The US Mint has begun rolling out quarters featuring poet and activist Dr. Maya Angelou. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said, “Each time we redesign our currency, we have the chance to say something about our country – what we value, and how we’ve progressed as a society.” The “heads” side will still feature a bust of George Washington, the “tails” side will pay tribute to Angelou’s autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”
Authorities believe BOB SAGET died of a heart attack or stroke. He was found lying face-up on his hotel bed with his left arm across his chest. There won’t be an official diagnosis until toxicology test results come back in 10 to 12 weeks
STEVE HARVEY said he had to stop doing stand-up comedy, because cancel culture would ruin his television career. Quote, “Political correctness has killed comedy . . . Every joke you tell now, it hurts somebody’s feelings.”
This year’s Oscars will have a host for the first time since 2018. It hasn’t been announced who it will be, but the ceremony is happening March 27th on ABC.
STEVIE NICKS will become the first female to headline the Bonnaroo Festival this June. Tickets go on sale on Thursday.
WALKER HAYES had a bet with ESPN football analyst David Pollack that Alabama would beat Georgia in the National Championship game on Monday. They didn’t, so he posted a clip of the price he had to pay. It’s a video of himself singing his song “AA”, but the references are flipped. Instead of giving love to the University of Alabama and coach Nick Saban, he sings the praises of the University of Georgia [UGA] and coach Kirby Smart. The song is only half the pain. After that, he had to say this: Quote, “UGA, what a school. A lot of talent coming through there. Kirby Smart, what a coach . . . but I gotta say David Pollack [is] the greatest commentator of all time. For real. “Hands down. Above the rest by miles and miles, nobody’s even close. And I gotta attribute all that talent from his schooling he received at UGA down in Athens, Georgia. [But] in all seriousness, great game . . . and ‘Go Dawgs.'”
Tons of country stars celebrated like crazy when Georgia beat Alabama in the college football National Championship game. Country Now has posts from Tyler Farr, Travis Denning, Jon Langston, Travis Tritt, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, and, you still with me? There are more at CountryNow.com.
JASON ISBELL announced on Twitter that he tested positive for COVID-19. Quote, “Lotta sinus drainage-type stuff, scratchy in my throat and some muscle aches, but no cough or breathing issues. Boosted and very grateful for it.” He canceled or postponed a few shows this month. According to his tour page, his next concert is January 21st in Charlotte, North Carolina.
There’s a specific reason why LUKE BRYAN joined JORDAN DAVIS on “Buy Dirt”. Luke says, quote, “I love trying to make life easier for people if I can. It would’ve been amazing for Jordan whether I’m on it or not, but if me being a part of that helps get him some more notoriety and helps grow his artistry,
Spotify announced its Hot Country Artists to Watch list for 2022. Some are pretty familiar, like Morgan Wade, Ashland Craft, Breland, and Conner Smith. The others are Ashley Cooke, Carter Faith, Chase Wright, Madeline Edwards, Dalton Dover, and Kolby Cooper.
KANE BROWN and TERRI CLARK have become friends, and if that seems random, maybe it is. But the reason is because Kane’s Nashville-area home used to be owned by Terri. She confirmed it to Country Now.
SIMON COWELL and his longtime girlfriend are engaged.
SNOOP DOGG is coming out with his own brand of hot dogs and sausages called “Snoop Doggs”.
JANA KRAMER is Instagram official with a guy named Ian Schinelli. He’s a fitness trainer, former Navy SEAL, and “dad to his young daughter.”
This is Us star Milo Ventimiglia was awarded a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. His is the 2,710th added to the Walk of Fame and is featured next to his co-star Mandy Moore. Ventimiglia was joined by fellow This Is Us cast members Jon Huertas and Justin Hartley, the snow’s writer, Don Fogelman, Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and his parents.
Keith Anderson is 54.
Ricky Van Shelton is 70.
William Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys is 83.
