn passed away in the early morning hours of October 4 at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.   

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Naomi Osaka aims to tell stories “that empower women and girls” with new sports book

Naomi Osaka aims to tell stories “that empower women and girls” with new sports book
Naomi Osaka aims to tell stories “that empower women and girls” with new sports book
KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)

Naomi Osaka continues to emphasize the importance of sports players off the field with her new book, The Way Champs Play. 

The celebrated tennis star is making it a priority to ensure young girls can take part in any sport they desire and show them it’s possible to be confident while doing so. 

“I wanted to reach young girls in a way that they would enjoy and understand, and it was really fun to simplify and celebrate girls in sport,” the four-time Grand Slam champion told People

Osaka says she made it a mission of her media company, Hana Kuma, to help tell stories that are empowering to women and young girls. “So it was the perfect fit to have this book be the first one we published,” she said. 

The picture book, which features a cover that shows girls from different backgrounds and abilities, champions women in all types of sports and reminds them they have the ability to find confidence while playing. Though a champion herself, Osaka says finding confidence is “really a process,” something that she works toward daily. 

“I am still sorting through, finding confidence in myself and what I do — that is why this book means so much.”

With The Way Champs Play, the 24-year-old entrepreneur hopes “young girls see the beauty and benefit in sports” and “remember that no dream is too big to dream.”

She’s also excited about the book’s simple message of having fun: “It’s something that I think we lose and it’s an important part of the game,” she said.

The Way Champs Play will be available December 6. 

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“I Should Have Married You”: Old Dominions tease new song

“I Should Have Married You”: Old Dominions tease new song
“I Should Have Married You”: Old Dominions tease new song
ABC/Connie Chornuk

Old Dominion has a new song in the works and is asking fans for their opinions. 

On Monday, the band shared a clip on Instagram of a new song they’ve written and recorded called “I Should Have Married You” that tells the story of a man looking back on a relationship, wishing he had made the ultimate commitment when he had the chance. 

“That’s just the way it goes/I should’ve seen it through/I should’ve let you know/I should’ve said I do/Back when I still had the chance/I should’ve married you,” frontman Matthew Ramsey sings in a video while on a boat ride.

“Does this new one pass the boat test? You decide,” Matthew poses in the caption with #IShouldHaveMarriedYou.

The song earned a series of clapping emojis from Little Big Town in the comment section, with several fans giving the song a “pass,” saying that they “love it.”

OD has been in the studio working on new music and sharing snippets of songs along the way, including “Memory Lane” and “Easier Said With Rum.” 

A day after teasing “Married,” the band paid homage to Loretta Lynn, who passed away at the age of 90 on Tuesday, with a photo of her in a ball gown on the deck of a rustic cabin. 

“Rest In Peace, Coal Miner’s Daughter,” they say. 

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R.E.M., David Byrne & more contributing unreleased recordings to pro-choice-themed benefit compilation

R.E.M., David Byrne & more contributing unreleased recordings to pro-choice-themed benefit compilation
R.E.M., David Byrne & more contributing unreleased recordings to pro-choice-themed benefit compilation
Credit: Kim Gordon

Artists including R.E.M., David Byrne of Talking Heads, Devo and The Grateful Dead‘s Bob Weir are contributing unreleased recordings to an upcoming benefit compilation titled Good Music to Ensure Safe Abortion Access to All.

The album will be released this Friday, October 7, exclusively on Bandcamp and will only be available for 24 hours. Proceeds will be donated to The Brigid Alliance, Abortion Care Network and Noise for Now.

The compilation will include a track featuring Byrne collaborating with Devo, while Weir’s contribution was recorded with his side group Wolf Bros. R.E.M.’s track will be a live version of “Walk Unafraid,” a song from the band’s 1998 album Up.

Other participating artists include Pearl Jam, Cat Power, Death Cab for Cutie, Fleet Foxes, Tegan and Sara, Grouplove, Silversun Pickups and Sleater-Kinney.

For more info, visit GoodMusicComp.Bandcamp.com.

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Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Wet Leg contributing unreleased recordings to ‘Safe Abortion Access to All’ benefit compilation

Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Wet Leg contributing unreleased recordings to ‘Safe Abortion Access to All’ benefit compilation
Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Wet Leg contributing unreleased recordings to ‘Safe Abortion Access to All’ benefit compilation
Good Music; Credit: Kim Gordon

Artists including Pearl Jam, R.E.M. and Wet Leg are contributing unreleased recordings to an upcoming benefit compilation titled Good Music to Ensure Safe Abortion Access to All.

The set will be released this Friday, October 7, exclusively on Bandcamp, and will only be available for 24 hours. Proceeds will be donated to The Brigid Alliance, Abortion Care Network and Noise for Now.

Other participating artists include Death Cab for Cutie, David Byrne and Devo, Bob Weir, Foals, Grouplove, Silversun Pickups, Sleater-Kinney and The Regrettes. Pearl Jam’s track will be a live version of the Ten track “Porch.”

For more info, visit GoodMusicComp.Bandcamp.com.

In other Pearl Jam news, guitarist Mike McCready will be performing the national anthem ahead of the Seattle Mariners’ double-header against the Detroit Tigers, beginning Tuesday at 3 p.m. PT. The Mariners, PJ’s hometown baseball team, recently clinched a trip to the playoffs for the first time in over 20 years.

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Bobby Brown announces Celebration of Serenity in honor of Bobbi Kristina, domestic violence awareness month

Bobby Brown announces Celebration of Serenity in honor of Bobbi Kristina, domestic violence awareness month
Bobby Brown announces Celebration of Serenity in honor of Bobbi Kristina, domestic violence awareness month
Brown Ribbon Entertainment

R&B legend Bobby Brown and his wife, Alicia EtheredgeBrown, have announced the return of the Celebration of Serenity Gala and golf tournament in support of the fight against domestic violence during October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

After a two-year hiatus, the celebration returns to shed light on staggering domestic violence statistics and to honor leaders who use their professional and personal work to advocate for social change. 

“Pre-pandemic statistics show that nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner,” Bobby Brown said in a statement. “That’s more than 10 million women and men a year. These numbers have heightened more behind closed in the midst of the pandemic.”

He added, “Our foundation is committed to doing our part through the BKSH to give a voice to the voiceless.”

Emmy-winning journalist and talk show host Tamron Hall will be honored with the Courage of Voice award for her humanitarian work with creating The Tamron Renate Fund for women, children and families who experience abuse. Singer-songwriter Angela Winbush will receive the Thrivers Award, which honors those who persevere and achieve their goals despite life-altering circumstances. 

The event will be hosted by actress Tisha Campbell with entertainment provided by DJ Cassidy.

The Bobbi Kristina Serenity House is a nonprofit organization founded in 2015 with a goal to provide crisis intervention, emergency shelter, access to resources and advocacy for social change. BKSH was formed by Brown, whose daughter Bobbi Kristina was a victim of domestic violence. 

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