John Travolta reveals conversation with son after Kelly Preston’s death

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John Travolta is opening up about the candid conversation he had with his son following the death of his wife, Kelly Preston

Preston died of breast cancer in July 2020, leaving behind the couple’s youngest son, Benjamin Travolta, who John revealed was worried he would lose his father, too. 

“He said to me once, he said, ‘Because Mom passed away, I’m afraid you’re going to,'” the 67-year-old actor shared while on Kevin Hart‘s talk show on Peacock, Hart to Heart. “And I said, ‘Well, it’s a very different thing.’ And then I went through the differences about my longevity and her limited life.”

The Grease star then got real with his child, telling him, “But you know, Ben, you always love the truth and I’m going to tell you the truth about life. Nobody knows when they’re going to go or when they’re going to stay…”

Referencing the pair’s other son, Jett Travolta, who died in January 2009 after suffering a seizure, John added, “Your brother left at 16. Too young. Your mother left at 57 and that was too young. But who’s to say?'”

“I could die tomorrow. You could. Anybody can,” he said. “So let’s look at life that, it’s part of life, you see? You don’t know exactly. You just do your best at trying to live the longest you can.”

John also has a daughter with Preston, 21-year-old Ella Bleu Travolta

 

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Capitol Police officer exonerated in Ashli Babbitt shooting on Jan. 6

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(WASHINGTON) — The United States Capitol Police Office of Professional Responsibility has cleared the officer involved in the shooting of Ashli Babbitt, U.S. Capitol Police announced in a press release on Monday, saying that officer “will not be facing internal discipline.”

An internal investigation found the actions of the officer were “lawful and within Department policy,” it said.

Babbitt can be seen on video on Jan. 6 attempting to kick through a window, shortly after she entered the Capitol. She was subsequently shot and killed by the officer. The agency says they’ve reviewed all available evidence in connection with the shooting including video and radio calls.

Capitol Police stood by the officer and said their actions saved the lives of lawmakers and family members.

“The actions of the officer in this case potentially saved Members and staff from serious injury and possible death from a large crowd of rioters who forced their way into the U.S. Capitol and to the House Chamber where Members and staff were steps away,” the statement says. “USCP Officers had barricaded the Speaker’s Lobby with furniture before a rioter shattered the glass door. If the doors were breached, the rioters would have immediate access to the House Chambers.”

The statement adds that the officer’s actions were consistent with training and USCP policy and procedure.

Capitol Police did not identify the officer involved in the shooting, and a lawyer for the officer has not responded to ABC News’ request for comment.

“The officer and the officer’s family have been the subject of numerous credible and specific threats for actions that were taken as part of the job of all our officers: defending the Congress, Members, staff and the democratic process,” Capitol Police said in Monday’s statement.

In addition to the internal review, in April the U.S. Attorney’s office in D.C. decided not to pursue charges against the officer involved, saying there was not enough evidence.

Babbitt’s death has become a rallying cry for some on the right in the months since the Capitol attack, including former President Donald Trump.

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Pixies cancel headlining & festival dates due to COVID-19

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Pixies have canceled their upcoming fall tour amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

The itinerary includes a run of headlining dates beginning September 10 in Port Chester, New York, as well as sets at festivals including Summerfest and Riot Fest.

“Pixies have determined that with the current surge in COVID cases made worse by the Delta variant, this is the right decision for their fans, crew members and themselves, and ask that their fans stay safe and healthy,” a press release reads.

Pixies were also scheduled to open for two Nine Inch Nails shows in Cleveland. Those were scrapped last week when Trent Reznor and company announced they were canceling all live shows for 2021.

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Lil Nas X teams up with old employer Taco Bell for new role

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Lil Nas X used to work at Taco Bell in his pre-fame days. Now, he’s teaming up with the fast-food chain in a whole new way.

The singer has been appointed as Taco Bell’s Chief Impact Officer, meaning he’ll be collaborating with the company on exciting new brand experiences.

In his first 60 days in the role, Lil Nas X will launch an exclusive experience, including new menu innovations, tied to the upcoming release of his album, Montero. Lil Nas will also make a cameo in Taco Bell’s breakfast advertising campaign, which kicks off Monday.

“Lil Nas X knows the job, the experience and the culture Taco Bell creates for its fans — including its people,” CEO of Taco Bell Mark King says in a statement. “This unique partnership will deliver on more than just marketing, allowing us to tap into the genius of Lil Nas X to inspire our team members and align with our commitment to unlocking opportunities for young people.”

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Fan falls to death after stunt gone wrong during Dead & Company show

Credit: Danny Clinch

A recent Dead & Company concert was rattled by a fan who tragically fell to his death. Witnesses say the man attempted to perform a flip on a balcony.

The New York Post reports that the incident happened at the band’s show at Citi Field in Queens, New York, on Friday. Police have withheld the name of the deceased but confirmed that the concertgoer was a man in his 40s.

According to the report, witnesses and police say the man attempted to do a flip and plunged 30 to 50 feet to his death from the fifth floor. It is unclear when the incident took place during the concert. 

A driver working outside Citi Field told the Post, “He was unresponsive and he hit the ground head first.” The driver also claimed that the man was “drunk.” Police sources corroborated the claim that the man was under the influence of alcohol, according to the newspaper.

The fan was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital and later died. The man’s identity reportedly will not be released until police notify next of kin.

Representatives for Dead & Company haven’t issued a public comment as of Monday morning, nor have the band’s socials made mention of the incident.

Dead & Company includes Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, as well as singer/guitarist John Mayer, ex-Allman Brothers Band bassist Oteil Burbridge and RatDog keyboardist Jeff Chimenti.

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Black Label Society details ‘Doom Crew Inc.’ album; listen now to new single, “Set You Free”

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Black Label Society has announced a new album called Doom Crew Inc.

The 11th studio effort from Zakk Wylde and company — and their first since 2018’s Grimmest Hits — is due out November 26. You can listen to the lead single, “Set You Free,” now via digital outlets.

“We incorporated Father Dario even more into the solos, doubling with me and being more involved in that regard,” says Wylde, referring to guitarist Dario Lorina. “It really, truly is a two-guitar album, more so than ever. A twin guitar band, whether it’s the Allman Brothers or Judas Priest, with harmony lines, unison lines, and trading off solos.”

Here’s the Doom Crew Inc. track list:

“Set You Free”
“Destroy & Conquer”
“You Made Me Want to Live”
“Forever and a Day”
“End of Days”
“Ruins”
“Forsake”
“Love Reign Down”
“Gospel of Lies”
“Shelter Me”
“Gather All My Sins”
“Farewell Ballad”

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Why John Cena doesn’t want to stay in one lane with acting roles after “F9” and “Vacation Friends”

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Whether it’s the wrestling ring or the silver screen, John Cena is no stranger to the spotlight.

The actor and WWE star joined “Good Morning America” fresh off the heels of Summer Slam and ahead of the release of his latest movie, “Vacation Friends.”

Cena opened up about not winning his 17th WWE Championship title, saying, “Unfortunately WWE don’t give a silver medal.”

“I think I will try to do the best I can until I feel I’m offending the consumer,” he said. “There’s nothing like the energy of being in that ring with the audience around.”

He continued, “I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to do a whole lot of stuff. That energy is indescribable. That place is my home. I wouldn’t be who I am without it. The audience is my family — I want to be kind to them — I still feel good even though I finished second so I still feel I have something to contribute.”

Prior to the temporary production shutdown brought on by the pandemic, Cena said he and the cast of “Vacation Friends” were “paid 12 hours to party every day” while filming on location in Puerto Rico.

“The crazy thing was we filmed right up until the world shut down,” he said. “So we had this crazy bond for two weeks and then we were down for eight months.”

Cena said his production was one of the first to go back to work in Atlanta.

After a blockbuster summer, starring in a variety of roles from the “Suicide Squad” to “F9: The Fast Saga,” Cena said, “I don’t want to classify myself as like ‘OK stay in this lane.'”

When asked what types of roles he enjoys the most, Cena replied, ” I wouldn’t put myself as an action guy — I just like to entertain. I really do. I think when I read a story and am moved by it — that’s what I enjoy.”

As for the fate of his future “Fast and Furious” appearances, Cena took an opportunity to plead with “those who are listening and make those decisions.”

“We’re gonna see an F10, I just don’t know if we’re going to see me in F10,” he said with a laugh. “I really do love the ‘Fast’ family and it’s a movie that is continuing to crush worldwide. I think today we passed 700 million worldwide, in this environment, which is an unbelievable achievement — I really hope I can get invited back for ‘Fast 10.'”

“Vacation Friends” begins streaming on Hulu Friday, Aug. 27.

Hulu is owned by a division of Disney, ABC’s parent company.

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Carrie Underwood sings in the rain at New Jersey show

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During a performance at Barefoot Country Music Festival in New Jersey this weekend, Carrie Underwood got caught in the rain — but she kept the music going. 

Carrie shared a video to Instagram that shows her belting out her signature hit, “Before He Cheats,” strutting down the catwalk as rain pours down around her onto the packed crowd. But the weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the concertgoers, who sang loudly with the superstar.

“I’m siiiiiiinging in the rain. Such a fun night in Jersey at the @barefootcountrymusicfest !!! I couldn’t have hoped for a better crowd…or better weather!” Carrie captioned the special moment, thanking fans for the love.  

She and Jason Aldean are racing up the charts with their collaborative duet, “If I Didn’t Love You,” which is currently at #15 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.

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Marlon Wayans reveals he never got married because he always wanted to be there for his mom

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Marlon Wayans revealed in a new interview that a promise he made to his mother is why he has never married.

The 49-year-old actor recently spoke with Essence and explained, “I never got married because I knew my mom needed me.”

Wayans, whose mother, Elvira Alethia, died last year at age 81, continued, “On her death bed, I said, ‘Can I tell you something woman?’ She was in a lot of pain and she was fighting to stay alive and I say, ‘I’m 47 years old and I’ve never been married because I always wanted you to be my number one girl.'”

“My mother turned over, she looked at me, she grabbed my hand, and she pulled me close to her. I said ‘I know, I love you too,'” the Respect star shared. 

Said Wayans, “I gave her a kiss and I said, ‘I’ll see you soon, but not that soon because I got a s*** load of life to live.’ She laughed in pain, and I gave her a kiss, and those were my last words to my mom.”

The White Chicks star said he is now starting to open up to the idea of marriage and told the outlet, “Yeah, I probably got one in me. Just one.”

“I like things to bend and not break, and I feel like when you get married, you have to get divorced in order to either be separated or together,” he added. “I like friendships because you just learn each other and you just grow and you just get better.”

The comedian shares two children — Amai Zackary Wayans, 21, and Shawn Howell Wayans, 19 — with longtime partner Angela Zackery.  The two, who never married, went their separate ways in 2013.

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The Killers grab top-10 ‘Billboard’ 200 debut with ‘Pressure Machine’

Credit: Danny Clinch

The Killers‘ new album, Pressure Machine, has debuted in the top 10 on the Billboard 200.

The seventh studio effort from Brandon Flowers and company enters the chart at number nine with 26,000 equivalent album units, 22,000 of which were traditional album sales.

With Pressure Machine, each of The Killers’ seven albums has landed on the Billboard 200 top 10, with 2017’s Wonderful Wonderful being their only number-one. As impressive as that might be, it doesn’t hold a candle to The Killers’ chart performance in the U.K., where they’ve hit number one on the Official Albums Chart with every studio record.

The Killers were poised to play songs from Pressure Machine during this past weekend’s We Love NYC concert in Central Park before the event was scrapped due to inclement weather caused by Hurricane Henri. However, viewers of the CNN broadcast caught a backstage rendition of “Mr. Brightside” with guest backing vocals by CBS This Morning anchor Gayle King, who filmed the performance.

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