Entertainment
Bethenny Frankel reveals that her mother Bernadette Birk passed away from lung cancer
Bethenny Frankel, former star of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” is mourning the loss of her mother, Bernadette Birk, who passed away at the age of 73 from lung cancer. In an emotional Instagram post, Frankel shared her feelings about her complex relationship with her mother, highlighting the struggles and demons that Birk faced throughout her life.
According to Frankel, her mother was a stunning woman who battled with issues such as eating disorders, alcoholism, abuse, and self-destructive behavior. Despite these challenges, she expressed love for her daughter and left behind beautiful memories. Frankel acknowledged the pain and isolation her mother experienced and shared her own experiences of enduring hardships under Birk’s care.
In recent years, Frankel reconnected with her mother so that her 13-year-old daughter, Bryn, could know and love her grandmother. Despite their complicated relationship, Frankel highlighted the bond between her mother and daughter, describing how Birk adored Bryn and shared a love of art with her. Frankel expressed gratitude that her mother was not alone in her final days and reflected on the complexities of their relationship.
Throughout her post, Frankel emphasized the importance of cherishing loved ones and connecting with them, even in the midst of complicated relationships. She encouraged her followers to reach out, call, and hug their loved ones, recognizing the value of those connections.
The reality star also shared her grief and nostalgia for the mother she knew as a child, acknowledging the emotional impact of her mother’s passing. Frankel recalled moments of happiness and love from her mother’s past and expressed a deep sense of loss for the unfulfilled potential of their relationship.
Despite the challenges and pain of their relationship, Frankel offered a message of peace and acceptance for her mother. She bid farewell to her mother, acknowledging the struggles and flaws she faced during her lifetime and expressing a sense of closure and freedom in her passing.
The post elicited an outpouring of condolences from fellow reality stars, who commended Frankel for her candid and heartfelt tribute to her mother. Messages of support and sympathy flooded the comments section, with many expressing their admiration for Frankel’s honesty and vulnerability in sharing her grief.
As Frankel navigates the grief of losing her mother, she remains grateful for the moments of connection and love they shared, despite the complexities of their relationship. Through her heartfelt words and emotional tribute, Frankel honors the memory of her mother and encourages others to cherish their relationships with their loved ones, no matter the challenges they may face.
Entertainment
Barry Manilow cancels more concerts at last minute after lung cancer battle

Barry Manilow has pulled the plug on more shows at the last minute, prompting renewed concern about his health following his lung cancer battle.
The “Copacabana (At the Copa)” singer, 83, took to Instagram Friday to announce the cancellation of that evening’s show and Saturday’s performance at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino as part of his “The Hits Come Home!” residency.
“We’ve very sorry, but we have to cancel tonight and tomorrow’s performances,” the statement read. “Due to technical and vocal problems, we’re unable to put on our show.”
Ticket holders were assured in the comments that they would automatically receive refunds for the canceled shows.
Although some fans were disappointed by the news, most sent Manilow well wishes and urged him to take care of himself, with some suggesting his schedule may have been too much.
Broadway star Audra McDonald was among those showing their support for the “Mandy” vocalist, writing “Feel better, Barry!” in the comments.
Friday’s announcement marked the second time in just one month that Manilow canceled a performance minutes before he was due to take the stage.
Earlier this month, Manilow abruptly pulled the plug on a concert in Lexington, Kentucky, where he was scheduled to perform at Rupp Arena.
In a statement posted to X, the “I Write the Songs” hitmaker announced that the show had been rescheduled due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
The concert had originally been scheduled for March 9 before being postponed.
A new date has yet to be announced, though Rupp Arena confirmed that tickets for the original show would be honored.
The latest cancellation of Manilow’s Las Vegas residency dates comes six months after he was forced to reschedule the original Feb. 12-21 run while recovering from surgery for lung cancer.
“I’m doing great and recovering well after my surgery,” Manilow said in a statement posted to Instagram at the time. “I’ve been getting exercise and spending some time in the studio, which has been fantastic.
“With my doctor’s guidance and recommendation, however, we have decided to postpone my residency dates at Westgate Las Vegas from February 21-21, so I can stay focused on healing and getting ready for the tour that’s kicking off at the end of February,” he continued.
“Having a few extra weeks to rest and prepare is what the doctor ordered!” Manilow concluded.
In December 2025, Manilow revealed on Instagram that doctors had discovered a cancerous spot on his left lung during an MRI, requiring surgery to remove it.
“It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early,” Manilow wrote in a statement at the time. “That’s the good news.”
He subsequently rescheduled his January arena tour dates ahead of his surgery.
Entertainment
Taylor Sheridan sued by writer who claims he stole ‘Yellowstone’ idea

Taylor Sheridan is facing a copyright infringement lawsuit after a writer claimed he lifted the general concept for his hit series “Yellowstone” from her work.
According to documents obtained by TMZ Friday, TV writer and entertainment journalist Lauren J. Salkin is suing Sheridan, along with NBCUniversal and Paramount, over what she claims is her idea.
Per the outlet, Salkin claims she submitted a pilot script entitled “Sovereign Nation,” along with supporting materials, to Sheridan’s production company between 2016 and 2017.
According to the documents, Salkin argues the materials did land on Sheridan’s desk, as she claims to have received an acknowledgement from Elevate Entertainment stating, “Taylor thanks you very much for your interest. Unfortunately, he’s unavailable for TV projects.”
Salkin alleges it was a matter of months before “Yellowstone” got the green light, subsequently debuting in 2018 and spawning an entire universe of shows.
Characters, storylines and the overall tone are among the similarities between her work and “Yellowstone,” Salkin is claiming, with the outlet noting that she included a breakdown of each character in her documents.
According to TMZ, Salkin has asked for an injunction to stop the show from potential ongoing — and future — copyright infringement. She’s also asking for damages, which, though unspecified in amount, would include profits from the high-profile series.
Reps for Sheridan, Paramount and NBCUniversal did not immediately respond to Page Six’s requests for comment Friday evening.
The series, which aired its fifth and final season in 2024 on Paramount+, starred Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser and Wes Bentley, among others.
The series has since inspired spinoffs including “1883,” “1923,” “Marshals” and “Dutton Ranch.”
In a July interview with Joe Blow, Sheridan claimed that his “Yellowstone” career was actually inspired by both the book and miniseries of “Lonesome Dove,” which he stumbled upon while in college.
“I said, ‘I want to do that,’” Sheridan recalled. “I don’t know what that is, but that’s what I want to do.”
“Yellowstone’s the punk rock me,” he continued, joking that the show “has no plot.”
“There’s a lot of defiance in the way I do it,” he said. “[So] it’s not surprising the critics hate it. It’s designed for them to hate.”
Sheridan has made clear he has no love lost for studio executives or critics, telling “The Bill Simmons Podcast” in June, “F–k ’em, honestly.”
Entertainment
Hayden Panettiere’s mom makes new statement post-backlash, blames ‘toxic’ person for death

Lesley Vogel released a new statement regarding daughter Hayden Panettiere’s death — after sparking backlash with her initial comments.
“Although my daughter and I were estranged, it was not for lack of care or love,” the 70-year-old told Entertainment Tonight on Thursday. “It was due to the involvement of a toxic individual who I believe led to her death.”
While Vogel did not name names, she previously blasted Brian Hickerson, Panettiere’s on-again, off-again boyfriend who was on the scene when the late actress died of an apparent overdose in South Carolina on Sunday.
She continued, “Hayden was a beautiful and talented young woman who unfortunately became involved with the wrong person, and although her family tried to extricate him from her life, we were unable to be successful.”
“I hope all remember Hayden for the beautiful human being inside her and her gift to the world from her time on this earth,” Vogel added. “My heart is with you, Hayden. Mama.”
Additionally, Vogel pointed out that the Drug Enforcement Administration has joined the investigation into Panettiere’s passing.
“It leads me to believe there are still questions surrounding what happened, and I think we are all looking for answers,” she said.
Hickerson’s lawyer did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
He did, however, speak out via his lawyer on Thursday, with the attorney writing, “Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed. As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”
The cause of death is not yet known for Panettiere, who was 36 at the time of her death.
According to the police report obtained by Page Six, Zach Hickerson, Brian’s brother, found Panettiere’s body on a chair while his sibling slept in the next room.
Zach, notably, referred to Panettiere as Brian’s “girlfriend” while speaking to officials.
The “Nashville” alum has been linked to Brian on and off since 2018 in a tumultuous romance marred by domestic violence.
Vogel railed against Brian in her initial statement, shared Tuesday.
“This person in her life that we have been trying to get rid of for quite some time was with her at her death,” Vogel wrote, “and that was Brian Hickerson.”
She added, “I think Hayden was an amazingly talented person in so many departments. And I think young people who grow up in the entertainment industry — it is a struggle, and it’s a very challenging industry, and it’s not unusual for them to sadly find the wrong path.”
Gayle King and her “CBS Mornings” co-hosts slammed the “unseemly” statement on Wednesday, with the journalist quipping, “Thanks, Mom, for nothing.”
Holly Robinson Peete backed King’s response via X and accused Vogel of lacking “integrity.”
If you or someone you care about is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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