In case you missed it...
Legendary country singer/parodist Ray Stevens has provided fans with a health update, which is mostly good news, as well as an update on his career, which is definitely good news. After suffering a heart attack in July and undergoing two surgeries to address the causes of the attack, an update was posted on his social media accounts yesterday. While not yet able to return to live performing, he is back at work. "Ray Stevens is pleased to share that his recovery from the heart attack he suffered in July is progressing very positively...Stevens remains upbeat and active, now back working full-time in his recording studio as he regains strength and continues forward with confidence. 'I’m trying to get strong enough to continue performing,' Stevens says. 'But in the meantime, I’ve got a lot of work I want to do in the recording studio, so I intend to focus my attention there for now.'" And speaking of new music, he revealed that a new single, "Savannah," would be released on February 12th, as well as an album, "Ray Stevens Favorites Old And New."
Ashley McBryde took the occasion of "Giving Tuesday" (which was also her mother's birthday) to announce her new charitable organization. Her "Light On Fund" will cover a number of causes dear to McBryde's heart. In an Instagram clip, she explained where efforts would go: areas including advocacy for the mental health of veterans, rehabilitation resources for the creative community, helping children in the foster care system, championing ASL interpretation at live music events and more. The fund will announce a new charitable focus each quarter starting in 2026. See McBryde's video announcement below...