The Announcement from her family:

“Dolly Rebecca Parton (January 19, 1946 – August 25, 2026) Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).”

“A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.”

(more…)

Earlier today President Trump hosted 16-year-old hero lifeguard Ryder Williams at the White House.  Honoring both young Mr Williams and the 10-year-old young man he saved, Nathaniel Rai.

“What you did was incredible and everybody saw it,” Trump said during the meeting as he chatted with Williams and other lifeguards from the teen’s post. Trump added that Williams is someone young Americans can look up to for how he handled the rescue.

Williams saved 10-year-old Nathaniel Rai from the pounding surf in a dramatic rescue that was captured on video, showing Williams’ heroic effort as he kept the young boy above water. The video went viral shortly after the rescue and caught the attention of Eric Trump and eventually the president himself.  WATCH:

Media questions begin at 10:41 of the video.

(more…)

It’s a simple word, “out.”  It conveys multiple meanings depending on the context when used.

The rock seems unbreakable; many have hammered it before, but it remains there as a monolith, an immovable object unfazed by all the blows that take place.  The ‘sword in the stone’, just reversed.  Each deliberate spectator picks up the axe and strikes the rock. Each hoping to yield the blow that finally fractures it.

It is wise to remember, the blow that eventually breaks the rock is not singular. In the immediacy of the moment, the glory befalls the last holder of the axe; yet, in reality, the last blow benefits from the invisible weakening provided by prior strikes. It is wise to remember the history; the entirety of the effort.

[source]

Rest well truth warrior, surrounded by the priorities that truly matter.

(more…)

Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, delivered remarks today on the 82nd anniversary of D-Day at the Normandy American Cemetery in France, honoring the Allied troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

.

(more…)

During the State of the Union address, President Trump surprised the audience with the introduction of helicopter pilot Eric Slover who was severely wounded in his legs during the successful raid in Venezuela to capture Nicholas Maduro.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover was repeatedly struck in the leg and hip by hostile fire as he was preparing to land. As his helicopter approached the target area, Venezuelan defense systems opened fire, and Slover was struck four times in the leg. The Chinook was also hit, but still flyable.

So, he kept flying. “One bullet after another. He absorbed four agonizing shots, shredding his leg into numerous pieces,” President Trump noted. Despite his wounds, Slover brought the aircraft and his team back to safety. Slover maintained control of the aircraft despite his wounds, executed the insertion, and ensured his crew successfully executed their objectives. He then piloted the aircraft back to the USS Iwo Jima. Within three hours, another team of helicopters would exfiltrate the assault team.

Slover is still recovering from his wounds and was standing with the assistance of a walker when he received the award. A total of seven Americans were wounded in the operation.

.

(more…)

According to the latest news from the government of Cuba, two days of official mourning have been declared as they announce 32 members of the Cuban military and Intelligence services were killed in Venezuela while protecting Nicolas Maduro.  There were no American fatalities.

REUTERS – HAVANA, Jan 4 (Reuters) – The Cuban government said on Sunday that 32 of its citizens were killed during the U.S. raid on Venezuela to extract President Nicolas Maduro for prosecution in the United States.

Havana said there would be two days of mourning on January 5 and 6 in honor of those killed and said funeral arrangements would be announced.

The Cuban government statement gave few details but said all the dead were members of the Cuban armed forces and intelligence agencies.

(more…)

Two gunmen armed with long rifles and handguns opened fire at a crowd of people celebrating the beginning of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach, Australia.  12 people were killed with approximately a dozen more wounded.  The attack went on for well over ten minutes as the terrorist shot randomly into the crowd from a park bridge near the beach.

(NEW YORK TIMES) – At least 11 people were killed by gunmen who targeted a Jewish holiday celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday, in what the authorities called a terrorist attack. One of the shooters was also killed, the police said.

Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon of the New South Wales Police Force said on Sunday evening that officers had found what they believed to be several improvised explosive devices in a nearby vehicle linked to the suspect who was killed. Bomb disposal units were at the scene, he said. (MORE)

The shooting went on for ten minutes as police were extremely slow to respond.  Incredible footage has surfaced of a random civilian running to tackle one of the gunmen and wrestle his rifle away.  Alternate video shows the two men for over 10 minutes shooting from the area into the crowd.

(more…)

There are several summer camps currently with active search and rescue teams working through multiple areas in/around Kerr County, Texas.   The area around the Guadalupe River is directly impacted.

Devastating flooding from torrential rain has hit the area hard.  Officials from around the region are sending in assistance and resources to assist the local rescue teams.  The rescue work is ongoing using multiple assets.

(Via ABC) – Thirteen people have died after heavy rain pounded Kerr County, Texas, early Friday, leading to “catastrophic” flooding, the sheriff said.

Children are among the dead, said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has taken on the duties of acting governor.

There are several major camps in the area, and at one of them, Camp Mystic, about 23 of its 750 campers are unaccounted for, according to Patrick.

(more…)

On this 250th Anniversary of the first Patriots Day, the battle of Lexington and Concord, the White House posts the following historical account for our consideration.  Thank You President Donald J Trump.

.

(more…)

Congressman Wesley Hunt tells a story about President Trump and a key meeting he had about Afghanistan. This is good. WATCH:

In a tense meeting with Taliban leaders, Trump declared, “I want to leave Afghanistan, but it’s going to be a conditions-based withdrawal,” before issuing a stark warning.

“If you harm a hair on a single American, I’m going to kill you,” Trump said. The translator conveyed this exact message.

Trump then “reached in his pocket, pulled out a satellite photo of the leader of the Taliban’s home, handed it to him, got up and walked out the room.”

(more…)