Thomas Rhett and his wife Lauren Akins announced they welcomed their first son last week. His name is Brave Elijah Akins. And he made quite the entrance. Even though he was two weeks early, he still weighed close to 10 pounds. Lauren wrote in an Instagram post, “Thomas was my biggest champion in labor and delivery . . . He helped deliver him, was the first one to see and tearfully, mixed with a bit of shock announce to us all in the room ‘It’s a BOY.'” Brave joins his big sisters Willa Gray, Ada James, Lennon Love and Lillie Carolina. Lauren said, “Your four sisters are smitten and we are completely over the moon in love with you, big Brave boy.”
Dolly Parton is once again showing up for her home state. It was just announced that the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital will officially become the Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital. Dolly said, “Being fortunate to have grown up in the mountains of East Tennessee, I learned early on what it means to take care of one another . . . Every child deserves world-class care, wrapped in kindness and love. “I’m so honored to stand alongside this hospital and do my part to help bring more hope, more comfort and more healing to children and families.” Dolly really is the best of us. She went on to say, “When we come together for our children, there’s no limit to what we can do.”
You have to hear this new mashup. It combines Ella Langley’s song “Choosin’ Texas” with Fleetwood Mac’s classic “Dreams” . . . and it works really well. The remix comes from electronic duo Altego. They keep the country feel of “Choosin’ Texas” during the verse . . . then slide right into “Dreams” for the chorus. And to make this even cooler, Ella has openly said her dream collaboration is with Stevie Nicks. Neither of them has reacted to the video yet. But if the internet has its way, hopefully this will turn into a real thing.
A new class is stepping into the spotlight at the Grand Ole Opry. They just announced their 2026 Opry NextStage class during a special event at the Opry House in Nashville. This year’s artists include Alexandra Kay . . . Carter Faith . . . Emily Ann Roberts . . . Graham Barham . . . Hudson Westbrook . . . Jake Worthington . . . Tyler Braden . . . Vincent Mason . . . and Willow Avalon. The program highlights some of the brightest rising stars in country music and gives them mentorship and performance opportunities throughout the year. Vince Gill even stopped by to offer advice and told the group, “What’s beautiful about this place that I’ve been able to witness over the years is regardless of what your career is doing, has done or will do . . . they never turn their back on you at the Opry.” Ella Langley also shared that being part of NextStage gave her “community” and “friendship.”
Zendaya and Tom Holland are already married, according to Zendaya’s stylist.
“The Crown” may come back for a spinoff about the downfall of Prince Andrew.
TV Tonight: “American Idol” and “The Voice”
Luke Combs is 36. Country singer. He and his wife just had their third son.
Reggie Bush is 41. New Orleans Saints . . . then lost his Heisman trophy for cheating and breaking NCAA rules
Ben Roethlisberger is 44. Retired Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback.
Bryce Dallas Howard is 45. Ron Howard’s daughter.
Rebel Wilson is 46.
Chris Martin is 49.
Daniel Craig is 58.
Jon Bon Jovi is 64.
Jay Osmond is 71.
Laraine Newman is 74. Part of the original cast of “Saturday Night Live”.
