In her new memoir, Uptown Girl, Brinkley reveals the emotional complexity behind her decision to walk away from a man she deeply loved. The book, named after the iconic 1983 hit Joel wrote about her, offers an unflinching look at the toll addiction can take on even the most glamorous of relationships.

“To be clear, I never wanted to end things with Billy,” Brinkley wrote. “I read every self-help book I could find… We went to see a string of psychiatrists, psychologists, and other medical doctors.”

Despite her efforts to salvage the relationship, Brinkley said she came to a heartbreaking realization: “Booze was the other woman, and it was beginning to seem that he preferred to be with ‘her’ rather than with me.”

During an interview with Fox News Digital, the supermodel shared how her connection with Joel began—remarkably, on the same night he met another of his famous former flames, Elle Macpherson. Brinkley recalled, “We hit it off immediately. I mean, immediately.” At first, their bond was purely platonic, but over time, friendship evolved into something deeper.

“And then when he came back into my life and he was so wonderful, I started to see him differently,” she said. “It was really great to start out with a friendship and have that friendship evolve into a full-on romantic adventure.”

That romance would eventually become one of the most talked-about marriages of the ’80s. Joel confirmed in 2010 that Uptown Girl—originally inspired by multiple muses—became singularly about Brinkley as their relationship took shape. “Then I started dating Christie… she became the ‘Uptown Girl,’” Joel said.

Brinkley and Joel married in 1985 and had one child together, singer-songwriter Alexa Ray Joel. But behind the fairy-tale image, the reality was far more difficult.

“Walking away from Billy was not easy,” Brinkley admitted. “When you have a child involved… it took time, but at a certain point there's one incident too many, and you just have to have a little self-preservation.”

Their divorce was finalized in 1994, but Brinkley has no bitterness in her heart. She believes in love now as much as ever. “I find love is the strongest thing in the whole world, and we are surrounded with love,” she said. “There's so many kinds of love: love for our friends, love for our families, love for nature…”

Now a proud mother of three and still radiating the same warmth and positivity that made her a household name, Brinkley says she’s open to romantic love if it finds her again—but she’s already full of joy.

“I also feel very content and happy with the life that I have right now,” she said. “I consider my life to be very full of love.”

Brinkley’s story reminds us that love is not always easy, but it’s always worth holding onto—even when it means learning to let go.

The post Christie Brinkley Opens Up About Her Painful Split From Billy Joel: “Booze Was the Other Woman” appeared first on FamilyToday.

Eighteen-year-olds Jimmy McIntosh, Hannah Wasserman, and Maisey O'Donnell lost their lives when the SUV they were traveling in collided with a tractor-trailer making a U-turn on Highway 98 near Panama City. The force of the wreck caused the SUV to cross the median and stop in a wooded area on the opposite side of the highway, the Florida Highway Patrol said. A fourth student, also 18, was also critically injured in the crash.

Jimmy McIntosh and Hannah Wasserman were pronounced dead at the scene.

The two others were rushed to Bay Medical Center in critical condition, where the third, Maisey O’Donnell, was later declared dead. The fourth student, who was not identified, remains in critical condition.

Investigators are still determining whether Wasserman and O’Donnell, of Concord, and the unidentified student were wearing seatbelts during the collision.

The 19-year-old tractor-trailer driver and a passenger were not injured in the incident, WCVB reported.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the fatal collision is still under investigation.

Concord-Carlisle Regional School District Superintendent Laurie Hunter confirmed that McIntosh, Wasserman and O’Donnell were all killed in the crash.

“We are very appreciative of the outpouring of love during what is absolutely heartbreaking,” Hunter said in a statement, according to the outlet. “We also appreciate the wish to feel purposeful and not helpless. At this time, it is most appropriate that no action be taken to honor the students without the full consent of the families and appropriate support for so many young people facing unfathomable loss.”

The loss has left the tight-knit Concord-Carlisle community reeling. Students, families, and local residents gathered recently for an emotional vigil of remembrance, support, and hope. Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter, who organized the gathering, described the grief as "absolutely heartbreaking" and thanked the community for their outpouring of love during this difficult time. She urged everyone to respect the wishes of the victims' families before organizing tributes or events in their honor.

Maisey O'Donnell’s death is an especially poignant loss for the school's athletic community. A two-time Massachusetts state diving champion, O'Donnell was one of the top divers in the nation. She had helped lead Concord-Carlisle to its third consecutive MIAA state title earlier this year and was planning to continue her diving career at Williams College in the fall.

“She was a role model for the younger athletes,” said her coach, Joe Chirico. “It’s a tragedy — the little kids looked up to her, the other divers looked up to her. Someone at the top of their game, going to one of the best academic schools, one of the best divers in the nation — to have her life cut so short is just heartbreaking.”

In the wake of the tragedy, grief counselors have been made available to Concord-Carlisle High School students as they return from spring break. Administrators also cautioned the community about a fraudulent GoFundMe page set up in the students' names, reminding people to verify any fundraising efforts with the families involved.

As Concord-Carlisle mourns the loss of three young lives filled with promise and purpose, the message from the vigil gathering was clear: though devastated, the community stands united in love, in remembrance, and in support for the families forever changed by this tragedy.

The post High School Mourns 3 Seniors Killed in Florida Crash During Spring Break: ‘Absolutely Heartbreaking’ appeared first on FamilyToday.

In the photo, Travolta, 71, is seen gently cradling his son, who lovingly reaches up to touch his father's ears—a moment full of intimacy and connection. The caption simply read, "Happy birthday, Jett – I miss you so much! Love you forever!"

Travolta, who shared Jett with his late wife, actress Kelly Preston, received an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities. Rita Wilson commented, "May his memory be eternal ."

Travolta’s daughter, Ella Bleu, also paid tribute to her late brother, posting a heartfelt photo to her Instagram Story. The image showed their mother kissing a young Jett on the cheek. "Happy Birthday, Jetty. I love you so much ," she wrote.

 

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Jett tragically passed away in January 2009 at the age of 16 while the family was on vacation in the Bahamas. He had long struggled with seizures and was later diagnosed with autism. His death, Travolta once said, was "the worst thing that’s ever happened in [his] life."

During a 2014 panel, the Saturday Night Fever star opened up about the depth of his grief, admitting, “The truth is, I didn’t know if I was going to make it. Life was no longer interesting to me, so it took a lot to get me better.”

In Jett’s memory, Travolta founded the Jett Travolta Foundation, which supports children with special needs and their families. The organization stands as a lasting tribute to Jett’s life and legacy, and a symbol of Travolta’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Heartbreak struck again in 2020 when Travolta’s wife, Kelly Preston, died at age 57 after a two-year battle with breast cancer. The couple had been married for nearly 29 years. “She fought a courageous fight with the love and support of so many. Kelly’s love and life will always be remembered,” Travolta shared in a statement.

Now the father of 14-year-old Benjamin, Travolta continues to celebrate Jett’s memory with yearly tributes and acts of kindness. In a world where grief often lingers quietly, Travolta’s openness about love, loss, and healing reminds others that enduring pain can also lead to deeper compassion and connection.

The post John Travolta Pays Tribute to Late Son Jett With Never-Before-Seen Photo: ‘I miss you so much’ appeared first on FamilyToday.

According to British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard, the royal couple has struck a balance between togetherness and independence that has helped them thrive over two decades of marriage. “They have also sussed out the best sleeping arrangements,” Chard told Fox News Digital. “At Clarence House, they are privileged to have their own bedrooms as well as their shared bedroom.”

This isn’t just a matter of royal luxury—it’s a reflection of the deep understanding Charles and Camilla have cultivated over their decades-long relationship. Chard described the pair as “great friends” who have “no competitive edge” between them. “Devoted Queen Camilla totally supports her husband in everything he carries out,” she said, noting Camilla’s only wish is that he would slow down a bit with work.

More than just sleeping arrangements, the couple also chooses to spend time apart at their respective country homes—Charles at Highgrove or Sandringham, and Camilla at her private retreat, Ray Mill House in Wiltshire. It’s a rhythm that works for them, allowing both to recharge and maintain their own identities.

“They are both independent people,” said Chard. “They don't live in each other's pockets, spending a healthy chunk of their time apart in their country homes.” She added that Camilla cherishes time with her friends and family, while Charles values solitude and time for creativity.

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward echoed this sentiment, noting that Camilla retreats to Ray Mill on weekends and during the summer to be with her children and grandchildren. “It’s something that’s away from the whole royal world,” Seward explained. “She needed somewhere where she could actually relax and just be herself… and not be constantly monitored.”

Their marriage hasn’t always been smooth. Chard reminded readers that Camilla was once the subject of immense public scorn, even earning the nickname “The Rottweiler” from Princess Diana. “Trouble started brewing pretty much at the beginning of their marriage, largely due to a third person—Camilla Parker Bowles,” Chard said. But over time, even Princess Diana acknowledged that Camilla was Charles’ true companion. “She recognized that Camilla brought out the best in Charles.”

It wasn’t until 2005 that Charles and Camilla were officially married in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall, with the blessing of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Though the queen did not attend the ceremony, she and Prince Philip were present at a religious blessing at St. George’s Chapel that followed.

Now, two decades later, public perception has softened, and many admire the couple for the strength and authenticity of their bond. “If a book was released about Charles and Camilla ‘from scandal to well-respected monarchs,’ sharing tips on their now perfect marriage, the book would fly off the shelves,” joked Chard. “Everyone is after a bit of their special gold dust.”

That “gold dust” may include simple things like kindness, personal space, and shared values. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams called their union a “marriage of two minds.” He noted that they’ve weathered countless ups and downs, including what Prince William called a “brutal” year, with both he and Princess Catherine battling cancer.

“It is commonly accepted that they have both benefited enormously from being of similar age, sharing the same sense of humor, having the same friends and, broadly, a similar outlook on life,” Fitzwilliams said.

Royal expert Hilary Fordwich summed it up best: “What they shared, especially in their early years, but what has also endured, are their mutual love of horse country life, rural passions in general, with her earthy humor bringing him down to earth.”

In an era that often glamorizes constant togetherness, Charles and Camilla are proving that a little space—and a lot of support—can go a long way in keeping love alive.

The post King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Secret to a Happy Marriage May Be This ‘Unconventional’ Bedroom Arrangement appeared first on FamilyToday.

“It took them both by surprise,” a source close to the couple told Page Six. “Meryl couldn’t help but fall for Martin. He is a gentleman; he keeps her laughing and is an all-around positive person. She loves being around him.”

Neither Streep, 75, nor Short, 74, were seeking a new relationship when their bond began to deepen. But as fate would have it, years of friendship and mutual respect quietly turned into something more. Their friends and families, including their adult children, are said to be fully supportive of the relationship—and many find the couple “adorable together.”

Their love story is even more poignant, considering their pasts. Streep quietly separated from her husband of 40 years, Don Gummer, back in 2017. Short lost his wife of three decades, Nancy Dolman, to ovarian cancer in 2010. Both have known deep love—and deep loss—and it’s something that brought them closer.

“Meryl and Martin have bonded over the loss of their exes,” the insider shared, adding that both Streep and Short understand the tender, complicated emotions that come with moving forward after loss.

Despite their happiness, the couple has no plans to marry. “They’re happy dating as boyfriend and girlfriend,” the source explained. “Even if Meryl were divorced, marriage just isn’t something either of them are interested in.”

Though they’ve moved in the same Hollywood circles for years, romance was never really on the radar until recently. Their relationship stands as a reminder that love can show up when you least expect it—even in your 70s—and that laughter, shared experiences, and emotional connection are often the strongest foundations for a lasting bond.

The post Meryl Streep Finds Love Again in ‘Unexpected’ Romance With Martin Short appeared first on FamilyToday.

During an episode of the TLC reality series The Baldwins, Alec actor reflected on the lasting impact of his highly publicized 2002 divorce and custody battle, which played out in the media for years.

"I must say that because my relationship with my daughter Ireland was so negatively impacted by my divorce from her mother and having a very protracted custody battle that the media really were having a party about everything," Baldwin shared. "[It] went on for seven years, of which the financials were probably a year and a half and then everything else was custody."

Describing the ordeal as "just insanity" and "really, really tough," Baldwin admitted, "One of my most regrettable things about the whole thing was how it affected Ireland."

Baldwin and Basinger were married from 1993 until 2002, with their daughter, Ireland, caught in the middle of their bitter split. The divorce was marked by a lengthy custody battle, including a highly publicized 2007 incident in which an angry voicemail Baldwin left for then-11-year-old Ireland was leaked. The fallout led to a temporary loss of his visitation rights, and Baldwin later issued a public apology.

Despite past tensions, Baldwin shared that his relationship with Ireland has improved.

"She loves the kids. I mean, she's very sweet to them, and she's their older sister, but she's not in that pack," he noted. "This is why I think I'm so focused on [oldest daughter] Carmen, and I want to have a good relationship with Carmen, because I have a girl all over again."

Since his divorce from Basinger, Baldwin has remarried and started a new chapter with his wife, Hilaria Baldwin, whom he wed in 2012. The couple shares seven children—daughters Carmen Gabriela, María Lucía Victoria, and Ilaria Catalina Irena, and sons Rafael Thomas, Leonardo Ángel Charles, Romeo Alejandro David, and Eduardo Edu Pao Lucas.

Meanwhile, Basinger also spoke positively about where she and Baldwin stand today.

"Alec and I have a great relationship. I have great respect for where he is today and his family," she said. "We don’t spend Christmas and holidays together or see each other very much. But we talk. He’ll pick up the phone and call me, and we have a very genuinely cordial and, I think, loving relationship in a lot of ways, just because we share a daughter, and I don’t wish him anything but everything good."

Basinger has previously spoken about the challenges of their divorce, calling it "heavy-duty" during a 2022 appearance on Red Table Talk. She also acknowledged their differences in parenting styles, saying at the time, "We’re all fine and we all get along, whatever ... but he’s a challenge."

Despite past struggles, both Baldwin and Basinger appear to have found peace, focusing on their daughter and their separate lives.

The post Alec Baldwin Reveals the ‘One Regret’ That Still Haunts Him After Divorcing Kim Basinger appeared first on FamilyToday.

In a recent episode of the "Balanced Black Girl" podcast, Union reflected on her mindset behind the decision, stating, “I famously said, ‘50/50 or bust,’ right? And I meant that—financially, spiritually, and emotionally. It’s a trauma response… and 50/50 is, ‘I’m not going to be vulnerable enough to trust you with 100% of anything. Not my heart, not my cash.’”

Union explained to podcast host Les Alfred that her experience of being sexually assaulted at 19 and her subsequent PTSD diagnosis shaped her strong sense of independence and focus on efficiency. Over time, she learned to let go of some control within her marriage, which ultimately strengthened her relationship with Wade.

“It’s being vulnerable enough to be open enough to know that I’m OK. I’m OK as his wife. He’s OK as my husband. I’m OK in this family. I’m OK in this home. I deserve it,” she shared, adding that she is working on expanding her understanding of vulnerability in relationships.

Union also acknowledged the fluid nature of their partnership, saying, “There are days I have 10 percent, and I need him to be 90 percent. There are days I don’t have anything, and I need him to be 100 percent.”

Union first discussed their financial arrangement in a 2023 interview, which sparked controversy on social media. Many were shocked that she would split expenses evenly with an NBA star whose net worth is estimated at $170 million, compared to her reported $40 million.

Wade later addressed the backlash on "Club Shay Shay," clarifying the reasoning behind their approach. “I have 20 to 50 responsibilities, and my wife has 20 to 50 responsibilities,” he explained. “She has her mother, her sisters, her dad—she has a lot of things she’s responsible for. She pays 100 percent of that, and you know what I do? I pay 100 percent of my life.”

Wade also emphasized that for shared expenses—such as their home and daughter’s upbringing—they contribute equally. “In our life, our home, we purchased it together 50/50. Anything that goes on with our daughter, we share it together.”

Union and Wade’s approach to marriage and finances challenges traditional expectations and reflects a deeper commitment to mutual respect and balance. Their evolving relationship dynamic highlights that true partnership isn’t just about money—it’s about trust, teamwork, and emotional support.

The post Gabrielle Union Addresses Criticism Over 50/50 Financial Split With Husband Dwyane Wade appeared first on FamilyToday.

On Monday, the former Food Network personality—who ended her relationship with ex-boyfriend Mike Goodnough in November after ten months—took to Instagram to reflect on what she believes makes a relationship successful.

"When you feel hurt and wronged and know you deserve an apology but are being stonewalled by your partner because they’re feeling shame, maybe this can shift your thinking," she began in an introspective post.

Bertinelli acknowledged that how grievances are brought up can impact whether or not issues are resolved.

"Are you only pointing out what they’re doing wrong, being hypercritical, and expecting them to just fix it? That could be making things worse. Real change never happens through criticism, shame, or pressure. They most likely already feel all that. (I know when I f--- up, oof, do I feel shame).”

She explained that when someone feels attacked, their instinct is often to shut down, become defensive, or feel overwhelmed—especially when their behaviors stem from childhood coping mechanisms.

"They’ll feel judged, like they can’t get anything right, and they won’t really hear you," she continued.

Instead of focusing solely on blame, Bertinelli encouraged a more empathetic approach.

"If you stop focusing on what they did wrong and instead approach with empathy and understanding, everything can start to shift," she advised. "Instead of saying, ‘You always do this!’ maybe try, 'This is how I feel when this happens—can we figure this out together?' That one small change can make a difference."

Bertinelli emphasized the importance of working with your partner rather than positioning yourselves as opponents.

"And hello, I’m not saying this is easy when you’ve been hurt and want to lash out in anger (which is often rooted in fear, grief, or even your own childhood triggers)," she wrote. "But doing it differently may give you a better chance at getting the apology and amends you deserve."

She went on to describe emotional support as a form of love, one that requires effort from both partners.

"Looking for ways to show up for each other is a love language, and it takes two to do it—even when you feel wronged and think they should just know and do better," she continued. "I think we all just want to do better and feel awful when we’ve hurt someone we love. Shame prevents us from thinking clearly. Wouldn’t it be nice to relieve the one you love from shame so they can truly give you the amends you’re looking for?"

Ending her post with self-deprecating humor, Bertinelli acknowledged her own missteps in love.

"Then again, what do I know? I have two failed marriages and fumbled the last true good man I met. Maybe don’t take advice from me," she concluded.

Bertinelli’s introspective comments come three months after her breakup with Goodnough.

The Hot in Cleveland actress first went public with the relationship in March 2024, surprising fans by sharing a playful Instagram post captioned, "I’ll drink what you think, and I’m high from smokin’ your jokes all damn night."

Reflecting on the unexpected romance, Bertinelli told USA Today in March, "It’s unlike any relationship that I’ve ever experienced with a man. He was not on my radar. I was going to die with my six cats and my dog and be incredibly happy doing it. So this came out of left field, and I’m grateful it did. He’s very special."

Bertinelli was previously married to financial planner Tom Vitale from 2011 to 2022, a relationship she has described as "wicked" following their contentious divorce.

Before that, she was married to legendary musician Eddie Van Halen from 1981 until their divorce in 2007. The two remained close until Van Halen’s passing in 2020.

While Bertinelli continues to navigate love and relationships, her recent reflections reveal a woman committed to self-awareness, emotional growth, and learning from the past—missteps and all.

The post Valerie Bertinelli Opens Up About Past Relationship Mistakes: ‘I fumbled the last true good man I met’ appeared first on FamilyToday.

Jaws dropped when the couple stopped to pose for pictures. In videos now circulating all over social media, a stone-faced Kayne West stands by Censori as she drops her large fur coat to reveal a skin-tight, see-through outfit underneath − essentially exposing her entire naked body to photographers. West, by contrast, wears a T-shirt, pants and sunglasses.

The internet erupted into discourse about the moment, with some brushing it off as classic Kanye antics and others outraged at the display. Social media buzzed with debates over whether West had a role in designing his wife's dress and what message the couple intended to convey. West stood by Censori expressionless, neither confirming nor denying his involvement in the design.

Many questioned the appropriateness of the dress and potential legal implications considering California's indecent exposure laws. These laws prohibit individuals from exposing themselves in a manner that could offend others, but no official complaints or incidents were reported regarding Censori's outfit. Others viewed it as a statement of empowerment and individuality.

Despite rumors that the couple was escorted out of the event, sources confirmed that Ye, a Grammy nominee, left on his own accord. They later shared photos of Censori's look on social media, further fueling the conversation around the dress. A now-deleted Instagram post by Ye referred to the dress as custom couture, although it lacked the intricacies often associated with haute couture.

The incident at the Grammys reflects a broader cultural conversation about fashion, modesty, and personal expression. While the naked dress has historically been a medium for artistic expression and a celebration of the human form, Censori's take raises questions about where fashion ends and mere exposure begins.

As the discourse continues, it remains to be seen how this event will influence future red-carpet fashions and the ongoing dialogue surrounding personal expression in public spaces. There is some speculation, however, that West and Censori's stunt might have one silver lining: That nudity for nudity's sake could be on its way out.

For decades, it seems clothing in American pop culture has grown more and more revealing − to the point where the last thing left to do that's shocking is appear naked. With nowhere left to turn, fashion might finally need to find a new trend.

The post Kanye West’s Wife Bianca Censori Shocks at Grammys With Naked Dress appeared first on FamilyToday.

"This is my QUEEN," the Good Charlotte rocker wrote in the caption alongside a rare selfie of the couple. "I celebrate this BADASS WOMAN. Wife, Mommy, friend, partner, Boss, and lover. We just hit 10 YEARS married...and every year only gets more fulfilling."

Madden, known for his privacy when it comes to family life, shared a glimpse of the love that binds the pair. "It’s special. Never perfect—always real—always reliable. Every day getting to have my best friend with me, ride or die….what a beautiful life—I am GRATEFUL!!!"

 

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The couple first met in 2014 through Nicole Richie, who is married to Madden’s twin brother, Joel. Their whirlwind romance led to an intimate wedding at Diaz’s Los Angeles home in January 2015. Over the years, they’ve built a strong foundation rooted in love, mutual respect, and a shared focus on family.

Diaz, a celebrated actress known for hits like The Holiday and Charlie’s Angels, has often spoken about how Madden transformed her perspective on relationships. On a 2022 episode of Michelle Visage’s Rule Breakers podcast, Diaz revealed how her husband taught her to value herself and their relationship above all else.

“Nothing else comes before this. It’s not hard to do, because it’s the most valuable thing I have,” she said. "We know that, no matter what, we can just go and be a family anywhere, and we’re fine. We don’t need any of the things that we have, other than each other."

Diaz also shared her admiration for Madden’s integrity and humor, calling him a "mensch" and praising him as the best dad ever. The couple shares two children: daughter Raddix, 5, and son Cardinal, 10 months.

Madden’s Instagram tribute didn’t just highlight their love story but also celebrated Diaz’s return to acting with her Netflix film, Back in Action. In the movie, Diaz stars alongside Jamie Foxx as married CIA operatives whose secret identities are exposed. The project marks Diaz’s return to the screen after an eight-year hiatus during which she focused on family life.

The heartfelt post included a photo of Diaz in a dazzling silver dress, smiling radiantly with a bold red lip—a perfect reflection of the joy and confidence Madden’s words exude.

The couple’s journey over the past decade offers a reminder of what a solid partnership looks like: a mix of mutual respect, prioritizing family, and celebrating each other’s individuality. Madden’s tribute encapsulates their unwavering commitment to navigating life’s ups and downs together.

In his own words, their relationship may not always be “perfect,” but it’s “always real” and filled with gratitude. For Diaz and Madden, 10 years of marriage is more than a milestone—it’s a testament to the power of love, trust, and partnership.

Here’s to many more years of happiness for this Hollywood power couple!

The post Benji Madden Celebrates 10 Years of Marriage to ‘Queen’ Cameron Diaz appeared first on FamilyToday.