Here, we answer those questions and dive into the true history behind The Forsytes TV series! From the rigid social hierarchies to the landmark legal battles of the era, keep scrolling to see how the real-life history of Victorian London shaped PBS’ new show—plus, learn more about the cast and how to watch!

Is ‘The Forsytes’ based on a book?

Yes! The Forsyte Saga is a three-book series by Nobel Prize–winning author John Galsworthy, published between 1906 and 1921. The saga follows the intertwined lives, fortunes and scandals of a wealthy English family across three generations.

Set against the shifting backdrop from the late Victorian era through the 1920s, the story centers on solicitor Soames Forsyte, whose rigid sense of ownership—over property, status and even love—clashes with a rapidly changing London. Galsworthy’s series follows the Forsyte family through the broader social transformations reshaping Britain at the turn of the century—most notably, the evolving role of women in both public and private life.

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Is ‘The Forsytes’ based on a real family?

Not exactly. While the historical events that occurred in Galsworthy’s novels are based on real-life events and pivotal cultural moments during this period in London, the Forsyte family—and the entire cast of characters—is fictional. But it’s likely there were many families during this time just like the Forsytes. 

The PBS series is described as a reimagining of Galsworthy’s books and one major book-to-screen difference is the time period. The TV series steps away from the book’s male-centric 1920s point-of-view into a more female-centric 1800s-set view. 

This key time period change gives the female characters more agency throughout the show. “We were clear from the word go that we weren’t going to do a straight adaptation of these male-centric novels,” Horsfield told RadioTimes. “What we wanted to do was redress the balance by fleshing out the women—but not at the expense of the men.”

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'Poldark' Team Bringing New Victorian Drama to PBS! Watch the Trailer

Calling all Poldark fans! If you’ve been missing all the drama and angsty romance set amid the rugged cliffs of Cornwall, you’re in for a treat—your next book-to-screen period drama obsession is here. PBS Masterpiece’s newest series, The Forsytes, is a sweeping story set during the opulent, scandal-filled world of 1880s London. And the best […]

‘The Forsytes’: What’s fact, what’s fiction?

According to PBS’ official logline for The Forsytes, “the show chronicles the lives of four generations of an upper-class family of stockbrokers, against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving late-Victorian world.” On the show, the Forsytes are considered “new money.” They are only a few generations removed from being farmers, having recently built their fortune through smart investments, which allow them to live luxuriously, but without inherited land or titles.

Though the characters are fictional, the “nouveau rich” lifestyle was very real during this time period in London. These families stepping into new wealth created a major shift in British society. Suddenly, “old money” families had to compete for power and respect with newer wealthy families. But while the pretentious upper class usually looked down on factory owners, they were a bit more welcoming to wealthy bankers and brokers. Soon, families like the fictional Forsytes realized that if they mingled well and married well, they could potentially buy their way into high society just as easily as they built their bank accounts.

The other events in The Forsytes that were inspired by real events: women’s rights—or lack thereof. For most of the 1800s, getting married meant women legally “disappeared.” Husbands ran the household and legally owned everything the wife brought into the marriage. But early feminists fought to change this and in 1882 the Married Women’s Property Act was passed. This law finally gave wives the right to own and manage their own money.

In the series, Soames Forsyte captures the reality of marriage at this time by treating his wife, Irene, as a possession rather than a partner. His controlling behavior highlights the exact Victorian mindset that the 1882 Act fought to dismantle.

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More ‘Poldark’ connections: From Demelza to Louisa!

There’s another exciting connection between The Forsytes and Poldark that PBS superfans are thrilled about: Eleanor Tomlinson! The 33-year-old British actress is beloved for playing the fan-favorite character Demelza on Poldark. 

In The Forsytes, Tomlinson stars as the mysterious Louisa Byrne, an independent former dressmaker—and former love of Jo Forsyte (played by Danny Griffin). Horsfield wanted an actress to bring strength, humor and vulnerability to Louisa—and she found that with Tomlinson.  “It’s very different to the character she played previously for me,” said Horsfield. “But I knew she’d be brilliant.”

How to watch ‘The Forsytes’ 

The Forsytes premiered on March 22, 2026. All six episodes are now streaming on the PBS app and PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video, with new episodes airing weekly on PBS Sundays at 9/8c. 

Now, you can catch the actress on beloved police procedural Boston Blue every Friday night at 10 PM, where she sticks to the rules but also engages in a bit of fun. Woman’s World had a chance to catch up with Lawson and talk about what it’s been like to join the Blue Bloods universe, her favorite things about Sarah and more!

Woman’s World: You have been in so many iconic shows over the years, but how did you feel joining Boston Blue and the already established Blue Bloods universe?

Maggie Lawson:  It’s such a good show. When I first read the script for Boston Blue, it really stood out. It felt like it was honoring those legacy themes of Blue Bloods, but at the same time, beautifully creating its own world and identity. Every day I’m, like, ‘Is this real?’ I’m pinching myself! To be a part of an extension of that Blue Bloods world is so special. It also nailed the heart of a procedural and a law enforcement show, but the layered family dynamics feel so authentic [that] people want to come have dinner with us every week. So I feel really honored being able to continue what Blue Bloods started, but also give it a new world and a new identity.

Entertainment

This 'Blue Bloods' Character Was Recast in 'Boston Blue'—Get to Know the Cast

Earlier in the year, it was announced that the Blue Bloods universe would be expanding, and with the original series concluding last December, fans have been long anticipating the next chapter of this story. Boston Blue, the exciting new spinoff executive produced by Brandon Sonnier, Brandon Margolis, Jerry Bruckheimer, KristieAnne Reed and Donnie Wahlberg, premiered […]

Woman’s World: Boston Blue really does achieve what it’s supposed to by honoring Blue Bloods. Sometimes  spinoffs don’t capture that same magic the original show had, but Boston Blue has 

Maggie Lawson: I sit at our dinner table sometimes and I look around and it does feel like a family dinner. Those are our favorite days because they are the days that we all get to be together as a cast. I always talk about these dinner scenes because I think they are the anchor of the show, but also because when you’re on a set, we’ll have a couple of minutes and we never leave the table. This whole crew is working around us and we sit because it’s our moment to all be together. This is where a lot of our behind the scenes stuff comes from, because that’s where we get to be with our family. 

Woman’s World:  Sarah is in her element as the superintendent, but she also has a fun side to her when she’s off duty. How did this role come your way? Did you always want to play Sarah or did you audition for any other characters?

Maggie Lawson: I didn’t audition for any other character. It’s so funny because when I read the script, I kind of thought it was a long shot but it was a dream role. It was funny, too, because when I was on Psych, I played a detective and I thought this would be the next level for Juliet [O’Hara]. 

But one of the things I loved about Sarah—well, I love many things—but you used the word fun, and I’m happy you did. I actually was with the writers for a little bit yesterday and we were talking about how I am playing a boss and she’s got to keep it together. She can’t show a lot of emotion a lot of the time, but she probably wants to. I think her way of expressing that is being either funny or goofy or fun or sarcastic, and it’s one of my favorite things about the character. Our showrunner said yesterday, “Yeah, Sarah is fun.” 

When I read the script, I thought I would be so lucky to get to be a part of this show and to play Sarah, almost to the point when you’re, like, ‘Don’t get too excited. Just lay down the audition. It’s any other audition. Let it go.’ But I couldn’t. I love it so much… I actually went back and I redid my audition  because I wanted every piece of it to be exactly right.

Woman’s World: Fans would love to see appearances by Blue Bloods characters and we’ve seen Erin and Maria and now Grandpa Reagan. If you could bring any of the Blue Bloods characters onto Boston Blue, who would you want to bring on?

Maggie Lawson: Oh, my goodness. I mean, I think we would all want to see Frank [Reagan] at some point, right? Like, come on. I also think the couple, Eddie and Jamie. Can I make them one character and just call them a couple?Yes, I think they would be really cool [to have on].

This episode is about what it means to be a mother, the lessons it teaches us, and how to choose joy even in the face of unimaginable grief. Vulnerable, strong, and hopeful – it’s a conversation you won’t forget. 

In Through Mom’s Eyes, Jones interviews the mothers of icons like Lady Gaga, Matthew McConaughey, the Jonas Brothers, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Venus and Serena Williams, Steph Curry, Thomas Rhett and dozens of extraordinary women, to create an insightful and beautiful reflection on motherhood and celebrate the love that shapes who we become.

What started as a recurring TODAY segment asking celebrities’ mothers how they raised confident, successful children evolved into a book with a deeply personal message.

“What emerged for me that I didn’t see coming were the whispers to my soul about the power of these women,” says Jones.

Watch What Matters With Liz Episode 8 here or listen on Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts. 

Wellness

'What Matters With Liz’ Episode 7: Jennifer Wallace on How to Matter

You know the feeling. A conversation where someone truly listens. A moment when your effort gets noticed. That quiet sense that you belong somewhere, to someone. Author Jennifer Wallace has a name for that feeling, and understanding it could reshape your closest relationships. On the latest episode of What Matters with Liz, host Liz Vaccariello […]

Watch Episode 9 right here! ‘What Matters with Sheinelle Jones: Motherhood, Grief & A Legacy of Love’

In this episode of ‘What Matters with Liz’ Sheinelle Jones shares:

• The powerful lessons she learned from celebrity moms
• The realities of motherhood—from raising infants to young adults
• The terrifying moment that forced her to slow down as a mother
• The one regret Lady Gaga’s mother holds
• The tough lesson Sonya Curry taught her son Steph Curry early on
• How the mother of Venus and Serena Williams empowered her daughters
• How “discipline wrapped in love” shapes a child
• Why self-preservation is essential to strong parenting
• How faith informs and strengthens mothers
• The untold stories of how her TODAY colleagues—Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush, Al Roker and Hoda Kotb—supported her through the loss of her husband, Uche Ojeh
• The one thing no one talks about when you lose a spouse
• How cancer changed her— and what she fears less now
• The surprising connection between Jones’ father and George W. Bush
• The moment she knew she was meant to be a network news anchor
• What success really means to her
• What Jones’ grandmother taught her — and how her legacy lives on in this book
• The deeply personal reason Through Mom’s Eyes matters and how she hopes to encourage mothers everywhere

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‘What Matters With Liz’ Episode 6: Laura Geller on Midlife Beauty (Excl)

“We’re in a cultural moment where aging is being rewritten—not as something to fight—but something to own.” Those are the words of celebrity makeup artist and entrepreneur Laura Geller. In this episode of What Matters with Liz, the founder of Laura Geller Beauty, a pioneer in age-inclusive makeup, sits down with host Liz Vaccariello to […]

Sheinelle Jones on making the most of every precious day

Throughout her conversations, Jones returned to a theme that anchors both her book and her outlook on life. It’s a message that will resonate deeply with any woman who has ever felt the tension between the life she planned and the life she’s actually living.

“We can’t curate a life—even my own,” says Jones. “What I am trying to figure out is how we can squeeze the most out of the life that we’re given and the days that we’re given. And how can we do the best we can to pour into those little beings that we love.”

Jones does not pretend to have all the answers. Instead, she offers something rarer: honesty about the questions.

What Matters With Liz airs every Wednesday on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts, with highlights and behind-the-scenes clips shared on Instagram and Facebook. 

Also, be sure to subscribe to the What Matters With Liz free newsletter from Woman’s World Editor-in-Chief Liz Vaccariello. Every week, you’ll get real talk about health, money and entertainment, plus uplifting stories, practical tips and exclusive updates on Vaccariello’s new video podcast.

Debuting in 1966 and celebrating its 60th anniversary alongside The Monkees, Batman and Star Trek, Dark Shadows began as a traditional, moody soap opera set in the haunted seaside town of Collinsport, Maine. There were hints of the supernatural early on—a ghost here, a mysterious presence there—but nothing that suggested it would redefine an entire genre.

That changed in April 1967 and the arrival of Barnabas Collins as played by Jonathan Frid. Dark Shadows didn’t just gain a breakout character, it triggered what author and horror historian Mark Dawidziak describes as a fundamental shift in horror storytelling. “The word that best describes the change is seismic,” Dawidziak says. “Not only the impact that the character had on the show, but the impact that the character had on pop culture and also all of horror storytelling going forward.”

It’s a bold claim—but one he backs up by pointing to something undeniable: before Barnabas Collins, vampires didn’t question what they were. After Barnabas, they couldn’t stop.

The accidental vampire

Part of what makes Barnabas Collins so important is that he was never meant to be important at all. When Frid was cast, the role came with a built-in expiration date in the sense that the vampire would arrive, menace the Collins family and then be destroyed.  “He had a 90-day contract,” explains Dawidziak. “He knew how long he was going to be on the show, and he knew how it was going to end—because it was all going to end with a big piece of lumber sticking out of his chest. They were going to kill him off.”

In other words, Barnabas was designed to be just another monster in what was hoped to be a long line stretching back to Dracula—a predator who existed to be defeated. But Frid approached the role differently. “Because Jonathan actually did the work of trying to find relatable ways to play the part—and did what an actor is supposed to do—the viewers picked up on it before the writers did,” states Dawidziak. “They started to find something in this character that was very human in the monster.”

What followed was something no one behind the scenes had anticipated: the audience didn’t want Barnabas Collins killed. “They started getting fan letters—and more fan letters—and suddenly he’s the most popular character on the show,” he continues. “And you can’t kill off the most popular character on the show. They weren’t intending to make him a reluctant vampire. They weren’t intending to give him a conscience. But once that happened, everything changed.”

Vampires before and after Barnabas Collins

To understand the impact of Barnabas Collins, you have to look at what came before him. For decades, the vampire had remained essentially unchanged. From the pages of Dracula to the performances of actors like Bela Lugosi and Christopher Lee, the character evolved stylistically—but not fundamentally. He was a predator, a threat and something to be destroyed.

“Barnabas comes out of the box in 1967—exactly 70 years after the publication of Dracula,” Dawidziak notes. “And in those 70 years, the vampire character does not really advance at all. The job description is still incredibly limited. He’s a predator. Christopher Lee is sort of the raw animal sexuality, John Carradine brings a kind of world-weariness and seduction, Lugosi humanizes the character more and more. But he’s still a predator. On Dark Shadows, once they give him the one thing a vampire has never had before—which is a conscience—everything changes.

“Vampires don’t question their nature,” he continues. “A predator doesn’t question what it is. But Barnabas starts asking, ‘Do I have to live like this? Can I change? Is it possible for me to reclaim my humanity? My soul?’’ No vampire had ever thought that way. And suddenly, he goes from being the monster to being the hero.”

It’s that transformation—from external threat to internal struggle—that would echo across decades of storytelling, reshaping the vampire into something far more complex than the creature Bram Stoker first unleashed.

1967—the right vampire at the right time

If Barnabas Collins had arrived at any other moment, his impact might not have been quite as profound. But he didn’t. “And why does it hit so hard?” Dawidziak asks rhetorically. “Because it’s 1967. Look at what’s going on—antiwar movement, women’s liberation, Black Power, gay liberation, a generation gap. The whole world is being turned upside down. And here comes Barnabas. He’s vampire liberation. He says, ‘I don’t have to live the way I’ve been living.”

That idea—that something as seemingly immutable as a vampire could change—resonated in ways that went far beyond daytime television. It also explains why Barnabas stood apart from every other character in Collinsport. “Look at the other supernatural characters,” Dawidziak says. “Nicholas Blair, Angelique—they don’t question their nature. They revel in it. They embrace it. Barnabas breaks the mold.”

And in breaking that mold, Dark Shadows did more than reinvent a single character—it created a trope that storytellers would return to again and again. There was simply no going back to the way things were. “It splits the vampire world forever,” suggests Dawidziak. “After this, it’s not like we ever lose the nasty vampire. You still have Nosferatu. You still have ’Salem’s Lot. You still have the predator. But you now have parallel tracks. You have the predator vampire, and you have the vampire who questions, who struggles and wants something more.”

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‘Dark Shadows’ Remembered: 17 Surprising Facts About TV’s Only Horror Soap Opera

An exclusive look back at 'Dark Shadows,' the horror soap opera that featured the original sexy vampire, Jonathan Frid as Barnabas Collins.

And that second track—the one that begins with Barnabas—leads directly to some of the most influential vampire stories of the last half-century. “One of the people watching Dark Shadows—and a fan of Dark Shadows—is Anne Rice,” Dawidziak points out. “She’s going to take those questions and give them to her immortals, and they’re going to run in all sorts of directions with them.”

The result was Interview with the Vampire, which introduced readers to Lestat and Louis—vampires defined not by their hunger, but by their existential crises. And from there, the lineage becomes unmistakable. “Without Dark Shadows, no Anne Rice—certainly no Interview with the Vampire,” Dawidziak says. “There’s no Buffy, no Angel, no True Blood, no Twilight, no Vampire Diaries.”

That doesn’t mean every modern vampire story follows the same path, but it does mean they exist in a world that Barnabas helped reshape. It’s a world where the monster can also be the hero.

The continuing impact of ‘Dark Shadows’

Sixty years after its debut, Dark Shadows remains difficult—if not impossible—to replicate. Part of that is technical. The show was produced at a pace that would be unthinkable today, with actors memorizing massive amounts of dialogue overnight and performing it with minimal margin for error. “They were doing two and a half hours of television a week,” Dawidziak says. “Give them a break.”

But more than production schedules or even storytelling, it was about tone. “There was always a sense of playing to the balcony,” he explains. “One foot in television, one foot in theater. And the actors who thrived on that show knew how to do it.”

That theatricality—combined with the show’s willingness to take risks—gave Dark Shadows a feeling unlike anything else on television then or now. “You wouldn’t find that acting style in primetime,” he notes. “You wouldn’t find it in other soap operas. And when it left, nothing ever really took its place.”

Attempts to revive or reinvent the series have come and gone, from the 1991 revival to later reinterpretations. Some have found elements worth embracing, but none have fully captured what made the original so compelling. “It’s very much of its time,” Dawidziak says. “You can’t create something in your time without reflecting that time—and Dark Shadows absolutely reflects the ’60s.”

A proud mom of three, Hudson has often shared glimpses of life with her children, the youngest of whom is just 7 years old. Here’s a closer look at her three kids and the family she’s built.

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Get to know Kate Hudson’s kids

Hudson, 46, has three kids: Ryder Robinson, Bingham Bellamy and Rani Rose Fujikawa. You can learn more about them below. 

Ryder Russell Robinson

Kate Hudson welcomed her first child, Ryder Russell Robinson, on January 7, 2004, during her marriage to Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson. Now a recent high school graduate, Ryder appears to be carving out his own path—one that may keep him in the family business.

“Ryder—I mean, he’s clearly gonna probably follow in the footsteps of the family. And I would say he’s probably the funniest in our family,” she revealed on Late Night with Seth Meyers in 2022. “So, this is like every day for me. Nobody makes me laugh like Ryder, and he just constantly makes fun of me.” 

Flash forward to March 2024,when Hudson released a new song and music video called “Live Forever,” which she says is a tribute to her eldest son. 

“It’s about the absolutely consuming joy Ryder was for me from the moment he arrived,” the actress said in March 2024, per People magazine. “I was so young when Ryder was born, I look back and marvel; I was almost a kid, too, so we were able to fall in love while growing up at the same time. And when you listen to the song and watch, it sweeps you up like someone’s arms around you.” 

Bingham Hawn Bellamy

Bingham “Bing” Hawn Bellamy was born in July 2011. His father is Hudson’s ex-fiancé Matt Bellamy, and according to the actress his name was inspired by her parents—Bingham was Hawn’s maiden name and Bing was Russell’s dad. 

One thing that’s different from his family, though? Bingham’s interests! According to Hudson, he loves to trade stocks and read the news, which is a far cry from singing and acting. 

“He really is into the stock market and has been for years,” Hudson told People magazine in 2024. “He trades his own stocks. He reads the news about where things are. He knows the class of each stock and each bond and all this stuff. It’s crazy.” 

Currently, Hudson and Matt co-parent Bingham and have ever since they split in 2014. Matt has since welcomed two more children with his wife Elle Evans. 

“One thing that Matt said to me, which I loved, is, ‘I just want to make sure that Bing feels like he’s gaining something, not losing something,’” Hudson told Women’s Health in 2021. ““I think it’s even bonded us closer—me, Matt, Elle, Danny [Fujikawa, Hudson’s partner]—because we have to trust that we’re protecting each other.”

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Rani Rose Hudson Fujikawa

Hudson and her longterm partner Danny welcomed their daughter Rani (pronounced like Ronnie) Rose Hudson Fujikawa into the world back in October 2018. She was named after Danny’s father Ron, who died in 2012. 

“She’s [Rani] really special,” Hudson told Entertainment Tonight in 2021. “She’s just this loving, funny—she’s hilarious, oh my god—and she likes to be funny. You know, she’s goofy.”

“But as I was saying earlier, I think that when you get older and you’ve had kids… you kind of soak in those moments a little bit more… maybe a little more intensive,” she continued. “It’s those moments that I just cherish.” 

As for Rani’s hobbies, Hudson said she likes to help her mother out in the kitchen. 

“Rani loves food and I cook with her all the time. She’s my little helper,” Hudson told People in 2022. “She’s very precise in everything she does. I also have a theory that when you’re in the kitchen and you cook with your kids, that they really appreciate food in a different way.” 

Ready for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

Entertainment

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After months of waiting, we finally have the first three episodes of the newest Taylor Sheridan show The Madison, and—wow!—is there a lot to unpack. From chilling moments, to blink and you miss Easter eggs, the show definitely came out with a bang. Below, we recap what exactly happened in Episodes 1-3 of The Madison, […]

What we know so far about ‘The Madison’ Season 3

On Tuesday, April 14 Paramount announced that The Madison was going to be renewed for a Season 3. This comes after the premiere of the show got 8 million global views within the first 10 days, making it Sheridan’s most-watched debut ever. 

As of publication, there is no news on what Season 3 will be about, but it will most likely continue to follow the themes of grief, love, loss and starting over, which is how star Michelle Pfeiffer described Season 2. 

“It’s [Season 2] after the initial stage of raw grief passes, and some time has gone by,” Pfeiffer told Variety earlier this year. “It’s the messy and profound rebuilding of everything that you knew after everything that you knew has fallen apart and what that looks like.”

Pfeiffer’s onscreen love interest Kurt Russell echoed similar thoughts, telling the outlet, “I think it’s fair to say that in Season 2—and I believe Michelle will agree with me—what happens is the level of real danger goes up.” 

“Things begin to become dangerous in realistic ways,” Russell concluded. 

Entertainment

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Who will be part of ‘The Madison’ Season 3 

Since Pfeiffer is the star of the show, it’s safe to assume that she will return for Season 3. Russell could also appear, but since his character Paul Clyburn is dead, the appearances will most likely be flashbacks. 

One person who won’t be appearing? Matthew Fox, who has already confirmed that he won’t be returning for Season 2. 

“I’m at a point in my life where I’d rather pop in and do something interesting, but I don’t want to dedicate six years of my life to something [again],” Fox explained to The Hollywood Reporter, referring to his time on Party of Five and Lost. “Taylor is an exceptional writer. When I read the scripts, it really hit me where it hurts and also made me laugh.”

“[I] appreciated Taylor’s authenticity of the world. He offers a lot as a storyteller, not just on a dialogue level but there’s so much subtext,” the actor continued. “I don’t know how he does everything that he’s doing. It’s mind-boggling. I’ve worked on other series where there’s a creator and a writers room where a lot of people are involved, and he writes everything. It’s really kind of astounding.”

When will ‘The Madison’ Season 3 appear? 

Currently, there is no release date for Season 3 of The Madison. There is also no news on when Season 2 will premiere, but Ben Schnetzer, who plays Van Davis, did reveal exclusively to Woman’s World earlier this year, “We shot Season 2 already.” 

“We just wrapped it not long ago and I’m incredibly excited to share both seasons with an audience,” he continued. “It was a real thrill to be able to come back and revisit these characters and revisit this story, and revisit this beautiful landscape that we filmed in.”

Ready for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

Dolly’s hidden tattoos have sparked fan curiosity and media questions for more than 25 years. From a playful moment on late-night TV to a tender tribute to her late husband, Carl Dean, here’s every lovely detail the legend has shared about her hidden ink — and why her words hit even closer to the heart now.

Entertainment

Dolly Opens up About Her Marriage to Carl: ‘We Were Different People’

Country music superstar Dolly Parton recently appeared on Khloé Kardashian’s podcast Khloé in Wonderland to share some new details on her marriage to Carl Thomas Dean, who died this past March. From why they kept their relationship out of the spotlight, to how his death impacted Parton’s music career, the “Jolene” singer shared it all. […]

That unforgettable Jay Leno moment in 1999

Long before social media could blow up a celebrity secret overnight, Dolly quietly gave the world its first peek at her hidden ink. If you were watching that night, you remember it. The moment came during a 1999 interview with Jay Leno, when the late-night host spotted something peeking out from beneath her sleeve. It was a casual, blink-and-you-miss-it exchange — but it sparked decades of curiosity.

“Is that a tattoo?” Leno asked while tugging at Parton’s sleeve.

“Yeah, I have a little tattoo. Don’t start pulling my clothes down,” she quipped. Parton explained the tattoo was of a little angel and that she also had a little butterfly tattoo. It cracked open a mystery that would only grow with time — and it was pure Dolly, charming and in complete control of the moment.

Roseanne Barr let the secret slip in 2011

For more than a decade after that Leno moment, Dolly kept her tattoos firmly under wraps — leaving fans to wonder just how much ink was hiding beneath those sequined sleeves. Then in 2011, comedian Roseanne Barr blew the lid off the secret during an interview and changed the conversation forever.

“Do you know who’s totally tattooed? I shouldn’t even tell this. Dolly Parton is totally tattooed,” Barr said. “She showed me. She’s got all these awesome tattoos all over her body. No black or blue lines. All pastel, gorgeous bows all over everything.”

The revelation sent fans into a frenzy — the kind Dolly would spend the next decade addressing with characteristic grace.

Entertainment

Dolly Parton Says Her Husband Was ‘Ill’ Before His Death: Read Her Words

Two months after the death of her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, country music legend Dolly Parton is opening up about his final days. The “Jolene” singer revealed that Dean was “ill for quite a while,” and even though she is still heartbroken, she is happy to know that he is “not suffering anymore.” Keep scrolling […]

Dolly pulled back the curtain, one story at a time

After Barr’s bombshell, Dolly found herself fielding tattoo questions in nearly every major interview for years. She gradually shared stories about keloid scarring, pastel butterflies and one unforgettable beehive. She handled it all the way she handles everything — with warmth, wit and just enough mystery.

On Today in May 2014, Parton pushed back on the wilder tattoo rumors. “I do have a few little tattoos, but they were mostly done to cover scars because I’m so fair,” she said. “So it started with that, and I’m not really one to have tattoos, but I do have a few and they’re not where you can see them.”

Then came a line that would take on deeper meaning years later: “They’re mostly for my husband,” she said. Dean died in March 2025 at age 82, making those five words feel all the more precious.

In an August 2016 interview with Larry King — another moment longtime fans will recall — Parton elaborated. “They’re not tattoos that are for big statements, bold statements,” she told King. “I have tattoos that I started doing just to cover up some scarring. I have a tendency to have keloid scarring and so I have scarring and sometimes they won’t ever lose the purple so I started having little pastel things to disguise things and splattered them here and there but I wouldn’t be a biker chick or anything.”

By 2019, Parton told Good Morning America she liked “decorating” her body to cover scars with flowers and butterflies.

In a September 2020 interview with People, Parton offered her most detailed account yet. “I do have some tattoos, that’s true,” she said. “But they’re tasteful. I’m not a tattoo girl.”

“Ribbons and bows and butterflies are the things that I have. I was very sick for a while and I had to wear a feeding tube. It left a little indention in my side and I didn’t like it because I’m so fair that scars turn purple on me,” she said. “I like to make positives out of negatives. I had a little beehive tattooed over it — a little yellow-and-brown beehive with a tiny little bee on top of the hive. The mouth of it is that little sinkhole.”

When asked if she inked Dean somewhere on her body, she replied, “No, he’s tattooed on my heart.” Those words land differently now, don’t they? Parton added, “Who knows, I may get some more later. I may just have to get covered with tattoos just so everybody could be right!”

Dolly’s most recent comments keep the mystery alive

In her most recent public comments on the subject, Parton kept the intrigue going while sharing a few more details with W Magazine in October 2021. After all these years, her playful approach to the tattoo question has not changed one bit.

“I have a few little tattoos here and there,” Parton told the outlet. “Most of my tattoos came because I’m very fair and I have a tendency to scar when I get any kind of cut. I’ve had surgeries for different things, and if the scars didn’t heal properly, I just gotta put tattoos to take the sting out. I don’t have the real heavy, dark tattoos. Mine are all pastel. And I have more than one!”

That’s Dolly for you — turning scars into something beautiful, keeping us guessing and making us smile all at once. After more than 25 years of tiny reveals, the mystery is still going strong. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Entertainment

Ree Drummond’s Response to Alex’s Comment About Baby Sofia Is Too Cute!

Ree Drummond is soaking up every possible moment with her granddaughter, Sofia Marie. Recently, the Pioneer Woman’s daughter Alex Drummond Scott, her husband Mauricio Scott and, of course, baby Sofia took a trip to Pawhuska, Oklahoma, to spend quality time with grandma and family. And it seems like Drummond doesn’t want to say goodbye to […]

Alex Drummond shares a baby Sofia update

On Monday, April 13, Alex took to Instagram to share that she and her husband Mauricio Scott took their 1-year-old daughter, Sofia, to urgent care on the first night of their Arizona vacation after they discovered a rash all over the toddler’s body.

“First day of vacay starting at urgent care. Is Sofia allergic to Arizona?? Stay tuned,” she wrote. “Never a dull moment! Thankfully she is in good spirits & breathing normal!” 

A little while later Alex posted again to let her followers know,“She’s okay!!”

“Verdict is that she’s having a reaction to the antibiotics she was taking for her ear infection,” she continued. “Got some meds so hopefully she will be back to normal ASAP.” 

Alex, who is expecting her second child, also took some time to share how she felt about going the  scary event. 

“Needless to say this was a jarring thing to wake up to this morning,” Alex wrote. “She’s never so much as had a slight rash or reaction to anything! Came out of nowhere.” 

She then posted a longer reflection earlier today:

“Today was one of those momming days where I could really use a glass or two of wine at the end of it Between urgent care visits, messaging pediatrician back home on MyChart, obsessive googling, administering meds & trying everything to keep this gal somewhat happy, while being away from the comfort of home,” Alex wrote. “But I’m reminding myself these things are so stressful and hard because of how much we love this precious girl and that is a blessing. Tonight Mauricio and I prayed over her crib for healing and comfort, trusting she’s in God’s hands! Gonna go try to get some sleep (in between obsessively checking the monitor to see how she’s doing.)” 

“Thank you guys for all of the prayers and kind words, also learning from my DM’s how common this seems to be which makes us feel so much better,” Alex concluded. 

Entertainment

Ree Drummond’s Grandbaby Went to Her First Rodeo—See the Adorable Pics!

As the newest member of the Drummond crew, it should come as no surprise that Ree’s newest grandbaby, Sofia, made her first trip to the rodeo alongside her ranching and wrangling family! The adorable bundle of joy stole hearts when her mom, Alex Drummond, shared a glimpse into their night at the Fort Worth Stock […]

Other common reasons for rashes on children 

Aside from an allergic reaction—which is what happened to Baby Sofia—kids often develop rashes due to dry skin or eczema, says Skylar Souyoul, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Souyoul Dermatology and Aesthetics. 

“When the skin barrier is compromised and dry, it becomes more prone to itching, irritation and inflammation. In fact, dry skin is one of the biggest triggers for eczema flares,” she continues. “Prevention starts with consistent, gentle skincare. I recommend using a mild, fragrance-free soap such as Dove, avoiding scented soaps and laundry detergents and applying a thick moisturizing cream like CeraVe at least twice daily—even when the skin appears clear.” 

“If your child develops small patches of dryness or irritation, an over-the-counter low-potency steroid such as Hydrocortisone 1 percent cream can be helpful,” says Dr. Souyoul. “However, if the rash is not improving, worsening or becoming more widespread, it’s important to have it evaluated by a pediatrician or dermatologist.”

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“In my 60s, I can finally look back at all the experiences that made me stronger,” Angela tells Woman’s World as our newest cover star (get your copy here). “I’ve grown from my mistakes. Now, I’m better equipped to advocate for myself and others. I’ve also learned to exercise the power of ‘no’ and prioritize my health and wellbeing—it’s not selfish. It’s being real.”

Over the course of her four-decade career, Angela has played trailblazing Black women from Rosa Parks to Tina Turner, and she keeps their lessons close at heart. “With the women I’ve had the privilege of playing, I’ve seen their vulnerability and resilience. They were taken advantage of and underestimated, but there’s great humanity and complexity in who they were. They didn’t put on any big airs. They were simply women, but their lives made an impact on others, and that’s stuck with me.”

Angela, who recently partnered with biopharma company GSK for their Sideline RSV campaign to raise awareness about the incidence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in older adults, sat down with us to share how she stays strong and finds power and purpose in every day.

Woman’s World: Who are some of the women in your life that most inspire you?

AB: My mother is at the top of the list. She inspired me to become the woman that I am today. She was a very strong character, and she encouraged me to follow my dream. She had very high standards. Sometimes they could seem a little too high, but parents listen and see the potential in you. My kids probably say I’m just like my mom.

Entertainment

'Abbott Elementary' Star Sheryl Lee Ralph Shares How She Thrives at 68

Over the course of a nearly 50-year career, Sheryl Lee Ralph has achieved many memorable milestones. From her Tony Award-nominated breakout in the original Broadway cast of Dreamgirls in 1981 to becoming the second-ever Black woman to win the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Emmy for her role in Abbott Elementary in 2022, […]

I’m also inspired by my aunt. I always felt her support completely, even though she was always concerned, like, “You want to be an actor? Is that the most practical thing to do?” because she was an educator. She loved me, but she didn’t think this acting thing would pan out. Whenever I had any little bit of success, it was always like, “Watch me, auntie!” and she was always so proud and pleased.

As an actor, I was fortunate to meet women who became friends, like Cicely Tyson, who played my mother in The Rosa Parks Story, and who I’d been watching since high school. I had a very special relationship with her, Ruby Dee and Rosalind Cash. They were all phenomenal actresses whose work I looked up to. They all supported me, and you could feel the camaraderie. In turn, I try to give that same support to the younger generation.

WW: How did you become involved with this campaign to raise awareness of RSV, and what does the cause mean to you?

AB: As we mature, proactive healthcare can be a lifesaver. My late mother battled heart disease, diabetes and COPD, and when I saw her going through all that, it became apparent that health and prevention should be a priority. When I was approached by GSK to partner with them, I thought of my mother and my loved ones.

I also learned that it’s not just babies that can contract RSV. The elderly population is just as vulnerable. When I heard that 177,000 people 65 years or older were hospitalized each year with severe RSV, and of that number, an estimated 14,000 died, it touched my heart. There’s a pretty simple solution, which is raising awareness if you fall into that age category and speaking to your doctor or pharmacist about your risk and getting vaccinated.

WW: You’ve been married to Courtney B. Vance for nearly 30 years. How have you kept your bond so strong in the face of challenges that might arise from both being in the entertainment industry?

AB: We’re both pretty even-keeled, solid folks. He’s a very nice guy, and he loves to support people. I always tell him that he’s a connector, because he loves to put this person with that person and when he connects people, great things happen. I appreciate that he cares about others and wants to make sure that they’re comfortable and happy and engaging with the conversation. I also let him be him, and I really appreciate that he lets me be me. If I want to go and do things, we can have a conversation about what we’ve been up to and the experiences we’ve had, and we’re always going to support one another.

WW: You and Courtney have a production company, Bassett Vance Productions, and you’ve directed TV projects as well as being an executive producer for movies and shows you act in. What has it been like to take more control behind the scenes?

AB: It’s been great to have all these opportunities. My husband and I are trying to find new voices and talents and amplify new stories. It can be a challenge to get something financed and developed, and the process can take years, but you have to be patient for the long game. Courtney, thankfully, is very patient and he’s good at finding stories and getting the lay of the land. I’m looking at a couple scripts now, and they have to go into development, and we’re thinking about how to tell stories differently.

The opportunities that I’ve had to direct have been wonderful, because I love to champion people and help actors dig into their characters and express themselves. I like getting all the juice out of a scene. As a director, everything takes twice as long, but I love it. I love the editing process and the opportunity to shape a story with a little bit of magic and imagination, and I really appreciate the opportunity to be creative.

WW: What changes have you seen in the industry since you first started out as an actress?

AB: I see more people who look like me, and there are so many outlets for storytelling now, which gives more opportunities to actors. I’ve had the chance to move between theater, film, television, documentaries, animation, and being a spokesperson, and it’s great, because when I started out people tended to pigeonhole you into one space. I love the element of surprise and never knowing where I might show up. I like to show up in different spaces.

WW: You’ve been in over 100 episodes of ‘9-1-1’ since the show started in 2018. What is it like developing a character on this type of series?

AB: It keeps me on my feet. Television is a writer’s medium, and it’s not like I know the end, whereas when you read the script for a play or film, you can see where the end is. In this television game it goes on and on, and sometimes I’m going down this road like, “Oh, we made a turn! Oh, I don’t have a husband anymore!”—and that happened after I just told someone I could never see us parting! It’s exciting, and the new storylines surprise me. I didn’t become an actress to do the same thing every day.

I’ve had a busy few years and right now, the show has my focus—and it just got renewed for season 10! I don’t think that many people realize just how much it takes to do a one-hour network drama, especially one that involves big action like our show. I’ve integrated other recent projects into my full-time 9-1-1 schedule, which is a lot, but I’m really so grateful for all of the opportunities.

WW: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

AB: Lloyd Richards, who was the dean of the Yale School of Drama when I was a student, would say, “Angela, don’t wave the rubber chicken.” I was used to being bigger than life in stage acting, because you use your body and your voice to hit the back of the theater. That’s too much for the screen, because it’s more intimate. Going to a conservatory and getting theater training, I learned a lot about sitting back and watching and learning from others.

I also had a driver who became a good friend, and we were talking about sports and he said a team “Wasn’t committed to winning.” I liked the way he put that. It’s not just about sports. Whatever you’re doing, you have to be committed to winning and make up your mind. Sometimes you can look at someone and see they aren’t committed to winning, and they’re just playing around.

WW: What’s your one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?

AB: Never stop learning and never stop being curious.

Entertainment

Leslie Uggams Talks ‘Roots’, ‘Gilded Age’ and Reinvention at 82 (EXCL)

Beloved for her role as Kizzy on the history-making series Roots, Leslie Uggams, now 82, has been making audiences laugh, cry, sing and dance for over sixty years. The multi-hyphenate talent has never shied away from performing, making her professional television debut in 1951 playing the niece of Ethel Waters on Beulah. That same year, […]

WW: What do you like to do for self-care?

AB: I love to go to an infrared sauna. I’m a Florida girl, so I love when it’s hot, and it feels so good to sweat things out. I don’t like sitting out in the sun, but I like to get into the sauna where it’s even hotter, but it’s good for you. I also enjoy Pilates and boxing. I love to travel and see new places. And spending time with friends who can make you laugh and who appreciate you and give you good counsel is always important.

WW: What’s one misconception about aging that you’re very happy to prove wrong?

AB: That life slows down. Not only am I just as physically active as ever, but I’m still getting to do what I love every day, embracing moments with family, and following my passions.

Ready for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

Entertainment

What is 'Titanique'? Deborah Cox Explains the Céline Dion Parody

If you remember swaying to “My Heart Will Go On” at school dances, humming it in the car or hearing it everywhere you went in the late 1990s, this is for you. A stage parody has taken the beloved 1997 blockbuster Titanic and reimagined it as a comedic production powered entirely by Céline Dion’s music—and […]

Deborah Cox got the call of a lifetime from Angela Bassett

Every great story starts with a single moment, and for Cox, that moment was a phone call from Bassett. The acclaimed filmmaker was directing a movie and needed someone to record Whitney Houston’s songs for the project. She reached out to Cox directly—and Cox didn’t hesitate for a second.

“Angela Bassett directed that movie, and she was the one who called me and said, ‘I’m working on this, this project. Would you sing the music?’ I’m like, absolutely,” Cox said. “And that was the only day that I had off, because I was on another project. So I literally flew from Miami to LA, recorded the songs, and we did it.”

That’s right—Cox was already deep into another project at the time. She had exactly one day open on her entire schedule. Rather than asking for more time or trying to rearrange things, she boarded a flight from Miami to Los Angeles and got straight to work. The commitment alone is extraordinary, but what she accomplished in the studio that day is truly remarkable.

Deborah Cox recorded six Whitney Houston songs in a single session

For any singer, recording six songs in one studio session would be an ambitious undertaking. But these weren’t just any songs. These were Houston songs—performances widely regarded as some of the most vocally demanding in popular music history. Tracks like “I’m Every Woman” and “I Will Always Love You” are benchmarks of vocal power and emotional depth.

What made it all come together was Bassett’s clear artistic direction. Bassett didn’t simply ask Cox to replicate Houston’s vocals note-for-note. Instead, the filmmaker provided emotional and narrative context for each song, grounding the performances in the story being told on screen.

“Under her direction, [Bassett] she’s like, this is the moment. This is what’s happening during ‘I’m Every Woman’ or this is what’s happening during ‘I Will Always Love You,'” Cox explained. “It was about like just finding the essence of her [Houston] voice and as a performer, you find little areas of a person’s voice that really resonates with you.”

That approach—finding the essence rather than attempting a carbon copy—speaks to the delicate artistry involved in any tribute performance. Cox wasn’t trying to become Houston. She was channeling the emotional truth behind Houston’s music, guided by a director who understood exactly what each moment in the film required.

Entertainment

Whitney Houston Young: How the Singer Became ‘The Voice’

From the church choir to a global sensation, Whitney Houston has graced the stage for years!

Angela Bassett’s vision guided Deborah Cox through every song

Recording vocal performances meant to evoke another artist presents a challenge unlike almost any other in the music industry. The singer must honor the original while bringing enough of their own artistry to make the performance feel alive and authentic rather than mechanical.

Cox’s description of the process, shared on What Matters with Liz, suggests a deeply collaborative dynamic between herself and Bassett. The director set the emotional scene. The singer found the vocal connection. Together, in the span of a single day, they captured six performances that would carry the weight of Houston’s legacy on screen.

Several elements came together to make the session possible. Bassett’s vision was clear and specific, giving Cox a roadmap for each song. Cox herself arrived prepared and committed, despite the time constraints. And the mutual respect between director and vocalist created an environment where the work could happen quickly without sacrificing quality.

Deborah Cox’s tribute to Whitney Houston shows what dedication looks like

Six songs. One day. A flight from Miami to Los Angeles squeezed into the only open window on a packed schedule. For Cox, stepping in to honor Houston was not just a professional assignment—it was a moment of artistic purpose, made possible by Bassett’s call and her own willingness to drop everything and show up.

The fact that Cox was willing to fly across the country on her only day off underscores just how meaningful the project was to her. This was not a casual studio booking. It was a chance to pay tribute to one of music’s most iconic figures under the guidance of a filmmaker with a deeply personal connection to the material.

Cox’s story is a beautiful reminder that some of the most powerful creative work happens not when conditions are perfect but when the commitment is unwavering. Sometimes you just have to say yes—and trust that your heart and your talent will carry you through.

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