The day in entertainment is shaped by legacy and remembrance, with the deaths of two veteran figures underscoring the long reach of rock, television and screen history. At the same time, the celebrity world turns to what comes next, from a major awards race to a new Diana memoir...
The day in entertainment is shaped by legacy and remembrance, with the deaths of two veteran figures underscoring the long reach of rock, television and screen history. At the same time, the celebrity world turns to what comes next, from a major awards race to a new Diana memoir and a philanthropic pledge in Colombia.
Frank Beard, the longtime drummer of ZZ Top, dies at 77 after time in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas. Beard helped anchor the band’s blues-rock sound across decades and remained a defining part of one of America’s most recognizable rock groups.
Bill Rasmussen, the entrepreneur and broadcaster credited with founding ESPN, dies at 93 at his home in Florida after battling Parkinson’s disease. His role in launching the network helped transform sports television into a constant, national presence and changed how fans consume live events and analysis.
Scottish actress Phyllida Law dies at 94, her family says. Law built a long career on stage and screen and was also widely known as the mother of actors Emma Thompson and Sophie Thompson. She dies peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Madonna leads the 2026 MTV Video Music Award nominations with 11 nods, while Taylor Swift follows with nine. The nomination tally puts two of pop’s biggest names at the front of the field as the network builds toward one of music television’s marquee annual events.
Earl Spencer is set to publish a memoir about Princess Diana titled *Swan Song: Diana, My Sister* in September, nearly 30 years after her death. The book revisits her life and concentrates on the week of her death and the aftermath from her brother’s perspective.
Shakira pledges an initial $1.25 million to rebuild schools damaged by a recent earthquake in Colombia’s Chocó region. Her Fundación Pies Descalzos is leading the effort, with a focus on restoring education infrastructure in areas where buildings are destroyed or badly damaged.
Top Entertainment stories
- ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard dies aged 77 (30 sources)
- Student livestreams school attack in Philippines, killing classmate before suicide (14 sources)
- Phyllida Law, actress and mother of Emma Thompson, dies aged 94 (14 sources)
- ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen dies at 93 (9 sources)
- Earl Spencer announces memoir on Princess Diana’s life and death, set for September release (8 sources)
- Madonna leads 2026 MTV VMA nominations with 11 as Taylor Swift follows with nine (8 sources)
- Shakira pledges $1.25 million to rebuild earthquake-damaged schools in Colombia (7 sources)
- Peacock raises prices across all tiers by up to $3 monthly (7 sources)
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