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The Princess of Wales is said to have a WhatsApp group with ‘normal people’ as Royal experts explained how Kate Middleton is eager to give her children a ‘normal upbringing’

Raising the next generation of royal can’t be easy – and in an effort to keep her children grounded, the Kate Middleton is doing what she can to facilitate a ‘normal’ upbringing.

That includes joining the ubiquitous ‘parents’ WhatsApp group – a normally busy chat of fellow mums and dads that many will identify with.

In a recently aired Channel 5 documentary called ‘Prince George: How To Make a Monarch’, royal insiders and former aides dished out insider details about how the future King is being raised.

Ailsa Anderson, former Press Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II revealed: “Apparently Catherine has a WhatsApp group where she communicates with other parents, so it’s very much, quite a normal upbringing.”

Adding to the conversation, psychotherapist Lucy Beresford outlined the intentional steps taken by William and Kate to blend their royal life with common experiences for their three children.

Catherine is keen to raise her children to be grounded ( 
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(Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage) Getty)
She shared: “I think William and Kate, making sure that George, Charlotte and Louie have these normalising experiences where they just interact with really normal people, actually gives them that grounded sense that they are human beings like the rest of us, they’re not rarefied, they’re not elevated and it could hopefully dilute that sense of ‘I’m invincible’.”

The Daily Telegraph’s royal correspondent, India McTaggart, suggested that Kate’s parenting choices are influenced by her own upbringing. She speculated that Kate has “brought so much from her Middleton upbringing and her family values, that I think has completely informed the way that she is raising the next generation of Royals”.

And, like many other parents of pre-teens, Kate and William will soon face another significant decision – which school to choose for their child’s secondary education.

Several prestigious schools are apparently being considered, including Marlborough College, which Kate attended from 1996-2000, and Eton, the former boarding school of 11-year-old George’s father and uncle, which has educated many prominent British figures over the years.

Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, focuses on positive, inspiring lifestyle content – however there are a few nods and digs at the struggles she’s faced in the last few years

Meghan Markle makes several veiled comments about the difficulties she’s faced in recent years during her new Netflix show.

While With Love, Meghan, focuses on lifestyle content rather than personal issues, the duchess still hints at past struggles. In the penultimate episode, Meghan discusses healing with beauty businesswoman Vicky Tsai.

They talk about Kintsugi, which is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery using gold and lacquer. Meghan says: “You gave me this idea, I think it’s so meaningful, that if you break something that is precious and valuable, it’s not broken.

“That fracture actually makes it more beautiful, that break makes it more beautiful. And I just think that it felt really symbolic of saying to anyone if you’ve been through something, you’re not broken. It can be fixed, it can be sealed and healed at the same time.”

Meghan Markle during her new Netflix show ( 
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Netflix)

Agreeing, Vicky adds: “Or celebrated because it’s what makes you beautiful. Perfect isn’t beautiful. Things that have lived and been dropped and put back together again are more beautiful.”

Elsewhere in the series during a chat with her former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer, the pair sit around a table enjoying food. Abigail says: “We’ve all been through a lot”, before looking towards Meghan. While Meghan didn’t make the comment, she asks as executive producer so it’s likely she made the decision to keep the comment in.

In the final episode, Meghan hosts a brunch for family and friends including Prince Harry and her mum Doria. As she toasts her guests, she hints at what she’s had to give up in recent years. She says: “This feels like a new chapter that I’m so excited I get to share. I’ve been able to learn from all of you. So just thank you for the love and support. And here we go, it’s a business. All of it is part of the creativity that I’ve missed so much.”

Meghan hosts a brunch for her pals in the final episode of the series ( 
Image:
JAKE ROSENBERG/NETFLIX)
While Meghan hints at the past, the new focuses very much on the future – which is a sharp contrast to the Sussexes’ first show with Netflix, during which they spoke repeatedly about their time in the Royal Family. The fly-on-the-wall style show, which aired in 2022, the couple made countless comments about their time in The Firm, personally naming many of Harry’s relatives.

One of the most discussed moments from the show saw Harry’s reaction to a message sent by his older brother, Prince William, shortly after their controversial interview with Oprah Winfrey. Meghan can be seen chatting on the phone to their friend Tyler Perry – who the couple lived with when they first moved to the US.

A worried Harry walks over and shows Meghan a message on his phone. Confused, Meghan asks: “What am I looking at?” before reading the message. She then replies with just one, stunned word: “Wow”. The pair look at each other for a moment, before Meghan goes back to her call with Perry, saying: “H just got a text from his brother.” A distressed Harry puts his hands behind his head, saying: “I wish I knew what to do.”

Meghan replies: “I know. Let’s take a breather. Get some air and then decide.” She then stands up and wraps her arms around his waist, giving him a hug. The couple take a moment to embrace in silence, staring out the window – while the cameras continue to roll.

As the long-awaited series With Love, Meghan, drops on Netflix today, Siobhan McNally says the Duchess of Sussex is so out-of-touch with the real world, she comes from another planet – Planet Hollywood

It was a terrible shame that With Love, Meghan was postponed due to the Los Angeles wildfires because I really don’t know how we all coped so long without her gratuitously hypocritical and condescending cooking and lifestyle show, full of insufferable drivel dressed up as parenting advice.

But now that the Duchess of Sussex’s long-awaited eight-part series has dropped on Netflix, we really ought to thank Prince Harry’s American wife for uniting our nation in our condemnation of the new show.

The former Suits actress’s series has cost the streaming giant $100million – which is a lot of money for what feels like a comedy show. It should really be renamed With Lolz, Meghan because at least she’s given us all something to laugh about together as we teeter on the precipice of World War III.

While Harry’s mum Diana became known as the ‘people’s princess’ for her down-to-earth personality, Mrs Sussex – as she passive aggressively reminds one of the show flunkies who dares use her maiden name Markle – is so out-of-touch, she’s clearly from another planet – Planet Hollywood.

“We’re not in the pursuit of perfection, we’re in the pursuit of joy,” she says in her new show, before giving us a peek into her carefully curated flawless luxury life. But it really doesn’t take much talent or creativity to create an enviable lifestyle with a bottomless budget.

In the show, we see Prince Harry congratulating Meghan for organising her wrap party as they all smugly clink the finest crystal champagne glasses. “Well done. You did a great job!” her posh husband chunters.

Oh come now, Hazza. How hard can it be to phone up the local luxury florist and get them to send over $10,000-worth of white peonies for your table decorations?

What I’d like to see is his missus throw a party with a budget of $20 to spend on home decor from Matalan where the kids have helped decorate the house with their disturbing scribbles and made cupcakes from a mixture of bogeys and plasticine – because that’s real family life.

When my daughter Jesse was little she insisted on helping me make “can-of-peas” (canapés) for guests when I threw a party – and everyone went down with Norovirus the next day.

The show, which was filmed in a $5m rented California farmhouse rather than in Sussex’s Montecito house, features Meghan talking about the joys of playing in the sandbox with her children like she’s just a normal fun mum. Yeah well I bet she’s never had to check the sand pit for dog poo before letting her kids play in it.

I’m not alone in thinking the show is a load of fake nonsense – thousands of mums have been taking to social media to pour scorn on Meghan’s unrealistic parenting advice, as she tells us all how we can make breakfast time “more fun”.

Clearly Harry’s precious wife has never had to rush around at 7.30am making “healthy” school packed lunches for a child who only eats crustless beige food, or tried to dry a damp school shirt that was left overnight in the washing machine with a hairdryer, all the while trying to stop her youngest from feeding Weetabix to the hamster.

And then to add insult to injury, the Duchess’s inspiring breakfast hack to encourage Lilibet, 3, and five-year-old Archie to eat more fruit was creating a rainbow platter of exotic fruit which the Mirror has calculated cost £32. That sort of wasteful lavishness shows that money and sense is no object in the Sussex household, and is cruelly tone deaf during a cost of living crisis where hard-up parents often live on that for the entire week.

I used to stick googly eyes on apples and bananas instead to get my daughter to eat them – a lot cheaper but the downside is she may have ingested more plastic than fruit than current NHS guidelines allow.

Anyway, everyone knows breakfast times are not fun with children – they are to be endured until the kids are old enough to pick up a can of Monster energy drink on the way to school in the morning instead.

And no amount of sprinkling dried flower petals over their food like Meghan suggests in her “tips and tricks” is going to change that. In fact I have always had enough trouble with my own child picking bits out of her meals without purposely adding unidentified objects to them.

In a fawning interview with a magazine, the duchess said Archie had told her, “Mama, don’t work too hard”, during the filming of the show. So is this Meghan’s new career now? Whatever happened to that working actress who delivered UN speeches empowering girls to challenge the status quo and who refused to toe the line to the British monarchy.

Well, it seems they should now all be picking their own berries to make homemade jam and using their quiet “bee voices” because that radical feminist has been replaced by a trad wife Instagram influencer peddling uninspiring content with mawkish sentiments and corny platitudes.

Please don’t bless us with a second series, Netflix – a meteor would be preferable.

Meghan Markle’s new Netflix reality series may have been panned by critics but it has still managed to find an army of fans

Meghan Markle’s latest venture into the world of streaming, With Love, Meghan, has been met with a mixed bag of reviews, but it seems the Duchess still commands a loyal following.

Despite critics like Anita Singh for the Telegraph slamming the show as “an exercise in narcissism” many Netflix viewers are already clamouring for more, urging the platform to greenlight a second season.

The eight-part series invites viewers into Meghan’s home as she chats with celebrity guests such as Mindy Kaling, Roy Choi, and her former Suits colleague Abigail Spencer, sharing lifestyle insights and culinary tips.

While some reviewers have not held back their disdain, Meghan’s admirers have taken to social media to express their adoration for the Duchess’s new project.

Fans have been tweeting their support, with comments like: “I love how Meghan loves to learn new food recipes and engages with the chef about it, I need to see her do more of this (GIVE ME SEASON 2).”

The Duchess of Sussex invites her famous friends into the kitchen ( 
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(Image: NETFLIX))
As the series concluded, calls for a second season grew louder, with the same fan pleading, “IT ENDED, NETFLIX PLEASE GIVE ME SEASON 2 IM BEGGING PLEASE #WithLoveMeghan.”

Others shared their enthusiasm, saying, “Not me wanting to try everything Meghan is doing/cooking in her new show omg I’m obsessed #WithLoveMeghan,” and another adding, “The new Meghan Markle show is adorable, she is so precious”, reports the Express.

A fourth viewer was instantly captivated, declaring, “Meghan’s show is so laid back and FUN! Episode 1 and I am hooked!”

Someone else penned: “Meghan was so involved and so [comfortable in] the kitchen. You can know that she knows her way around the kitchen.

“Every episode had something to offer. I can never not root for this gal!!! She deserves every bit of love and happiness. I hope they do a season 2!!”

Meghan Markle fans ‘begging’ for second season of Netflix series ( 
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(Image: NETFLIX))And a final fan gushed: “Thoroughly enjoyed that! It makes me so happy that Meghan is indeed surrounded by incredible, strong women who are her support system.

“She’s at peace, she’s in a good place and I love this for her!

“I can definitely see a season 2 in different locations, cooking different cultural cuisines and learning more about what the dishes represent and the stories of those who create them.”

As of now, there hasn’t been any official word from Netflix or the Duchess herself about the possibility of a second season.

Netflix have released their new show ‘With Love, Meghan’ that stars the Duchess of Sussex who offers fans a glimpse into her home life and shares lifestyle and cooking tips

In her new Netflix series, ‘With Love, Meghan,’ the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, offers viewers an intimate glimpse into her domestic life with Prince Harry and their two children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.

The show combines Meghan’s top lifestyle tips with personal anecdotes into her home life, offering cooking tips along the way. The Duchess, 43, is seen discussing making teabags, candles, a balloon arch for Archie, and jam which she says she does with her youngest child Lilibet.

Meghan has already riled up parents with her unique cooking tips, that some have dubbed “over the top” and “time consuming”. Here, we take a look at some of the best quotes from the series.

Meghan’s new show offers fans a glimpse into her home life ( 
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(Image: NETFLIX))

“It’s so funny that you keep saying Meghan Markle. You know I’m Sussex now?”

It seems Meghan is taking the debate around her royal title in her stride by cracking a joke about her maiden name still being used. Despite stepping down from their roles, Prince Harry and Meghan kept their Sussex titles.

And despite the debate surrounding their titles, both Harry and Meghan still use them, with the closing credit referring to Meghan as the Duchess of Sussex.

“Mmm … he makes a really great breakfast.”

When asked what her husband’s contribution to the household cooking was, Meghan jokingly said he can make a “great breakfast”. The Duke of Sussex isn’t known for his culinary skills, while Meghan’s new show displays a new side that fans haven’t seen before.

“My kids will now connect coming home from school and smelling sweetness that wafts through the house when you are slow-cooking fruit. ‘Here she is! Mom’s making preserves again!’”

In a sweet reference to her two children, Archie and Lilibet, Meghan spoke about her love of preserves. Meghan first announced the creation of her new lifestyle brand on March 14, 2024, that saw her launch her own jam.

American Riviera Orchard has now been renamed to As Ever after running into trademarking difficulties

Fans are begging for a second season, while others have criticised the tips ( 
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Netflix)

“I find when I’m cooking bacon my kitchen very immediately becomes full of husband and three dogs. It’s not my perfume that brings them all in. ‘My bacon brings all the boys to the yard!’”

With a humorous twist on a popular song lyric, Meghan describes how the scent of frying bacon attracts Prince Harry and their three dogs to the kitchen. In January, the Duchess posted a tribute to her rescue beagle Guy who died.

She wrote on Instagram: “Because many of you will now see Guy in this new series, I hope you’ll come to understand why I am so devastated by his loss. I think you may fall a little bit in love too.

“I have cried too many tears to count – the type of tears that make you get in the shower with the absurd hope that the running water on your face will somehow make you not feel them, or pretend they’re not there. But they are. And that’s okay too.”

“I learnt flower arranging when I was pregnant with Archie and my girlfriends threw a baby shower for me, and one of the things we did was flower arranging. I found it really calming and meditative and so when I have a little bit of time at the end of the day with a glass of wine … I also do it typically with a lot of music.”

Meghan gave fans an insight into her baby shower, which took place in New York at a lavish hotel. The penthouse reportedly costs £57,000 a night at the five-star Mark Hotel in New York.

Although Meghan was surrounded by some of her closest friends for the baby shower, including Suits star Abigail Spencer and tennis legend Serena Williams, no family members were present, with her sister-in-law Princess Kate also not among the 20 or so guests invited to the celebration.

“There’s something really satisfying about a cake that is bare on the outside but she is so beautiful on the inside and you just don’t know how good she is until you go deep and you get to know her better.”

Using cake as a metaphor, Meghan reflects on the idea that true beauty lies within. This statement seems to mirror her own experiences of being judged, which she has openly spoken about in previous interviews.

“I like them hand-torn. Nice and rustic.”

Talking about prepping a salad bowl, Meghan referred to the leaves as “nice and rustic”.

“Whenever I have someone come and stay, one of my favourite things to do is prep the guest room. I think of two places for the guest experience … what’s at the side of the bed for them that’s their good morning and good night moment? And what’s in the bathroom for them so they can have a beautiful soak at the end of the night?”

Meghan seems to host regularly at her Montecito mansion, regularly referencing her special touches she leaves around the home for guests. Although the show was filmed in an “at home” style format, producers actually rented a house for filming.

The £5million estate nestled within a gated community, boasts eight acres of avocado trees and lemon groves and is owned by Montecito’s influential Cipolla family.

“I have a husband who, no matter what meal is put in front of them, before he tastes it puts salt on. So I try to under-salt.”

Meghan made plenty of references to her husband’s taste buds during the show, revealing the Prince’s love of salt in this funny quote.

The Duchess of Sussex has launched her lifestyle brand As Ever, just hours after her Netflix show With Love, Meghan was released to the world

The Duchess of Sussex has officially unveiled her lifestyle brand, As Ever, just hours after the premiere of her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan. The new brand, set to be available in spring 2025, includes spreads and pre-made baking mixes, according to the website.

The updated asever.com site proclaims “As ever is more than a brand – it’s a love language”, and showcased the duchess’ first products on Tuesday. While prices are yet to be disclosed, customers are encouraged to join a mailing list for updates and offers.

Initially named American Riviera Orchard, the brand underwent a name change following trademarking issues. The product line also features limited edition wildflower honey with honeycomb and flower sprinkles, which Meghan frequently uses and mentions in her series.

In the show, she humorously recounts how her homemade strawberry jam, sent to celebrity friends, sparked some friendly rivalry. In the second episode, Welcome To The Party, Meghan revealed that she numbered the 50 jars she distributed, leading to some taking it personally.

Meghan Markle on Netflix show With Love, Meghan ( 
Image:
Netflix)

The show, released on Tuesday after being postponed from January due to the Los Angeles wildfires, is viewed as a crucial moment for the Sussexes, who inked a lucrative deal with Netflix in 2020.

As Ever, the brand by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is expanding its palate pleasers with a selection of herbal teas in hibiscus, peppermint and lemon ginger, alongside pre-prepared French style crepe mix and shortbread cookie mix infused with flowers.

The website boasts: “As ever is more than a brand – it’s a love language. Created by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, As ever welcomes you to a collection of products, each inspired by her long-lasting love of cooking, entertaining, and hostessing with ease.”

It also promises: “This curated collection has been crafted to elevate your every day and inspire moments of joy.”

Andrews is also facing her Fox NFL Sunday contract expiring this summer

ERIN Andrews has revealed she is dealing with a painful skin condition.

Andrews opened up about her ‘pre-skin cancer’ condition on the most recent episode of the Calm Down podcast.

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Erin Andrews has revealed she is dealing with a painful skin conditionCredit: Getty

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Andrews labeled the condition as a ‘pre-skin cancer’Credit: Getty
The Fox NFL Sunday sideline reporter explained that she is dealing with the condition on her upper lip.

“It is so crusty and it really hurts,” Andrews said.

“Don’t touch that!” Charissa Thompson replied.

Thompson explained the situation to new podcast listeners after Andrews explained the pain she is in.

“For those of you that are new, Erin’s working through some… an issue on her upper lip, but it’s not what you think it is,” she said.

Andrews clarified that the condition was a pre-cancer and that she went to have a full check on her skin.

“It’s a pre-skin cancer situation. I did a cream for five days on it,” Andrews explained.

“I went for the old ‘Oh it’s a great idea until you get in the car’ skin check… the whole shebang.

“I wanted to pass out in the middle of it because I’m so afraid they’re going to find something.”

Andrews also shared that she will further delve into the skin condition on Thursday’s episode of the podcast.

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Fans of her shared their love after hearing of the pre-skin cancer diagnosis.

“Hoping for a quick recovery — skin health is no joke,” one fan said.

“Early detection is key — wishing her the best in this fight,” another fan said.

“I wish the best for you,” a third fan said.

Thompson and Andrews both face uncertain futures with Fox NFL Sunday as their contracts expire this summer.

NFL important dates 2025 season

March 12 – Free Agency begins

April 24-26 – NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin

September 4 – 2025 season opener (TBC vs Eagles)

November 27 – Thanksgiving Day triple header

January 4, 2026 – End of regular-season

February 8, 2026 – Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California

“I just have to say one thing, and this is also what I am going on and on about Fox, and I swear. I mean it’s not just because my contract’s up,” Thompson said.

“I love Fox so much because my brother and my dad came to the Super Bowl, and Fox’s family to me, so my own family like sharing in those moments.

“It was so fun and Fox just makes them feel so welcome and makes sure they’re included in the events and everything.

“So I just would be remiss if I didn’t mention how wonderful my extended work family is to my own family.”

Plus, what Dolly said about her ‘loner’ late husband in the past

DOLLY Parton previously revealed the heartbreaking reason why she and her late husband Carl Dean never had children.

The country singer, 79, confirmed on Monday that her husband Carl Dean had sadly died at the age of 82.

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Dolly Parton was married to her late husband for almost six decadesCredit: Getty

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Dolly was diagnosed with endometriosis when she was in her early thirtiesCredit: Getty

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Dolly’s husband didn’t like being in the spotlight
Dolly and Carl fell in love and got married just two years after they locked eyes on one another, and the rest of their love story was history.

Dolly, who was 18 at the time, met her late husband, who was 21, outside their local launderette in the mid 60s.

Remaining together for almost 60 years, keeping their relationship out of the spotlight, and speaking fondly of one another whenever they got the chance – Dolly and Carl’s romance truly stood the test of time.

But oftentimes when their romance and marriage was spoken about in the public domain, people quizzed them on why they never had children.

There are two main reasons that Dolly and Carl never welcomed kids of their own – despite the country singer being a godmother to Miley Cyrus.

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Dolly is Miley Cyrus’ godmotherCredit: Getty

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Despite never having kids of her own, Dolly has been a mother figure to manyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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Miley and Dolly have a very close bondCredit: Getty
In the 80s, when she was just 33, Dolly was diagnosed with endometriosis after she collapsed on stage.

Then, at the age of 36, Dolly had a partial hysterectomy.

In her book, Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones, Dolly spoke about the operation she underwent and how it was a “dark time” for her.

DOLLY’S DARK TIME

“Suddenly I was a middle-aged woman,” she said, “I went through a dark time.”

However, Dolly added: “I haven’t missed it like I thought I might.

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Dolly Parton’s husband Carl Dean dies aged 82 after 60 years of marriage as icon pays heartbreaking tribute
“Now that Carl and I are older, we often say, ‘Aren’t you glad we didn’t have kids? Now we don’t have kids to worry about’.”

But her health woes were not the only reason she didn’t want to become a mother.

In a previous interview with Saga Magazine, Dolly spoke about how she wanted to focus on her career, hence why she didn’t want children.

“When you’re a young couple, you think you’re going to have kids, but it just wasn’t one of those burning things for me,” she said.

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Dolly wanted to focus on her career, which is another reason why she never had childrenCredit: AP

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Dolly is one of the most famous country music artists in the worldCredit: Getty

CAREER-FOCUSED COUNTRY ICON

“I had my career and my music and I was travelling. If I’d had kids, I’d have stayed at home with them. I’m sure and worried myself to death about them.”

She also said that she would “hate to be bringing a child into this world right now,” amid “everything that’s going on.”

Dolly also said: “I always say God didn’t let me have children so that all kids could be mine.”

Dolly shared a heartbreaking tribute to Carl following his passing.

Taking to Instagram to share her moving words, Dolly penned: “Carl and I spent many wonderful years together.

“Words can’t do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years.

“Thank you for your prayers and sympathy.”

Dolly did not reveal her husband’s cause of death but had previously been diagnosed with alzheimer’s disease in 2019.

DOLLY’S DEDICATED MAN

Carl was somewhat reclusive, with Dolly previously telling of how he was a bit of a “loner”.

Speaking to People around the time of their 50th anniversary in 2016, Dolly explained how he “doesn’t particularly care about being around anybody but me”.

She said: “He’s just always asked me to leave him out of all this. He does not like all the hullabaloo.”

The hitmaker also shared with Parade that her man was “very secure within himself”.

She told the outlet: “This is his statement: ‘Well, hell, I know it’s not easy out there. I’d feel less about any man that didn’t fall in love with you’.”

And in 2020 she revealed how he didn’t want to be in the spotlight “at all”.

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Dolly surprised her husband with a racy display in 2021 for his birthdayCredit: Instagram/dollyparton

Goldie Hawn reveals heartbreaking health condition at 2025 Oscars while presenting with Andrew Garfield at the Academy Awards in Hollywood

Goldie Hawn left viewers of the 2025 Academy Awards stunned after she gave a heartbreaking health update on stage.

The 79-year-old Oscar winner — who presenting with Andrew Garfield — stopped part of the way through her scripted presentation speech because she was unable to read what was projected on the teleprompter.

‘I was so lucky [to] make movies… and making people laugh,’ Goldie said. ‘And maybe some didn’t, but that’s OK.’

‘In the meantime,’ she continued, before suddenly pausing and turning to Garfield.

‘OK. Sweetheart, can you read that. I can’t read that,’ she said, going off script.

‘I’m completely blind. I mean, I am!’ she continued, before revealing the cause of her vision issues: ‘Cataracts.’

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Goldie Hawn left viewers of the 2025 Academy Awards stunned after she gave a heartbreaking health update on stage with Andrew Garfield

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She paused her prepared speech after being unable to read the teleprompter. ‘I’m completely blind. I mean, I am!’ she said, before revealing the cause of her vision issues: ‘Cataracts’

Garfield played it cool, responding, ‘OK, I’ve got you.’

Cataracts develop when the usually clear lens of the eye begins to develop a cloudy texture, which can make it feels as if one is viewing things through a fog.

The condition can impact any activity requiring sight, but it can make things like reading or driving — particularly at night — difficult.

Cataracts often aren’t noticed for some time, as the condition tends to develop slowly.

However, the good news for affected individuals is that surgery to remove cataracts is usually safe and effective, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Before Goldie’s admission, Andrew was responsible for one of the most touching moments of the night

The two-time Oscar nominee, 41, was joined by Goldie as they presented the award for Best Animated Feature Film.

But Andrew took her by surprise when he brought her to tears as he revealed her surprise impact on his late mother.

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Andrew Garfield was responsible for one of the most touching moments at the 2025 Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday when he made Goldie Hawn tear up at the mention of his late mother

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The Social Network star thanked Goldie for giving his late mother ‘the most joy, the most comfort’ through her long career peppered with classic film and television performances

Goldie Hawn is joined by Kurt Russell at 2025 Academy Awards

2025 Oscar Winners: AT A GLANCE

Best Picture: Anora

Actress in a Leading Role: Mikey Madison — Anora

Actor in a Leading Role: Adrien Brody — The Brutalist

Actress in a Supporting Role: Zoe Saldaña — Emilia Pérez

Actor in a Supporting Role: Kieran Culkin — A Real Pain

Adrien Brody, Mikey Madison, Zoe Saldana and Kieran Culkin are seen left to right

Best Director: Sean Baker — Anora

Original Screenplay: Sean Baker — Anora

Achievement in Film Editing: Sean Baker — Anora

Adapted Screenplay: Conclave — Peter Straughan

International Feature Film: I’m Still Here (Brazil)

Documentary Feature Film: No Other Land

Achievement in Costume Design: Paul Tazewell — Wicked

The ocial Network star, who lost his mother Lynn Garfield to cancer in 2019, thanked Goldie for giving his mother ‘the most joy, the most comfort’ through her long career peppered with classic film and television performances.

Goldie was visibly moved by the seemingly impromptu speech and started to cry, before she partially covered her face with the winner’s envelope and tried to wipe her eyes.

Andrew, who looked stylish in a brown tux with a lustrous satin shirt, turned toward Goldie at the microphone and held her hand between his as he shared his sweet praise.

‘Can I tell you something?’ Andrew asked mysteriously as soon as he and Goldie were ready to start their presentation.

‘There’s someone, there’s a person who gave my mother during her life the most joy, the most comfort, and tonight, I feel very lucky, because I get to thank that person from the bottom of my heart,’ he said before revealing that the person was standing right next to him.

‘You’ve given us movies full of joy. You’ve lifted our spirits and you’ve made us feel it all was right with the world, over and over again,’ he said while holding Goldie’s hand.

Goldie, whose face crumpled up as she tried to hold back her tears, responded: ‘Thank you so much, that really touches me.’

‘I was so lucky [to] make movies… and making people laugh,’ she continued in what seemed to be the start of her preplanned speech. ‘And maybe some didn’t, but that’s OK.’

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Garfield lost his mother Lynn Garfield (R) to cancer in 2019; they’re pictured with his father Richard Garfield at a Tony Awards after party in 2018 in NYC

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‘You’ve given us movies full of joy. You’ve lifted our spirits and you’ve made us feel it all was right with the world, over and over again,’ he said while holding Goldie’s hand

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‘I was so lucky [to] make movies… and making people laugh,’ she continued in what seemed to be the start of her preplanned speech. ‘And maybe some didn’t, but that’s OK.’

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Andrew, whose latest film We Live In Time was released in October in the US and on New Year’s Day in the UK, spoke about his mother last year during the film’s publicity campaign, as his love interest in the film, Florence Pugh, battles cancer

Andrew, whose latest film We Live In Time was released in October in the US and on New Year’s Day in the UK, spoke about his mother last year during the film’s publicity campaign.

In the film, Florence Pugh plays his love interest who battles Ovarian cancer, and the storyline prompted comparisons to Andrew’s mother Lynn’s own battle with cancer before her death.

While speaking with the Hollywood Reporter last year, Andrew said that filming We Live In Time had helped him to heal from the loss of his beloved mother.

‘Every species of every living thing on this earth has lost a mother. Young dinosaurs were losing their mothers,’ he said, adding that his experience wasn’t ‘special.’

‘We’re lucky if it’s that way around, rather than the other. And of course, countless parents lose their children in one way or another too, I can’t even imagine what that must feel like,’ he continued.

‘So in terms of my own personal experience, yeah, it felt like a very simple act of healing for myself, and hopefully healing for an audience.’

Andrew and Goldie’s special moment at the 97th Academy Awards comes as the ceremony honors the best films of 2024

Riley Gaines Calls Out Whoopi Goldberg on The View: ‘You Are an Embarrassment to Real Women!’ – Studio Left in Shock

Riley Gaines Criticizes Whoopi Goldberg on ‘The View’: A Heated Exchange That Left the Studio Stunned

In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events on ABC’s talk show The View, former NCAA swimmer and women’s rights advocate Riley Gaines reportedly confronted co-host Whoopi Goldberg in a tense on-air exchange.
The incident, which has since sparked widespread debate on social media, allegedly saw Gaines calling Goldberg “an embarrassment to real women.” The moment left the studio audience in shocked silence, and reactions have been pouring in from all corners of the internet.

Background of the Controversy

Riley Gaines has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights in sports, particularly in the ongoing debate about transgender athletes competing in female categories.
Having competed against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas in NCAA competitions, Gaines has positioned herself as a leading figure in the fight to preserve what she calls “fairness for biological women in sports.”

Whoopi Goldberg, on the other hand, has long been known for her outspoken views on progressive issues, including gender identity and inclusion.
Given these starkly opposing viewpoints, it was perhaps only a matter of time before the two would clash in a highly public setting.

The Heated Exchange on ‘The View’

During a segment discussing transgender participation in women’s sports, Riley Gaines was invited onto The View to present her perspective.

As she articulated her stance, arguing that allowing transgender women to compete in female sports undermines opportunities for biological women, tensions in the studio began to rise.
Reports indicate that Whoopi Goldberg interjected multiple times, challenging Gaines on her assertions and asking pointed questions about inclusivity and fairness.

As the conversation escalated, Gaines allegedly delivered the striking remark: “You are an embarrassment to real women.”

The remark was met with a stunned silence from the studio audience. Co-hosts and audience members were visibly shocked, and the tension in the room became palpable.

Goldberg, known for her composure even in the face of controversy, reportedly appeared momentarily taken aback before responding forcefully, though details of her exact words remain debated.

Whoopi Goldberg’s Reaction

According to those present, Goldberg did not take the comment lightly. She reportedly fired back at Gaines, defending her record as a long-time supporter of women’s rights and equality.
Sources claim that Goldberg expressed frustration at the notion that advocating for transgender inclusion somehow made her less of a supporter of women.

The debate grew more intense, with both women holding their ground. Other co-hosts attempted to de-escalate the situation, but the energy in the room had already shifted.

Public Reactions and Social Media Storm

As clips of the exchange circulated online, social media erupted with divided reactions. Some users praised Riley Gaines for standing firm in her beliefs and calling out what they see as a betrayal of women’s rights by mainstream media figures.

Others criticized Gaines for what they viewed as an unnecessarily harsh and personal attack on Goldberg.

Support for Riley Gaines:

Many conservatives and feminist groups who oppose transgender inclusion in female sports lauded Gaines for “speaking truth to power.”

Several prominent commentators and influencers expressed admiration for her courage in confronting a major TV personality.

StandWithRiley and WomenDeserveFairness began trending on X (formerly Twitter).

Support for Whoopi Goldberg:

LGBTQ+ advocates and progressive activists rallied behind Goldberg, condemning Gaines’ remarks as disrespectful and harmful.
Many pointed out that Goldberg has a long history of advocating for women and marginalized communities.

Celebrities and political figures expressed solidarity with Goldberg, emphasizing the importance of inclusion.

The Larger Debate: Transgender Inclusion in Women’s Sports

This exchange between Gaines and Goldberg has reignited the ongoing debate about transgender participation in women’s sports. It is a highly contentious issue, with legal battles, policy changes, and public discourse shaping the landscape.

Proponents of transgender inclusion argue that excluding transgender women from female sports is discriminatory and denies them the right to compete in alignment with their gender identity.
They point to scientific studies suggesting that hormone therapy significantly reduces any biological advantages transgender women may have.

Opponents, like Riley Gaines, argue that regardless of hormone treatments, individuals who have gone through male puberty retain physiological advantages that give them an unfair edge over biological female competitors.

They claim that allowing transgender women to compete in women’s categories undermines decades of progress made by female athletes.

ABC’s Response and Fallout from ‘The View’ Incident

As controversy swirls, ABC and The View producers have yet to release an official statement addressing the incident.

However, insiders suggest that executives are monitoring the situation closely, as the show has been no stranger to heated political debates and public backlash.

There is speculation that Riley Gaines may not be invited back onto the show, given the intensity of the clash.

Some sources indicate that behind-the-scenes conversations among producers and network executives have included discussions about whether the debate crossed the line into personal attack territory.

What’s Next for Riley Gaines and Whoopi Goldberg?

Riley Gaines continues to be a prominent figure in the discussion around fairness in women’s sports. She has appeared on conservative media outlets following the incident, doubling down on her stance and reiterating that she will not be silenced on this issue.

She remains an active advocate, speaking at events and working with policymakers to push for legislative changes.

Whoopi Goldberg, meanwhile, has not shied away from addressing the controversy.

She reportedly mentioned the incident in subsequent episodes of The View, reflecting on the broader cultural debate and emphasizing the need for productive discussions rather than personal attacks.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment in the Gender Debate?The exchange between Riley Gaines and Whoopi Goldberg on The View represents more than just a heated television moment—it is a reflection of the broader societal divide on gender identity, women’s rights, and fairness in sports.

While some see Gaines’ remarks as a justified call-out against those who, in their view, have betrayed the cause of women’s sports, others see it as an inflammatory attack that undermines meaningful dialogue.

Regardless of one’s stance, the incident has undoubtedly contributed to the growing discourse surrounding the role of transgender athletes in competitive sports.

As the debate continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: conversations on gender, identity, and fairness are far from over, and figures like Riley Gaines and Whoopi Goldberg will likely remain central to these discussions for the foreseeable future.