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RIP Queen of Disco Donna Summer

Annie Scudder — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:01:34 PDT

Disco queen Donna Summer has passed away at 63. The singer reportedly suffered complications from lung cancer. Her family has released a statement, saying they are "at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and continued legacy." She's survived by her husband and children. Born on New Year's Eve in 1948, Donna was influenced by Michael Jackson, The Supremes, and Janis Joplin growing up in Boston. Donna eventually moved to Germany to star in Hair, when the Broadway musical moved to Europe, and she picked up fluent German. She would marry and divorce a German man, Helmuth Sommer, but she kept his name in a way, changing hers from Donna Gaines to Donna Summer.

Even if you didn't grow up going to disco clubs, you probably know the words to many of her iconic songs, which include, "Last Dance," "Hot Stuff," and "Love to Love You Baby." Tells us which hit was your favorite, and check out photos of the disco icon through the years now.

Beastie Boy Adam Yauch Passes Away

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:30:32 PDT

The Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch, aka MCA, passes away at 47 - Zap2It
The best quotes from last night's Vampire Diaries - BuddyTV
Get a peek at what's after the credits of The Avengers - NextMovie
Watch Justin Bieber's video for "Boyfriend" - The Hollywood Reporter
Find out how well The Avengers is doing with critics - Rotten Tomatoes
The hottest albums of the Summer - The Daily Beast
The biggest movie plot holes - Moviefone
Watch Glee perform One Direction's "What Makes You Beautiful" - HuffPost TV
Celebrate Star Wars day with this geeky cake - GeekSugar

RIP Dick Clark - See Him With His Legions of Celeb Friends Over the Years

Allie Merriam — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:12:00 PDT

Dick Clark passed away today at 82 years old after suffering a heart attack in LA. The legendary host of TV and radio was close with many music and acting stars over the years, including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Ryan Seacrest, and many more. In honor of Dick's memory, we're taking a look back at the many famous faces who worked alongside him.

Dick Clark Passes Away at 82

Becky Kirsch — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:12:00 PDT

Dick Clark has sadly passed away today as a result of a heart attack. The producer and TV personality was 82 years old, and had suffered a stroke in 2004. We'll always remember Clark for his annual hosting duties on New Year's Rockin' Eve, and our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.

Follow Whitney Houston's Funeral Services Online

Kristy Korcz — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:30:36 PST

Whitney Houston passed away suddenly last weekend at the age of 48, and while most of the music world is still reeling from her departure, services are being planned for Saturday, Feb. 18, in Newark, New Jersey. The 1,500-seat private service is expected to be attended by legendary entertainment artists like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and Kevin Costner, who costarred with Whitney in 1992's The Bodyguard.

There will be one AP camera inside during the funeral, allowing fans to watch the services live online. However, no time has been announced for when you can tune in to AP's Ustream channel on Saturday to follow along.

Etta James Passes Away at 73

Molly Goodson — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:51:27 PST

Etta James passed away today at 73 years old. The "At Last" singer had been battling leukemia for years. Her friend and manager Lupe De Leon confirmed the news saying, "This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world. She was a true original who could sing it all – her music defied category. I worked with Etta for over 30 years. She was my friend and I will miss her always." Etta won four Grammys over her career, is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and was portrayed by Beyoncé Knowles in Cadillac Records. Etta's legendary career will always be remembered.

Steve Jobs Has Passed Away

Kristy Korcz — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:41:16 PDT

Sad news today: after a long battle with pancreatic cancer and just months after stepping down as CEO of Apple, Inc., Steve Jobs has passed away. Apple's board of directors has released a statement:

We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today. Steve’s brilliance, passion, and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.

His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.

Our thoughts are with Steve's family, and we wish them the best during this difficult time.

Morning Links - Real Housewives Husband Russell Armstrong Dies at 47

PopSugar — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:44:17 PDT

Russell Armstrong from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills dies by apparent suicide at 47 - TMZ
Tony Romo talks about his drink-free bachelor party and how they played hide-and-go-seek - People
Find out what Courteney Cox's big career move is - Huffington Post
Take Kate Hudson and Paul Bettany home with this week's newest DVDs - Rotten Tomatoes
Why Shiloh Jolie-Pitt loves sticking her tongue out - Lainey Gossip
Taylor Momsen has quit acting for good - Us Weekly
All the details on Alyssa Milano's Dodger Stadium baby shower - Wonderwall
Weigh in on Jennifer Love Hewitt's new haircut - Celebitchy
Find out why Lindsay Lohan is covered in blood for art - Amy Grindhouse
Demi Lovato will celebrate her 19th birthday at Kim's wedding - Zap2It
Ann Curry isn't worried about the guy squatting in her NYC townhouse - Fox 411
The surprising plastic surgery Gwyneth Paltrow is in favor of - ICYDK

Amy Winehouse Passes Away

Allie Merriam — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 10:37:51 PDT

Shocking and sad news - Amy Winehouse has died. The singer was apparently found in her London home this morning. She was 27. There are few details at this point, but we'll keep you updated as they roll in and are confirmed. The Metropolitan Police released a statement regarding Amy's death saying:

"Police were called by London Ambulance Service to an address in Camden Square NW1 shortly before 16.05hrs today, Saturday 23 July, following reports of a woman found deceased. On arrival officers found the body of a 27-year-old female who was pronounced dead at the scene. Enquiries continue into the circumstances of the death. At this early stage it is being treated as unexplained."

A spokesperson for Amy Winehouse also released a statement:

"Everyone involved with Amy is shocked and devastated. Our thoughts are with her family and friends. The family will issue a statement when ready."

5 Risks First Lady Betty Ford Took For Women

Annie Scudder — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:00:51 PDT

Former First Lady Betty Ford died last weekend at the age of 93. Betty wasn't afraid to share her liberal or moderate positions on social issues, and some presidential historians believe her legacy could outweigh her husband's. Betty took risks more cautious presidential wives would not have, and as The New York Times wrote in its obituary, she was an "outspoken and much-admired" first lady. Here are five examples of how Betty made the most of her brief time in the White House by making a difference for American women.

Supported Equal Rights Amendment: Betty lent her full support to the controversial and ultimately unsuccessful Equal Rights Amendment. She called legislators and gave speeches across the country. She also was a vocal supporter of equal pay.
Talked Openly About Breast Cancer: Within two months of becoming first lady, Betty found out she had breast cancer. Instead of trying to hide it, she discussed her mastectomy in public with hopes of helping other women detect and treat breast cancer. Of losing her breasts, she said: "Once it's done, put it behind you and go on with your life." As more American women headed to the doctor's for breast exams, she received more than 50,000 cards filled with gratitude.
Pro Legal Abortion: Despite the Republican party's official opposition to abortion, Betty openly supported it.
Realistic About Premarital Sex: During a 60 Minutes interview, Betty said she would provide her 18-year-old daughter support or "counsel" if she had premarital sex. As for marital sex, Betty also raised eyebrows for openly admitting that she planned to share a bed with her husband in the White House, and she said she slept with the president "as often as I can."
Honest About Substance Abuse: After doctors prescribed her pain medication for a pinched nerve in 1964, Betty struggled with a prescription drug and alcohol problem until her family held an intervention in 1978. In her memoir, Betty: A Glad Awakening, she discussed the loneliness associated with being a politician's wife, which contributed to her abuse: "On one hand, I loved being 'the wife of;' on the other hand, I was convinced that the more important Jerry became, the less important I became." Instead of being ashamed of her addiction, Betty recovered and then opened her famous rehab center, the Betty Ford Clinic, in California to help treat many other women - and men - with addiction.

See pictures of First Lady Betty Ford over the years now.