River Phoenix’s Sister Rain Shares How She Finally Faced Her Brother's Death

River Phoenix's Sister Rain Shares How She Finally Faced Her Brother's Death Jane LaCroixNovember 1, 2025 at 1:08 AM 0 Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images Rain Phoenix is reflecting on how her brother's death forever shaped her view of life — and her relationship with mortality. In an emotional new essay published on Another Jane Pratt Thing on Friday, October 31, the 52yearold actress shared that losing River Phoenix at just 23 years old led her to what she calls a "vibrant relationship with death.

- - River Phoenix's Sister Rain Shares How She Finally Faced Her Brother's Death

Jane LaCroixNovember 1, 2025 at 1:08 AM

0

Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Rain Phoenix is reflecting on how her brother's death forever shaped her view of life — and her relationship with mortality.

In an emotional new essay published on Another Jane Pratt Thing on Friday, October 31, the 52-year-old actress shared that losing River Phoenix at just 23 years old led her to what she calls a "vibrant relationship with death." The actor died of an accidental drug overdose outside The Viper Room in 1993, a tragedy that Rain says she initially coped with by "shutting it out."

"But that somehow kept him from me," she wrote, per Page Six, marking the 32nd anniversary of her brother's passing. "Now 32 years and many losses later, a deepening curiosity about death, grief and how we as a society process it, has come alive for me."

That curiosity inspired Rain to study the "death-positive movement," a growing cultural shift that encourages people to speak openly about death and dying. During the pandemic, she even trained to become a "death doula," a person who supports others emotionally and spiritually through the dying process. "My anxiety led me to take an online course on how to become a death doula and write a million songs," she explained.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

River, who rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in Stand by Me, The Mosquito Coast, and Running on Empty, remains one of Hollywood's most celebrated talents gone too soon. His younger brother, actor Joaquin Phoenix, has also reflected on River's lasting impact, recently describing him on This Past Weekend as "the guiding light in some ways" of their family.

"My brother was quite a force… Maybe it's because he was the first son and he was incredible," Joaquin, 51, said of his brother. "He was kind of like the guiding light in some ways. He was the one who acted first. We used to sing on the streets and he played guitar and kind of like oversaw everybody." Joaquin was just 19 years old when River died.

This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Read More

---

Source: Entertainment

Published: November 01, 2025 at 06:45AM on Source: VOXI MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

bySator Tenet

in

October 31, 2025

River Phoenix’s Sister Rain Shares How She Finally Faced Her Brother's Death

River Phoenix's Sister Rain Shares How She Finally Faced Her Brother's Death Jane LaCroixNovember 1, 2025 at ...

Read More

'1000-Lb. Sisters' Star Amy Slaton Ties the Knot in Halloween Ceremony

'1000Lb. Sisters' Star Amy Slaton Ties the Knot in Halloween Ceremony Alex GurleyNovember 1, 2025 at 1:21 AM 0 TLC/YouTube Congratulations are in order for 1000Lb Sisters star Amy Slaton and Brian Lovvorn — the couple officially tied the knot! The reality star and Lovvorn, who announced their engagement earlier this year, walked down the aisle on Friday afternoon (Oct. 31) in Bardstown, Ky. They said "I do" at Talbott Tavern, a historic restaurant and inn which is said to be haunted, according to PEOPLE.

- - '1000-Lb. Sisters' Star Amy Slaton Ties the Knot in Halloween Ceremony

Alex GurleyNovember 1, 2025 at 1:21 AM

0

TLC/YouTube

Congratulations are in order for 1000-Lb Sisters star Amy Slaton and Brian Lovvorn — the couple officially tied the knot!

The reality star and Lovvorn, who announced their engagement earlier this year, walked down the aisle on Friday afternoon (Oct. 31) in Bardstown, Ky. They said "I do" at Talbott Tavern, a historic restaurant and inn which is said to be haunted, according to PEOPLE.

The couple's Halloween nuptials should come as no surprise to fans, considering their love of all thing spooky. In fact, Lovvorn popped the question inside the padded room of a haunted house back in 2024.

Slaton told PEOPLE that her spooky ceremony was "a dream finally coming true," celebrating that she was actually getting her "happily ever after."

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

She added that she played a big role in planning the wedding, which was themed "Victorian meets light gray meets dusty blue and white" and had an "old-timey" feel.

"I deeply cherished the journey of wedding planning, embracing the art and location hunting," she shared.

Slaton walked down the aisle in a mermaid style gown that featured beading with flower and vine details — and even dyed her hair pink for the occasion. Guest were later treated to barbecue pork and country-fried steak and had a variety of cupcakes for dessert.

"Getting married means that I'm no longer lonely because I've discovered my soulmate, Brian, is my happy place!" Amy told PEOPLE. "Once you get to know him, you'll find him to be the sweetest, most caring person you'll ever have the pleasure of knowing!"

Fans will be able to watch the entire ceremony on 1000-Lb Sisters when it airs in the future.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Read More

---

Source: Entertainment

Published: November 01, 2025 at 06:45AM on Source: VOXI MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

bySator Tenet

in

October 31, 2025

'1000-Lb. Sisters' Star Amy Slaton Ties the Knot in Halloween Ceremony

'1000Lb. Sisters' Star Amy Slaton Ties the Knot in Halloween Ceremony Alex GurleyNovember 1, 2025 at 1:21 AM 0 T...

Read More

Elvira's spooky cookbook, Emma Stone as a possible alien, and a new Witcher top this week's Must ...

A collection of body horror films and Dead Man's Bones' album round out our picks for the weekend of Oct. 31. Elvira's spooky cookbook, Emma Stone as a possible alien, and a new Witcher top this week's Must List A collection of body horror films and Dead Man's Bones' album round out our picks for the weekend of Oct. 31. October 31, 2025 2:41 p.m. ET Leave a Comment :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/TheMustListOct29thab2b0991cc8e453ab2eec299808af1f9.jpg) Elvira; Emma Stone in 'Bugonia'; Liam Hemsworth on 'The Witcher'.

A collection of body horror films and Dead Man's Bones' album round out our picks for the weekend of Oct. 31.

Elvira's spooky cookbook, Emma Stone as a possible alien, and a new *Witcher *top this week's Must List

A collection of body horror films and Dead Man's Bones' album round out our picks for the weekend of Oct. 31.

October 31, 2025 2:41 p.m. ET

Leave a Comment

Elvira; Emma Stone in 'Bugonia'; Liam Hemsworth on 'The Witcher'. Credit:

Netflix; Grand Central Publishing; Atsushi Nishijima/Focus Features

To quote my favorite podcast, *My Favorite Murder*, it's spoOOOky Halloweeeen! If you're out at the West Hollywood Halloween "parade" (why do they call it a parade? It's just a street fair) and see an Abbott and Costello, say hi. —*Patrick Gomez, Editor-in-Chief*

***P.S. If you want to receive the Must List in your inbox, sign up for our " and Awardist" newsletters. You'll receive all three each week — the trifecta of entertainment news.***

Emma Stone stars as Michelle in 'Bugonia'.

Atsushi Nishijima/Focus Features

Is she an alien, or just a typical CEO? This question is at the heart of director Yorgos Lanthimos' twisty new film. Emma Stone plays Michelle Fuller, the powerful leader of pharmaceutical company Auxolith, who gets kidnapped by Teddy (Jesse Plemons), a conspiracy theorist convinced Michelle is really an Andromedan — an extraterrestrial sent to Earth to destroy it. Come to see Stone get her head shaved, stay for big laughs, darkly incisive commentary, and incredible performances from Stone, Plemons, and newcomer Aidan Delbis in this absurdist black comedy. —*Lauren Huff, Staff Writer*

Emma Stone on shaving her head in one take for *Bugonia* and the weird cream she had to wear for 'months'**

The Witcher

Liam Hemsworth on 'The Witcher' season 4.

Fans lamented when Henry Cavill announced his exit as monster hunter Geralt. Liam Hemsworth picks up the White Wolf's blades on season 4 of the Netflix series that also stars Laurence Fishburne, and the suspense is killing us — not like a basilisk, but maybe a drowner. —*Debbie Day, Staff Editor*

Liam Hemsworth on Henry Cavill *Witcher* comparisons: 'I felt this pressure' to 'put on a bunch of size' (exclusive)**

Elvira's Cookbook From Hell

'Elvira's Cookbook From Hell: Sexy, Spooky Soirées and Celebrations for Every Occasion' by Cassandra Peterson.

Grand Central Publishing

Halloween lovers and year-round spooky chefs rejoice! The Mistress of the Dark's tome of frightening recipes lets you cast the perfect spell in the kitchen. Deliciously dark meals include Dead Man's Corpse Loaf, Barbecued "Bat" Wings, and Spook-ghetti and Eyeballs, which pair with creepy cocktails. —*Jillian Sederholm, News Director*

Body Horror on Criterion Channel

'Possession' (1981); 'The Brood' (1979).

Courtesy Everett Collection (2)

Bored with tried and true Halloween classics? The Criterion Channel's Body Horror collection features macabre stories involving a woman and her tentacled creature lover (*Possession*), a woman self-reproducing odd children through rage (*The Brood*), and more disturbing visuals that will keep you up all night. —*Tiffany Kelly, Staff Editor*

The 24 best scary movies for streaming and screaming**

Dead Man's Bones' Dead Man's Bones

The 'Dead Man's Bones' album; Ryan Gosling of Dead Man's Bones performs at FYF Fest 2010.

ANTI-; Noel Vasquez/Getty

Before *La La Land* and "I'm Just Ken," there were… zombies. Ryan Gosling's 2009 one-off album with his pal Zach Shields and the Silverlake Conservatory Children's Choir is the perfect Halloween soundtrack — a monster-ghost love story that's equal parts sweet and spooky. —*Jason Lamphier, Senior Editor*

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Movies"

Read More

---

Source: Movies

Published: November 01, 2025 at 06:38AM on Source: VOXI MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

bySator Tenet

in

October 31, 2025

Elvira's spooky cookbook, Emma Stone as a possible alien, and a new Witcher top this week's Must ...

A collection of body horror films and Dead Man's Bones' album round out our picks for the weekend of Oct. 31. Elvira...

Read More

JFK and Jackie Kennedy's grandson blasts actress' 'disgusting, desperate and dangerous' Halloween...

Julia Fox's costume consisted of a pink suit stained with fake blood, meant to resemble the former first lady shortly after the assassination of her husband. JFK and Jackie Kennedy's grandson blasts actress' 'disgusting, desperate and dangerous' Halloween costume Julia Fox's costume consisted of a pink suit stained with fake blood, meant to resemble the former first lady shortly after the assassination of her husband. By Lauren Huff :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/IMG20200213174800940c7d2deff3faa4d40923693560d77fe00.

Julia Fox's costume consisted of a pink suit stained with fake blood, meant to resemble the former first lady shortly after the assassination of her husband.

JFK and Jackie Kennedy's grandson blasts actress' 'disgusting, desperate and dangerous' Halloween costume

Julia Fox's costume consisted of a pink suit stained with fake blood, meant to resemble the former first lady shortly after the assassination of her husband.

By Lauren Huff

Lauren Huff

Lauren Huff is an award-winning journalist and staff writer at ** with over 12 years of experience covering all facets of the entertainment industry.

EW's editorial guidelines

October 31, 2025 7:38 p.m. ET

Jack Schlossberg; Julia Fox dressed as Jackie Kennedy for Halloween. Credit:

JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty; Santiago Felipe/Getty

Jack Schlossberg is not a fan of Julia Fox's Halloween costume.

Schlossberg, who is the grandson of President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, took issue with the actress' ensemble, which she revealed on Thursday. The costume, which has made waves online, features Fox in a pink suit stained with fake blood, meant to resemble the former first lady shortly after the assassination of her husband.

Schlossberg didn't hold back on his thoughts on the get-up, slamming it on his social media on Friday. "Julia Fox glorifying political violence is disgusting, desperate and dangerous," he wrote. "I'm sure her late grandmother would agree."

First Lady Jackie Kennedy in 1963.

GHI/Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty

Following similar backlash to the costume online, Fox responded with a post on her Instagram in which she insisted the look was not a costume, but "a statement." "When her husband was assassinated, she refused to change out of her blood-stained clothes, saying, 'I want them to see what they've done,'" she wrote. "The image of the delicate pink suit splattered with blood is one of the most haunting juxtapositions in modern history. Beauty and horror. Poise and devastation."**

She continued, "Her decision not to change clothes, even after being encouraged to, was an act of extraordinary bravery. It was performance, protest, and mourning all at once. A woman weaponizing image and grace to expose brutality. It's about trauma, power, and how femininity itself is a form of resistance."

The *Uncut Gems* star ended her post by writing, "Long live Jackie O," in addition to a heart emoji and credits to her glam squad.

Julia Fox defends bloody Jackie Kennedy Halloween costume: 'Weaponizing image and grace'

Julia Fox says she lives with a ghost named Beauty

Fox's look is a dead ringer for the infamous double-breasted wool suit Jackie was wearing on Nov. 22, 1963, when her husband, JFK, was shot and killed while they were both riding in a motorcade in Dallas.

As the actress alluded to in her remarks on social media, Jackie famously refused to take the bloody dress off, even though another had been picked out and was ready for her to wear. She was even photographed after her husband's death wearing it while standing next to Lyndon B. Johnson, who succeeded JFK as president.

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

Historian Steve Gillon told PEOPLE of the moment, "She went out in her blood stained suit and stood next to Lyndon Johnson. Despite these horrible circumstances, she was willing to stand for a photo because she understood what it meant for the nation to have continuity in government. She understood that she had a role to play in helping the nation transition to a new president."**

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Celebrity"

Read More

---

Source: Celebrity

Published: November 01, 2025 at 06:38AM on Source: VOXI MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

bySator Tenet

in

October 31, 2025

JFK and Jackie Kennedy's grandson blasts actress' 'disgusting, desperate and dangerous' Halloween...

Julia Fox's costume consisted of a pink suit stained with fake blood, meant to resemble the former first lady shortly afte...

Read More

Julia Fox defends bloody Jackie Kennedy Halloween costume amid backlash: 'Weaponizing image and g...

The actress wore a pink suit stained with fake blood to portray Kennedy shortly after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Julia Fox defends bloody Jackie Kennedy Halloween costume amid backlash: 'Weaponizing image and grace' The actress wore a pink suit stained with fake blood to portray Kennedy shortly after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/JoeyNolfiauthorphotoba4923fec03a4027868306485696ef41.jpg) Joey Nolfi is a senior writer at . Since 2016, his work at EW includes RuPaul's Drag Race video interviews, Oscars predictions, and more.

The actress wore a pink suit stained with fake blood to portray Kennedy shortly after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Julia Fox defends bloody Jackie Kennedy Halloween costume amid backlash: 'Weaponizing image and grace'

The actress wore a pink suit stained with fake blood to portray Kennedy shortly after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Joey Nolfi is a senior writer at *. *Since 2016, his work at EW includes *RuPaul's Drag Race* video interviews, Oscars predictions, and more.

EW's editorial guidelines

October 31, 2025 2:50 p.m. ET

Julia Fox wears bloody Jackie Kennedy Halloween costume. Credit:

Santiago Felipe/Getty; GHI/Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty

Actress Julia Fox has spoken out in defense of her bloody Jackie Kennedy Halloween costume, after intense online backlash to her outfit that was inspired by the former first lady's image in the immediate aftermath of President John F. Kennedy's 1963 assassination.

Following pushback to the costume, which saw Fox dressed in a pink suit stained with fake blood mirroring the carnage of the day the former president was shot and killed while riding in a car with his wife, the 35-year-old addressed the controversy in an Instagram post on Halloween.

"I'm dressed as Jackie Kennedy in the pink suit. Not as a costume, but as a statement," Fox wrote. "When her husband was assassinated, she refused to change out of her blood-stained clothes, saying, 'I want them to see what they've done.' The image of the delicate pink suit splattered with blood is one of the most haunting juxtapositions in modern history."

Julia Fox wears a bloody Jackie Kennedy Halloween costume.

Santiago Felipe/Getty

Fox called the imagery a mix of "beauty and horror" and "poise and devastation," which are emotions she wanted to channel with the outfit.

"Her decision not to change clothes, even after being encouraged to, was an act of extraordinary bravery," Fox continued. "It was performance, protest, and mourning all at once. A woman weaponizing image and grace to expose brutality. It's about trauma, power, and how femininity itself is a form of resistance."

The star ended her post by writing, "Long live Jackie O," in addition to a heart emoji.

Earlier, Fox shared footage of herself to her Instagram Story, which showed her — as the former first lady — grabbing the breast of performer Linux.

'The View' dresses 2 kids in Halloween costumes as the Coldplay kiss cam couple

See Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos' spicy 2025 Halloween costumes — including staffer Speedo

She later shared a story video that showed her posing next to entertainer Joe Hegyes, who was dressed as Mary Todd Lincoln.

"First Ladies Club," Hegyes wrote in the caption of the post.**

Fox's costume drew polarized reactions from people on the internet.

"Wow. I gasped. So inappropriate," wrote digital creator Alison Barker under PEOPLE's Instagram video of Fox's Halloween costume.

Julia Fox attends 'The Cursed Amulet' premiere in bloody Jackie Kennedy Halloween costume.

Santiago Felipe/Getty

A reader commented, "I have an extremely dark sense of humor and even I find this horribly tasteless and inappropriate."

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

Though many members of Jackie's family have died, several have worked in politics in recent years, including daughter Caroline Kennedy and nephew Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

** has reached out to representatives for the JFK Library Foundation and RFK Jr. for comment.

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Celebrity"

Read More

---

Source: Celebrity

Published: November 01, 2025 at 06:38AM on Source: VOXI MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

bySator Tenet

in

October 31, 2025

Julia Fox defends bloody Jackie Kennedy Halloween costume amid backlash: 'Weaponizing image and g...

The actress wore a pink suit stained with fake blood to portray Kennedy shortly after the assassination of President John F. ...

Read More

Heidi Klum Brings Terrifying Mythological Creature to Life in 2025 Halloween Costume with Husband Tom Kaulitz

Heidi Klum Brings Terrifying Mythological Creature to Life in 2025 Halloween Costume with Husband Tom Kaulitz Skyler Caruso, Carly BreitNovember 1, 2025 at 5:09 AM 0 Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock Heidi Klum as Medusa Heidi Klum debuted another unrecognizable costume at her annual Halloween party in New York City on Friday, Oct.

- - Heidi Klum Brings Terrifying Mythological Creature to Life in 2025 Halloween Costume with Husband Tom Kaulitz

Skyler Caruso, Carly BreitNovember 1, 2025 at 5:09 AM

0

Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock

Heidi Klum as Medusa -

Heidi Klum debuted another unrecognizable costume at her annual Halloween party in New York City on Friday, Oct. 31

The supermodel the evil Medusa while her husband Tom Kaulitz dressed as a Greek soldier turned to stone

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Klum's Halloween bash after throwing her first star-studded, spooky soirée in 2000

Heidi Klum, is that you?

The supermodel, 52, has outdone herself once again, stepping out in yet another unrecognizable costume this year that only further solidifies her status as the Queen of Halloween.

Klum dressed as the mythological Medusa, debuting her transformative look at her annual Halloween party in New York City on Friday, Oct. 31. Her husband, Tom Kaulitz, was dressed as a Greek soldier turned to stone. According to Greek mythology, anyone who looks upon the hideous Medusa turns to stone.

Despite being turned to stone by her stare, Kaulitz tells PEOPLE on the red carpet that he found Klum's costume to be "sexy."

"I think he looks super hot," Klum adds of her husband's costume.

"HAPPY HEIDIWEEN 🐍Don't stare too long or you'll turn to stone," Klum captioned an Instagram reel showing off the costume.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by People Magazine (@people)

Klum's latest intricate costume was complete with a long tail and moving snakes that replaced her hair. She hissed at the gathered red carpet photographers and pointed a bow and arrow as she posed for pictures.

Klum started sharing photos and videos of the intricate makeup process early Friday, even tagging the makeup designer Mike Marino to give him credit for his work. Marino is a three-time Oscar nominee thanks to his work on The Batman, Coming 2 America and A Different Man. He also won an Emmy for his work in transforming Colin Farrell into The Penguin.

Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock

Heidi Klum as Medusa

In classic Klum fashion, she doesn't take the easy way out. Rather, she goes all in on her costumes, even if that means hours upon hours in the makeup chair and months of preparation to perfect the look.

John Nacion/Variety via Getty

Tom Kaulitz and Heidi Klum

— sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Klum is celebrating the 25th anniversary of her Halloween bash in New York City after throwing her first star-studded spooktacular in 2000. She didn't throw a party in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by People Magazine (@people)

In the lead-up to the big costume reveal this year, Klum had been teasing bits and pieces of her look on social media.

On Oct. 24, the America's Got Talent judge shared a black-and-white photo of the backside of a bare mannequin's bodice on Instagram.

Getty Images

Heidi Klum dressed as a worm for Halloween.

"Feeling cheeky," she captioned the photo without further context, adding the hashtag, "#HeidiHalloween."

Also in the days ahead of the haunted holiday, Klum posted throwback photos of her costumes from year's past. Among them included Betty Boop in 2002, Fiona from Shrek in 2018 and Jessica Rabbit from 2015.

She also told PEOPLE just days before the party that this year she would be "ugly" instead of "cute" like last year's costume.

For 2024 bash, the Making the Cut host went with something out of this world. She and her husband, Tom Kaulitz dressed as E.T. (with Klum adding a blonde wig to her disguise.)

on People

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Read More

---

Source: Entertainment

Published: November 01, 2025 at 06:36AM on Source: VOXI MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

bySator Tenet

in

October 31, 2025

Heidi Klum Brings Terrifying Mythological Creature to Life in 2025 Halloween Costume with Husband Tom Kaulitz

Heidi Klum Brings Terrifying Mythological Creature to Life in 2025 Halloween Costume with Husband Tom Kaulitz Sky...

Read More

Without the song, 'The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald' may have been largely forgotten

Without the song, 'The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald' may have been largely forgotten SCOTT BAUERNovember 1, 2025 at 5:05 AM 0 1 / 3Edmund Fitzgerald 50 SongFILE Gordon Lightfoot performs during the halftime show at the CFL Grey Cup championship football game between the Toronto Argonauts and the Calgary Stampeders on Nov. 25, 2012, in Toronto. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP) NASHOTAH, Wis. (AP) — Without Gordon Lightfoot's song, the Edmund Fitzgerald could have faded from memory along with the names of the roughly 6,500 other ships that went down in the Great Lakes before it.

- - Without the song, 'The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald' may have been largely forgotten

SCOTT BAUERNovember 1, 2025 at 5:05 AM

0

1 / 3Edmund Fitzgerald 50 SongFILE - Gordon Lightfoot performs during the half-time show at the CFL Grey Cup championship football game between the Toronto Argonauts and the Calgary Stampeders on Nov. 25, 2012, in Toronto. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

NASHOTAH, Wis. (AP) — Without Gordon Lightfoot's song, the Edmund Fitzgerald could have faded from memory along with the names of the roughly 6,500 other ships that went down in the Great Lakes before it.

Lightfoot was inspired to write his ode to the Fitzgerald and the 29 men who died on board after reading the first story about the wreck and a Nov. 24, 1975, article in Newsweek magazine. The song was released in August 1976, less than a year later.

Lightfoot's mournful storytelling propelled the tragedy into infamy. Affection for the song and interest in the wreck has sustained for half a century, though it wasn't even the deadliest recorded on the Great Lakes. The deadliest wreck on open waters was the Lady Elgin in 1860, which historians estimate killed nearly 400 people.

"The song has made this by far the most famous Great Lakes shipwreck," said John U. Bacon, author of "The Gales of November," a recently published book coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the wreck. He said the Edmund Fitzgerald trails only the Titanic and possibly the Lusitania as the most famous shipwreck in the world.

Rick Haynes, 80, played bass on the single and in Lightfoot's band for 55 years. He said the first recorded take of the song was what they released on the album "Summertime Dream."

"When you listen to the record Edmund Fitzgerald, it's like he's putting you right there, like he was right there," Haynes said in a telephone interview from his home in Canada. "And that's pretty hard to do with a tragedy like that, you know?"

Debbie Gomez-Felder was 17 when her father, Oliver "Buck" Champeau, died on the Fitzgerald. She couldn't bear to listen to the song at first.

"I put it on the record player and I thought, 'Oh no, this music is eerie,'" she said. "I turned it off."

But she came to love it.

"The part that says 'All that remains are the faces and the names of the wives and the sons and the daughters,' I thought there wasn't a word he missed," Gomez-Felder said. "There wasn't anything he didn't recognize."

Lightfoot died in 2023. His widow, Kim Lightfoot, said in a statement to The that "the Edmund Fitzgerald was always present in Gordon's mind."

"Just as he eulogized the tragedy in song for the world, he also kept the memory alive in our home; Paintings, models and tributes adorned the walls and followed us from room to room as we went about our daily lives," Kim Lightfoot said. "If Gordon were with us today, he would have been intent on helping keep the candle of memory lit."

Lightfoot met regularly with family members and famously changed one of the lyrics at their request, removing a reference to a disproven theory that unsecured hatch covers caused the wreck. The exact cause remains a mystery.

That mystery and the song continue to draw people to the wreck, including a new generation encountering the story through TikTok and social media. Bruce Lynn, executive director of the Great Lake Shipwreck Museum, said children visit the museum wearing costumes of the Fitzgerald.

"There's something about the Fitzgerald that really draws that attention," he said.

Haynes estimated that he has played "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" more than two thousand times without tiring of it. Lightfoot's band still tours and plays it at every concert.

Haynes remembers flying with Lightfoot to Whitefish Point, Michigan, to mark an anniversary of the wreck. They met with victims' families then Haynes took a walk along the shores of Lake Superior, looking out toward where the Fitz sank, about 17 miles away.

"I just sat there for about 15 or 20 minutes reflecting on all this stuff that had passed in connection with the Edmund Fitzgerald," Haynes said. "And it was very emotional for me. It always has been."

___

writer Isabella Volmert contributed to this report from Lansing, Michigan.

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Read More

---

Source: Entertainment

Published: November 01, 2025 at 06:36AM on Source: VOXI MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

bySator Tenet

in

October 31, 2025

Without the song, 'The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald' may have been largely forgotten

Without the song, 'The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald' may have been largely forgotten SCOTT BAUERNovember 1, 2...

Read More