Author: Ms Bich

Who’s the richest Backstreet Boy? Net worths, ranked – Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell and Howie Dorough have raked in millions – but who starred on RuPaul’s Drag Race?

Backstreet’s back, all right!

It’s been nearly three decades since Backstreet Boys made its debut, but the legacy of the American 90s boy band strongly lives on.

Backstreet Boys in their heyday. Photo: @backstreetboys/Instagram

Comprising five members – Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell and Howie Dorough – the group, which was formed in Orlando, Florida in 1993, evokes the very essence of nostalgia for many long-time fans.

Backstreet Boys consist of five members: Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell and Howie Dorough. Photo: @backstreetboys/Instagram

Yet, unlike some artists who peak then drop off the radar, these boys – now men – have somehow stayed relevant today, selling over 65 million albums worldwide to date, per The New York Times.

Backstreet Boys are releasing a Christmas album this year. Photo: @backstreetboys/Instagram

From Drake performing “I Want it That Way” with the OGs on his tour – and reminiscing about how the song reminded him of his middle-school crush – to Ed Sheeran covering the same song in a recent performance in Ibiza, it’s safe to say their reputation is cemented in modern day pop culture too.

Sure, their glory days – of smash hits like “As Long As You Love Me” and “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” – may be over, but they’ve kept busy with new music and new ventures.

Plus, “Everybody” has stuck together. The group is currently on another world tour and recently recorded an upcoming festive album, A Very Backstreet Christmas. Individually, they make headlines too, like AJ McLean’s dramatic drag queen transformation into Poppy Love on RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race, or Howie D’s new handbag line with his wife, Eslla.

Adorably, all five of the boys are currently married to their long-term partners and have kids too.

Backstreet Boys have an estimated total net worth of US$200 million. Photo: @backstreetboys/Instagram

Together, the Backstreet Boys are worth US$200 million – but who’s the richest, according to Celebrity Net Worth estimations?

5. AJ McLean, 44 – US$30 million

Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean shared his story on drug and alcohol addiction recovery. Photo: AJ McLean/Facebook

McLean has come a long way after battling with drug and alcohol abuse for years. Formerly dubbed the “bad boy” of the group, he declared his sobriety in 2020 and said he is now “in the best shape and mindset of his life”, according to USA Today.

AJ McLean in his younger days. Photo: @backstreetboys/Instagram

Besides his Backstreet Boys earnings, McLean had a brief solo career working with One Republic’s Ryan Tedder and NSync’s JC Chasez under the pseudonym Johnny No Name, putting his fortune at US$30 million.

He married hairstylist Rochelle DeAnna McLean in 2010 and the couple have two kids together.

4. Nick Carter, 42 – US$35 million

Nick Carter launched his solo career in 2002, but stays close to the Backstreet Boys. Photo: @nickcarter/Instagram

In 2002, Carter took a break from BSB to launch his solo career under Jive. He’s since released three solo albums, but remained a permanent fixture in the band and continued to make music with them.

Singer Nick Carter and Paris Hilton arrive to celebrate the launch of her new label Heiress Records, in 2004, in East Hampton New York. Photo: Getty Images

Away from music, the New York native has been booked for acting gigs like The Hollow, American Dreams and Kitt Fit, while reality TV stints include House of Carters with his siblings and I (Heart) Nick Carter with his wife.

He previously dated hotel heiress and socialite Paris Hilton before marrying fitness trainer Lauren Kitt, with whom he shares three kids.

3. Kevin Richardson, 50 – US$40 million

Kevin Richardson is the oldest member of the Backstreet Boys. Photo: @kevinscottrichardson/Instagram

Before Backstreet Boys, the Kentucky-born star was considering joining the Air Force band, per Celebrity Net Worth. He ended up working at Disneyland Orlando, then dabbled in modelling, and joined as BSB’s oldest member.

Kevin Richardson in his youth. Photo: @backstreetboys/Instagram

Richardson has made sporadic appearances in films like The Bloody Indulgent, but his US$40 million net worth also stems from modelling jobs with Versace, Tag Heuer and even a Vogue shoot.

He’s been with his wife Kristin Richardson for over 20 years, with two kids.

2. Howie Dorough, 49 – US$40 million

Howie Dorough has multiple businesses in his name. Photo: @howie_dorough/Instagram

Dorough’s fortune ties with Richardson’s US$40 million. The 49-year-old also launched a solo career releasing one album, Back to Me, and has a few acting gigs on his resume, from Roswell to Dead 7.

Howie Dorough has his own production and real estate companies. Photo: @backstreetboys/Instagram

In 2004, he co-founded a production firm, HC Entertainment, and another one later, 3 Street Management, which represents Canadian band Neverest, per Celebrity Net Worth. He also started a real estate development company, Sweet D, with his brother John.

Dorough is married to his long-time partner Leigh Boniello and they have two kids together.

1. Brian Littrell, 47 – US$45 million

Brian Littrell is a prominent Christian singer in his solo career. Photo: @rokspics/Instagram

Littrell comes in as richest of the boys with a US$45 million net worth. The Christian singer enjoys a lucrative solo career with his 2005 album Welcome Home selling over 100,000 copies, per Celebrity Net Worth.

As a child, the star suffered from a serious heart condition, and in 1998, he underwent an open-heart surgery which, thankfully, proved successful. This led him to start a charity for children who have the same disease.

Brian Littrell is the richest of the Backstreet Boys. Photo: @backstreetboys/Instagram

Like his bandmates, Littrell makes his enormous wealth through BSB’s success together with his solo career, and has been married to Leighanne Littrell since 2000. They have one son, Baylee.

Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean Reveals Shock At Bandmate Brian Littrell’s Vocal Problems, Seen In New Documentary (Exclusive)

Backstreet Boy AJ McLean reveals he was shocked and surprised when bandmate Brian Littrell broke it to him that he had a condition, meaning he couldn’t always sing the way he used to.

AJ tells HuffPostUK that the band were recording their most recent album in a London studio, and he could tell something wasn’t right with Brian’s voice, but he was still shocked when Brian asked the rest of the band to sit down, because he needed to tell them something.

The Backstreet Boys show a new vulnerability in the new film documenting their entire story

AJ remembers: “He told us he had vocal tension dysphonia, which I had never heard of in my life. Immediately some of the guys were jumping on the internet, trying to look up stuff to see if they could help.”

A fly-on-the-wall documentary ‘Backstreet Boys: Show Em What You’re Made Of’ includes footage of Brian, who had one of the strongest voices in the group when they were at the peak of their success, having therapy for his condition, which constricts the vocal cords and can prevent any sound coming out. Brian has separately revealed he also suffers from dystonia, a form of disconnect between brain and vocal cords, and that these are both nervous conditions, which can be caused by stress, and the kind of hectic lifestyle that goes with selling 130 million albums worldwide.

One of the film’s key scenes shows frustrated bandmate Nick Carter blowing up at Brian, shouting, “Are we going to talk about this?” but AJ, a recovering alcoholic, says he has a lot of empathy for his afflicted bandmate.

It’s similar to what I went through,” he agrees. “It’s about working on yourself, overcoming your demons.

“But it starts with him. If he doesn’t do the work, it’s never going to change.

“But he’s competitive and stubborn, he’s a lion and he’ll fight. Hats off to him, he’s doing everything he can. I can hear his voice getting better.”

AJ McLean with pal Brian Littrell, who he says is working hard to get his voice back in shape

AJ’s own chequered history saw him christened the bad boy of the outfit, something he jovially half-acknowledges.

“I think every member of a boyband needs a label,” he reflects. “The young one, the funny one… I felt into the slot of bad boy, but I’m really the biggest teddy bear.” Pause…

“I may have been masquerading as the bad boy, that could explain the hair colour, the tattoos, the smoking, the drinking…”

“I still have my moments of fun, but now they’re sober ones.”

The film follows the band as they embark on their eighth studio album, following Kevin Richardson’s return to the band in 2012 and lucrative tour. But it also digs into their past, with each of the five taking the other four to his hometown, and introducing him to formative teachers and other mentors. Unsurprisingly, there are also some bad memories revisited – Kevin Richardson’s moving account of his terminally ill father waving him off at the door, Nick Carter staring silently at the house where his now divorced parents fought throughout his childhood – and many tears are shed.

“We decided we had to be completely honest, and not hold anything back,” says AJ now. “We actually forgot the cameras were there for some of it.”

The Backstreet Boys were making millions back when they started, but didn’t see any of the money

One of the more spontaneous and revealing moments in the film is when the band makes a return visit to the former home of their creator and mentor Lou Pearlman. Pearlman is now in jail, sentenced to 25 years after conviction of of a massive Ponzi scheme fraud in 2008, and the house is deserted. The five end up actually inside the house, wandering through the rooms where they once sat in awe of ‘Big Poppa’, not realising all the while that their efforts were paying for all of this, while they saw only tiny bits of pocket money along the way.

“For some of the guys it was bittersweet, that trip,” AJ reveals. “Nick wouldn’t go inside, and Brian was done pretty soon.

“You’re looking at the house that you built, and there wasn’t any return,” he says ruefully, remembering a more innocent time. “I remember us performing in these big arenas night after night, and yet there was so little cash, so you know something somewhere’s not right.

“But the last figure you would ever think of was Big Poppa, because we were so close to him. So it’s a harsh reality that surfaces, and we’ve all had to deal with it in our own ways.

“We’re much better businessmen these days,” he adds.

The other difference he describes is “much more mutual respect between the five of us”, enhanced no doubt by the change in status. All five are now married, and four are fathers.

“I can’t speak for the others, but my priorities have changed, certainly,” says AJ. “I live for what I do, but being a father is the best job.”

The film is an absorbing journey from the dizzy heights of boyband uber-success, to the lows of lawsuits, rehab, reality TV and therapy (Kevin Richardson alone seems to have made it through unscathed, taking the relatively serene road of screen acting and Broadway), and by the end it’s only a steel heart that isn’t rooting for them to enjoy success again this time around. AJ is openly proud of the film, and it’s no doubt a dedicated fan-fest, but what is there for the non-BSB worshipper to enjoy?

“I think it’s an insight into the highs and lows of this business, this huge machine,” he ponders.

“I hope viewers will have a new respect for the industry, and those of us who’ve had to change in it, and will no doubt have to change again.”

Finally, AJ McLean, what’s your own favourite Backstreet Boys song?

“It’s Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of… and I’m not just saying that,” he adds quickly.

Justin Timberlake seemingly confirms new *NSYNC song ‘Paradise’ on his upcoming album

Wink-wink.

Justin Timberlake seemingly confirmed that his *NSYNC bandmates JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Joey Fatone have again reunited for their second new song in over 20 years, “Paradise,” which will be on his upcoming album, “Everything I Thought It Was,” out March 15.

JT fans started asking questions after the 43-year-old “Drown” singer showed off his new deluxe vinyl edition of the record Sunday on TikTok.

“Blink twice if *NSYNC is on a song called ‘Paradise,’” one fan begged Timberlake to confirm their suspicions.

On Wednesday, the “What Goes Around…Comes Around” singer made another video reacting to this comment, pulling down his sunglasses and blinking twice before sliding them back up with a smirk.

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Justin Timberlake’s new album, “Everything I Thought It Was,” drops March 15. Getty Images for MTV

@justintimberlake

Replying to @Briana Resendez

♬ original sound – Justin Timberlake

The Post has contacted reps for Timberlake for comment.

Bass, 44, added to the excitement, asking Timberlake in a comment, “Got something in your eye?” while Kirkpatrick, 52, reacted with the side-eye emoji.

The five *NSYNC boy banders reunited in the summer of 2023 with their single “Better Place,” which was included on the “Trolls Band Together” soundtrack.

Since then, fans have been begging for more new music from the group which Timberlake teased in January on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”

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*NSYNC pictured in 1999. Getty Images

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NSYNC reunites at the 2023 MTV VMAs. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
“We’ve been in the studio, so there may be a little something in the future, too,” Timberlake said to a very excited Kelly Clarkson.

“That was fun,” he said about getting back together for “Better Place.” “It’s kind of crazy, like, there’s so much that just picks up right where it left off as far as the chemistry.”

While Fatone, 47, and Backstreet Boy AJ McLean, 46, have announced a tour of their own this spring, some fans are still hoping that the *NSYNC boys will join Timberlake on his upcoming “Forget Tomorrow World Tour.”

“Now blink 3 times if NSYNC will pop in with you on tour…” one fan commented on Timberlake’s latest TikTok.

Westlife members’ kids already following in their footsteps by forming their own little band

‘They have a backstage crew going on’

Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily of Westlife (Image: Brian J Ritchie/Hotsauce/REX/Shutterstock)

Westlife have revealed how their children are already following in their footsteps by forming their own little band.

They also told of their amazement at watching Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell go from behind-the-scenes management to global superstars.

In an interview with The Jonathan Ross Show, Kian Egan reveals that music is obviously in the genes as their children have started performing together.

“Westlife Two Cousins is what they call themselves. Shane is married to my first cousin so that actually makes our children related.

“They’ve formed a little band. Nicole is writing songs and Nicky’s little girl Gia was only six at the time – she was security.

“We always wanted to film them because they were actually quite good. Gia would be like ‘No, you’re not allowed to film.’ She would be coming around and pulling the phones off us.”

Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily of Westlife (Image: Brian J Ritchie/Hotsauce/REX/Shutterstock)
The group spoke about how they are all now fathers, with Mark Feehily the most recent band member to have a child.

“They have a backstage crew going on. There are 10 of them backstage now. They’re so lovely”, said Shane Filan.

Nicky Byrne said it has been interesting watching their manager, Louis Walsh, became internationally famous as a TV star.

“The thing is at the beginning Louis was very much a behind-the-scenes manager.

“He started off way back decades ago managing show bands and he eventually got into pop music.

“He ended up a celebrity himself. So, there was a turning point where he was like ‘Hang on a minute. I actually know what it feels like to be on your side of the camera.’

“And then he had a change of heart, and he very much now understands what our life is. He’s much more empathetic.”

Kian Egan remembers how the tables turned when they were surrounded by Simon Cowell’s fans in a nightclub in America.

“When we started off with Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell and both of them weren’t famous.

“They were both very successful in their own right but they weren’t famous. During our career they became some of the most famous men on the planet. More famous than us.

“Kian adds “There was a very funny moment in a nightclub with Louis and Simon in LA. At this point, Simon was like Brad Pitt in America. When we were in that club, everybody wanted to be near him. We were a pop band, but Simon had become this global superstar.”

The band also reminisced with Jonathan Ross at performing at Wayne Rooney’s wedding.

“It was actually Coleen (Rooney) who booked us for Wayne as a surprise. We thought it was the other way around – we thought Coleen might be the fan.

“He came up and sang with us. He kind of rapped it. It was only a small wedding, I think there were 70 people at it. It was the smallest gig we ever did but it was fun.”

Kian recalls partying the night away at the wedding following their performance.

He said: “I definitely got a bit carried away. We started having a few drinks and before you know it you’re at the bar doing shots with one of Wayne’s cousins or something like that.”

He adds “I remember being carried out by our security and going back up to our dressing room in the hotel and vomiting into the bathtub!”

Westlife singer Mark Feehily ‘surprised’ the band have such a strong fan base after all these years

Exclusive: The band released their new single ‘Alone Together’ on Friday

Westlife singer Mark Feehily said he is amazed the band’s fanbase is still there after all these years.

The group broke the hearts of fans around the globe when they announced plans to disband in 2012 before all embarking on respective solo careers over the years before reuniting in 2019 with their hit Hello My Love.

Over the past two years, a number of the band’s planned tour dates were axed throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Following on from the heartache, fans were left delighted to hear the group are headed on the road for their The Wild Dreams Tour, which will take them across the UK’s biggest arenas and two dates in Dublin and Cork as well as the release of a new album.

Speaking as they released their new single Alone Together, Mark said he was surprised the band still have such a strong fanbase after all these years.

He told us: “It is mad to think after all these years we still have a massive fan base, and we continue to sell out stadiums and arenas. We cannot wait to get on stage again.

“2022 is going to be Westlife’s biggest year yet and it is great to get going with the release of this new single. We’re super proud of it. It has been amazing to be part of writing Alone Together and working with such distinguished music producers. The entire album has been a massive success.”

Mark said after a two-year postponement of their gigs, they’re “going to make up for it” for fans on this tour – and said some special surprises are in store for their Irish shows.

“We are now getting ready for epic shows in Dublin and Cork this year and a huge arena tour. It has been a tough couple of years for us and other musicians with the pandemic causing us to postpone things so we’re really going to make up for it on this tour.

“We’re preparing something really special for our fans in Ireland. The Dublin and Cork shows will be amazing and there will be lots of surprises.”

Mark also opened up about his excitement about his daughter Layla being able to see him perform for the first time on stage, saying it will be a “special moment”.

“It’ll also be the first time Layla gets to see Westlife in action. That will be a special moment.”

Speaking about Alone Together, the band said: “Alone Together has got such a smooth melody that starts off subtly and ends up quite big and euphoric. It’s a fresh, punchy, upbeat song that reflects the energy of where we are as a band right now, releasing great music together and preparing for a major tour.

“It has also been fantastic to reunite with Rami Yacoub who co-wrote the single with us. Rami worked with us at the very beginning of our career so it brings us full circle and it has been amazing to work with him again as well as a number of other super talented writers. It is a great single and we think the fans will love it,” they said.

‘That’s what being in a boyband does’: Robbie Williams details the impact that fame had on Take That’s mental health while hinting that One Direction could face the same struggles

Robbie Williams has detailed the impact that fame had on Take That’s mental health.
The singer, 48, opened up on the dark side of what being in a boyband ‘really does’, sharing how he and his bandmates Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Howard Donald and Jason Orange suffered with the likes of depression, eating disorders, addiction and suicidal thoughts.
In a candid new interview with Zane Lowe on his Apple Music 1 show on Wednesday, Robbie also predicted that One Direction may face their own demons in the future, adding that he plans on a documentary to reveal ‘what really happens.’

Opening up: Robbie Williams has detailed the impact that fame had on Take That’s mental health
Take That formed in 1989 and went on to achieve 12 number one singles on the UK Singles Chart along with eight number one albums and are currently the most successful boy band in UK chart history.
But despite their success, behind closed doors the guys battled their demons, with Robbie explaining how their huge levels of fame affected them.
The Angels hitmaker, who walked away from the band in July 1995, told Zane: ‘If you run through every boyband and girlband that’s ever existed. With Take That, Gary Barlow leaves the band, his career’s supposed to do that and it didn’t.
‘He suffered with bulimia, didn’t leave his house, went to sleep underneath his piano because he’d forgotten how to write songs. Incredibly depressed. Changed his name on his credit card because he didn’t want people to see Barlow.

Candid: The singer, 48, shared how he and his bandmates suffered with the likes of depression, eating disorders, addiction and suicidal thoughts (L-R Jason Orange, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, Gary Barlow and Robbie in 1993)
‘Howard Donald wanted to commit suicide after he left Take That. Mark Owen’s been to rehab and Jason Orange just can’t do it. And then there’s me, the mental health, the rehabs, the addiction, there’s all of that. So that’s what being in a boyband really does.’
Robbie went on to say that down the line, One Direction – who went on hiatus in 2015 – may suffer the in the aftermath of their huge level of fame.
He said: ‘And I’m sure that in 5 or 10 years’ time if you sit down with One Direction to a man, they’re all going to have their isms that have been caused by this machine.
‘I want to do a documentary about it. Maybe we should do it together. About boybands and girlbands and what really happens. Why fame does that to you.’

Chat: In a candid new interview with Zane Lowe on his Apple Music 1 show on Wednesday, Robbie also predicted that One Direction may face their own demons in the future
Meanwhile, in the same interview, Robbie compared girlband and boyband fans to football supporters due to their unwavering loyalty.
He explained: ‘What I think it is when a boyband or a girlband gets to a certain place or a certain stature, because there’s lots that fell by the wayside and can’t come back and, God bless them, for having that sort of being at the top of the mountain at such an early age and then they have to go away and figure out how to live.
‘But what I think it is with the Spice Girls, One Direction, Take That, NSYNC, New Kids on the Block, all of those people that reach that place, it’s their, the fans’ football team. So it’s Liverpool or it’s Manchester United. Do you know what I mean?

Success: Take That formed in 1989 and went on to achieve 12 number one singles on the UK Singles Chart along with eight number one albums and are currently the most successful boy band in UK chart history (Take That pictured in 1992)

Candid: ‘The mental health, the rehabs, the addiction, there’s all of that. So that’s what being in a boyband really does’
‘And you just never stop supporting Liverpool. It gets etched in. So it’s like a young girl’s, primarily, football team.’
It comes after Robbie came under fire after it was announced he will be performing in Qatar during the World Cup.
The decision by FIFA to hold the World Cup in Qatar has been surrounded by controversy – particularly in relation to migrant workers and the LGBTQ+ community.

Thoughts: Robbie went on to say that down the line, One Direction – who went on hiatus in 2015 – may suffer the in the aftermath of their huge level of fame (pictured in 2014)

The chart-topper who previously performed at the opening ceremony of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, was unveiled as one of the music acts set to play at the Qatar Live concerts during a press conference in Doha.
Robbie is set to play at Doha Golf Club on December 8, alongside Maroon 5 and Post Malone, who were also reported to be playing gigs that coincide with the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Fans expressed their ‘disappointment’ after learning the news on the Robbie Williams Fanfest page.
One penned: ‘Sorry but the Qatar World Cup is wrong on many levels and I am disappointed that Robbie feels it is acceptable to so blatantly support it.’
Another said: ‘I love him but this is disappointing.’
A third wrote: ‘Hope that’s not True’ with another adding: ‘That’s sad, really sad.’

Backlash: It comes after Robbie came under fire after it was announced he will be performing in Qatar during the World Cup

Aaron Carter’s posthumous anthem Grateful released over a year after pop singer tragically drowned in bathtub while under the influence

Aaron Carter’s dulcet voice can be heard once again with the release of his posthumous single Grateful.

The late pop star — who died at the age of 34 in November 2022 — is featured on the uplifting anthem, which was cowritten by his close friend Bryan Cassidy and posted online on Friday.

‘Sunshine through my window, but it’s been a minute since I felt like this/Been a long week but I’m good though, every single breath is feeling like a gift,’ Aaron croons.

According to Bryan, the former child star was in his California home studio recording the ditty a few months before his tragic passing.

‘This [song] reminds me of the Aaron that I know,’ Bryan told People. ‘He just sounds so good on it. This is a positive way to remember Aaron.’

Aaron Carter ‘s dulcet voice can be heard once again with the release of his posthumous single Grateful; pictured 2017

The late pop star — who died at the age of 34 in November 2022 — is featured on the uplifting anthem, which was cowritten by his close friend Bryan Cassidy and posted online on Friday

Carter’s former manager and producer Morgan Matthews added, ‘He’d be so proud.’

Bryan mentioned that the song offers a meaningful way to remember Aaron, particularly given the challenges he grappled with in his later years, including substance abuse and mental health issues.

‘It was hard for me to hear the song and record it. I couldn’t record it. I would lose it, I would start crying every time,’ he explained to the outlet.

‘And you go through that and you realize a good one died young. It just sucks.’
In April 2023, Aaron’s autopsy revealed that he drowned in his bathtub after consuming Xanax and huffing ahead of his death at his home in Lancaster, California.

Carter’s autopsy results showed he had consumed alprazolam, which is a generic form of Xanax, and inhaled compressed difluoroethane,’ according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

Inhaling compressed difluoroethane, a propellant used in cans of compressed air, is commonly known as ‘huffing.’
Carter was ‘incapacitated while in the bathtub due to the effects’ of the substances, according to officials.

Authorities said in the report that the entertainer, under the influence of the substances, ‘slipped under the water’ and drowned.

According to Bryan, the former child star was in his California home studio recording the ditty just a few months before his tragic passing

Aaron and sisters Angel, Bobbie Jean and Leslie in 2006

Nick Carter and Aaron in 2006

Aaron, survived by his one-year-old son Prince with fiancée Melanie Martin, navigated a life overshadowed by the struggles of substance abuse, marked by numerous arrests and periods in rehabilitation.

His battle with addiction intensified following the tragic death of his sister Leslie in 2012, succumbing to a prescription drug overdose at the young age of 25.

The blows kept coming for Aaron with the loss of his father, Robert Carter, to an apparent heart attack in 2017.
During his stint in rehab following his father’s passing, medical professionals diagnosed Aaron with multiple personality disorder and schizophrenia, shedding light on the complex challenges he faced.

The Hollywood Star with a Bounty on His Head: Clark Gable in WWII

From Silver Screen to Airborne Hero 

During World War II, numerous stories of heroism and bravery emerge, but few are as captivating as that of a B-17 gunner who drew the attention of the highest echelons of the German wartime command. This wasn’t an ordinary soldier; this was Clark Gable, Hollywood’s reigning king, who found himself targeted by the Reich, with a bounty on his head.

The tale begins with the United States entering World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor. As America hastened to mobilize its forces in 1941, a personal tragedy would propel Gable, a star at the zenith of his career, into the fray. The untimely death of his wife, Carol Lombard, in a plane crash, coupled with her passionate involvement in the war effort, inspired Gable to enlist, much to the dismay of Hollywood and even President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The Journey to England 

Gable’s entry into the Army Air Corps was not typical. He was offered a unique role – to make a war film about the aviators in England, combining his Hollywood expertise with a taste of real combat. This arrangement seemed to offer a balance, keeping him at arm’s length from the front lines. However, destiny had other plans for the King of Hollywood.

The B-17 Flying Fortress, a symbol of American airpower, was supposed to be an invulnerable sky fortress. Armed with 11 machine guns, it promised to repel enemy fighters with ease. But reality bit hard; the early missions from England suffered heavy losses. Gable witnessed these losses firsthand, his role gradually shifting from observer to active participant.

Clark Gable’s Combat Debut 

Gable’s first taste of combat came aboard the B-17 “Eight Ball” on a mission to Belgium. This mission, expected to be low-risk, turned out to be a harbinger of the dire straits American bomber crews would face. Gable’s engagement with enemy fighters was minimal, but the mission left its mark, giving him a firsthand experience of the war’s harsh realities.

Initially viewed with skepticism by fellow airmen, Gable soon earned their respect. His humility and eagerness to share the burdens of war endeared him to the men. Gable was a comrade, sharing the risks and losses of war.
Clark Gable ww2

Germany’s Obsession and the Bounty 

The upper echelons of the German wartime command, admirers of Gable’s pre-war films, had initially hoped to capture the actor for their propaganda machine. Frustrated by their inability to acquire Gable peacefully, the high command, through their channels, placed a substantial bounty on him. This edict made every mission Gable flew a game of high stakes, with his life and propaganda value hanging in the balance.

Gable’s missions grew increasingly perilous. His flight aboard the “Ain’t It Gruesome” to the Ruhr Valley in Germany was a turning point. The mission faced fierce resistance; flak and enemy fighters battered the B-17s. Gable narrowly escaped death when a flak round pierced his aircraft, a chilling reminder of the bounty on his head.

The Toll of War and Compassion

The impact of war wasn’t lost on Gable. Witnessing death and destruction moved him profoundly. He spent his off-days writing to the families of fallen airmen, a gesture that further cemented his bond with the crew and showcased the depth of his character.

Gable’s last mission, aboard “The Duchess,” was less eventful but significant in marking the end of his combat role. Pressure from MGM and the realization of the risk he posed eventually led to his reassignment away from the front lines. Gable returned to the U.S. with invaluable footage that would later become part of the documentary “Combat America,” offering a unique glimpse into the life of a B-17 crew during one of the most turbulent times in history.

In retrospect, Clark Gable’s wartime service was a testament to his courage, a shift from the glitz of Hollywood to the grim realities of war. Gable didn’t just play a hero on screen; he lived it, flying dangerous missions and risking his life, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to honor his late wife’s memory.

“That Was Nice Of Her” – Johnny Cash’s Stone-Faced Reaction To Dolly Parton Admitting She Had “Horny” Feelings For Him

Don Hunstein

It’s well-documented that Dolly Parton had a huge crush on the Man in Black back in the day.

And though it kinda goes without saying, even Dolly couldn’t resist Johnny Cash’s undeniable charisma, charm and all-around good looks that made him one of the most recognizable and iconic artists in all of music. I mean, who could blame the girl?

But until now, we had never really heard Johnny’s take on that moment when Dolly first realized she was into him, which was actually when she saw him perform on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time when she was a very young teenager.

And you’d have to imagine that any man on the planet would be completely flattered knowing they were Dolly Parton’s first crush, but Johnny had an interesting reaction to finding that out.

Back in 1997, Johnny appeared on Ralph Emory On The Record in promotion of his book Cash, in which he talks about being the first person to introduce Dolly at the Opry when she was just 13 years old.

Ralph then played some of Dolly’s comments for Johnny to watch from an episode she was on previously, where she elaborated on those feelings she got the first time she saw him and realized what sex appeal was:

“Johnny Cash was the person that introduced me that night. And Johnny, first time I saw him, that’s when I really, that’s when he was lean and lanky, and that’s when I first realized what sex appeal was.

I was 13 years old, it was like ‘Oh!’ It was like, holy moly, what is this? And then, little did I know, he’d be the first person to introduce me on the Opry.”

You can always count on Dolly to be 1,000% herself, and I love her for it.

And not only did she say she experienced the true meaning of sex appeal because of Johnny, but she added that it was the first time she ever felt horny, which is pretty damn hilarious hearing that from the ultimate southern belle herself:

“I didn’t say anything, my mouth just flew open. Well first, I had seen him on stage, and I had all these feelings. Which now I know is just being horny. Well, sex appeal, or something… I don’t know if that’s exactly the word. That’s what I was.”

And while you would think Johnny would’ve been at least slightly animated, or even a little flustered, by the compliment, he was pretty stoic in his very simple response:

“I really appreciate that, that was nice of her.”

Dolly Parton, an extremely well-known sex symbol in her own right, just said Johnny was the first man that ever made her horny and that’s all he’s got to say about it?

I mean, I expected just a little bit more than that, but hey, I think it’s safe to say that Mrs. June Carter Cash probably appreciated that response. Johnny was a smart man, indeed…

Check it out that part of the interview, it’s easily the best thing you’ll watch all day:

And back in the early ’80s, Dolly took part in a gospel record with Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Brenda Lee, which was eventually turned into a television special hosted by Johnny Cash.

So she did eventually got her big moment on stage with her former crush, and I imagine it was a pretty full circle moment from decades before when she first met Johnny:

“A mistake she’s going to regret forever”: ‘Jolene’ Singer Dolly Parton Delivers an Ultimatum To Miley Cyrus After Family Feud Spirals Out of Control

Dolly Parton hoping for a reconciliation of Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus after their family feud becomes a public spectacle.

Singer-songwriter Dolly Parton is regarded as a country legend who has reportedly sold nearly 100 million records. She is known as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her successful and popular songs include Jolene, I Will Always Love You, 9 to 5, and more.

The Grammy Award-winner is also known as the God Mother of Pop Star Miley Cyrus. Over the years, the audience has seen the two of them share the stage and perform Parton’s popular song Jolene together, strengthening their bond. Dolly Parton is also close to Billy Ray Cyrus, and recent reports suggest that she has been trying to mend things between Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus ever since their family feud became public.

Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus in Hannah Montana

Dolly Parton not happy with the situation between Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus

Dolly Parton has been a close friend of Billy Ray Cyrus since the 1990s and is also known to be the God Mother of Miley Cyrus. She has appeared on a couple of episodes of Miley Cyrus’ Hannah Montana as Aunty Dolly. The country singer is reportedly not happy with the situation the father-daughter duo are in.

It is no hidden fact that the two of them have had a rocky relationship over the years, but they have always managed to support each other. Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus’ relationship hit a low point after Billy Ray Cyrus announced his separation from Tish Cyrus. According to reports by In Touch, Dolly Parton, who is very close to the family, does not like the fact that the father-daughter is not on talking terms. The insider mentioned,
“Dolly told Miley she admires her principles, but cutting her own father out of her life is a mistake she’s going to regret forever. And she told Billy Ray to apologize to Mileyᅳeven if he feels like he has nothing to apologize for.”
Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus performing I Will Always Love You at Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party
Sources have further noted that Parton’s attempts to resolve the issue between the two of them might be helping the family overcome their issues, as neither of them wants to upset or disappoint her.

The rift between Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus was evidently noticed at the time when Miley Cyrus accepted her Grammy Awards on 5th February 2024. She apparently kept her father off the list of people she thanked while accepting the award, even though, managed to squeeze in a thank you for her mother and siblings; Brandi and Trace Cyrus, leaving Noah and Braison off the list.

Billy Ray Cyrus reached out to Miley Cyrus on Dolly Parton’s advice

According to reports by The Things, on Dolly Parton’s advice, Billy Ray Cyrus had tried to reach out to their daughter Miley Cyrus on various occasions and with her winning her first Grammy, he wanted to congratulate her, but it seemed like the kids have picked their sides.

After Miley Cyrus along with siblings Brandi and Trace Cyrus attended their mother Tish Cyrus’ wedding to Dominic Purcell and skipped their father’s to singer Firerose a few months later, it showcased that they had picked their sides. The source said,
“Family dynamics haven’t been the same since the divorce, and now that Tish and Billy Ray are with other people, there’s even more division among them all.”
Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, and Billy Ray Cyrus

Reports from US Weekly have mentioned that Miley Cyrus’ younger sister Noah Cyrus has always been close with Billy Ray Cyrus, and her loyalty towards her father has resulted in a rift between her and Miley. There have been new claims coming out in public (via US Weekly) about the reason why Noah skipped her mother’s wedding and that was because she was allegedly seeing Tish Cyrus’ now-husband Dominic Purcell when her mother started to pursue him.

The claims of Noah being distraught over her mother stealing Dominic from her have started to circle, and it has been reported that she was not invited to the wedding. Sources allege that Tish Cyrus wanted a peaceful wedding and was worried that Noah could cause a scene. However, it should be known that these claims are not addressed by either of the people involved.