Veteran Hollywood actor Tom Skerritt, best known for his memorable roles in “Picket Fences,” “Top Gun,” and “Alien,” has died at the age of 93.

Skerritt died Wednesday, October 21, of natural causes, his publicist told Variety. His death marks the loss of a familiar Hollywood face whose career spanned more than six decades.

With his rugged appearance, distinctive mustache and commanding presence, Skerritt was a versatile actor known for roles ranging from military officers and sheriffs to fathers and religious leaders.

He was perhaps best known to television audiences for playing Sheriff Jimmy Brock on the CBS drama “Picket Fences,” which aired from 1992 to 1996. The role earned him a Primetime Emmy Award in 1993, along with another nomination the following year.

Moviegoers will remember Skerritt as Commander Mike “Viper” Metcalf, the seasoned flight instructor who mentored Tom Cruise’s character in the 1986 blockbuster “Top Gun.”

He also starred as Captain Dallas in Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking 1979 science-fiction horror film “Alien,” appearing alongside Sigourney Weaver.

One of Skerritt’s most meaningful dramatic roles came in the 1992 film “A River Runs Through It,” directed by Robert Redford.

In the acclaimed drama, Skerritt portrayed the Rev. John Maclean, a Presbyterian minister raising two sons, played by Brad Pitt and Craig Sheffer, in early 20th-century Montana.

The film explores faith, family, forgiveness and the bonds between parents and children. Skerritt’s character is a devoted minister whose Christian beliefs shape his household as he struggles to understand his sons’ different paths.

Variety praised his performance, writing that Skerritt “discreetly reveals the loving core inside the reedy exterior of the boys’ preacher father.”

Skerritt portrayed a man of deep Christian faith in the film, but the character’s beliefs should not be confused with the actor’s views.

Born Thomas Roy Skerritt in Detroit, Michigan, in 1933, he served in the U.S. Air Force and attended Wayne State University and UCLA before pursuing a career in acting.

He made his feature film debut in the 1962 Korean War drama “War Hunt” and gained wider recognition in Robert Altman’s 1970 film “MASH,” playing surgeon Duke Forrest.

His extensive film credits also included “The Turning Point,” “The Dead Zone,” “Steel Magnolias,” “Contact,” and “Tears of the Sun.”

Skerritt remained active in television well beyond his “Picket Fences” years, appearing in popular series including “Cheers,” “The West Wing,” “Brothers & Sisters,” “The Good Wife,” and “Madam Secretary.”

Away from the spotlight, Skerritt was married three times. His first two marriages, to Charlotte Shanks and Sue Oran, ended in divorce. He married Julie Tokashiki in 1998.

He is survived by Tokashiki and his four children, Andy, Matt, Erin and Colin.

Skerritt leaves behind a Hollywood legacy, remembered for his understated performances, memorable characters and lasting impact on television viewers and moviegoers.

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Former New York Rangers star Ron Duguay has died at age 69 following a battle with cancer, leaving behind a hockey legacy and a girlfriend who said she finds comfort in her Christian faith.

Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential candidate, announced Duguay’s death on Thursday, October 22, in a social media post.

“It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now. He fought so hard. Love never ends,” Palin wrote on X.

Her message came just one day after she turned to social media to ask for prayers for the former NHL player as he battled the disease.

Duguay was one of the most recognizable players in Rangers history, known as much for his flowing hair and charismatic personality as his impressive skills on the ice.

The Canadian-born hockey star began his professional journey after playing junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League. He made his NHL debut with the Rangers in 1977 and quickly became a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden.

Duguay spent his first six NHL seasons with New York before joining the Detroit Red Wings. He also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, returned to the Rangers for another two seasons, and finished his NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings.

Over 864 NHL games, Duguay recorded 274 goals and 346 assists, totaling 620 points. He continued playing professional hockey in other leagues before officially retiring in 1999.

Following news of his death, the Rangers released a heartfelt tribute honoring the former forward and his lasting impact on the franchise.

“The New York Rangers organization mourns the loss of Ron Duguay, one of the most popular players in franchise history,” the team said in a statement.

“Ron’s signature skating style, with his hair flowing as he moved down the ice, captivated The Garden Faithful, and his skill, tenacity, and charisma earned him the admiration of all New Yorkers.”

The organization added that it was joining the hockey community in extending condolences to Duguay’s family, friends, and loved ones.

Beyond his hockey career, Duguay’s relationship with Palin had drawn public attention in recent years. The two began dating in 2022, with Palin occasionally sharing glimpses of their life together.

While Duguay was celebrated for his athletic accomplishments, Palin’s announcement highlighted a more personal side of his final days: a difficult fight against cancer and the comfort she draws from believing he is now with Jesus.

Her words reflected both the heartbreak of losing someone she loved and the hope of eternal life central to the Christian faith.

For longtime Rangers fans, Duguay will be remembered as an unforgettable personality who brought excitement to Madison Square Garden. For Palin and those closest to him, his loss is deeply personal.

And amid that grief, Palin’s simple declaration, “Love never ends,” offered an expression of faith, love, and hope beyond death.

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Mike Ditka, the legendary Chicago Bears coach who led the franchise to its only Super Bowl championship, has died at the age of 86.

Ditka’s family confirmed his death on Friday, October 9, in a heartfelt statement shared by Jarrett Payton, the son of late Bears running back Walter Payton.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka,” the family said.

“While the world knew Mike as a Hall of Fame football player, legendary coach, and leader of the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl XX championship team, we knew him as the heart of our family.”

The family concluded, “Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever. With love and gratitude, The Ditka Family.”

Known for his fiery personality, trademark mustache and unmistakable passion for football, Ditka became one of the most recognizable figures in NFL history. For generations of Chicago fans, he was more than a coach. He was the face of a franchise and a lasting symbol of the city’s tough, blue-collar identity.

Born Michael Keller Ditka on October 18, 1939, in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, he grew up in nearby Aliquippa, a steel town where hard work and football were deeply rooted in the community.

Ditka attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he became one of the nation’s top college football players. The Chicago Bears selected him fifth overall in the 1961 NFL Draft, beginning a professional career that would eventually earn him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

As a tight end, Ditka helped redefine the position, proving that tight ends could be dangerous receiving threats rather than primarily blockers. He was named NFL Rookie of the Year in 1961 and earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections during his time with Chicago.

He also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, winning a Super Bowl with Dallas following the 1971 season.

But his greatest legacy came from the sidelines.

After serving as an assistant coach with the Cowboys, Ditka returned to Chicago in 1982 as head coach of the Bears. He quickly transformed the struggling franchise into one of the NFL’s most feared teams.

His defining achievement came during the 1985 season, when the Bears finished 15-1 and dominated opponents with a punishing defense and an unforgettable cast of personalities, including Walter Payton, Jim McMahon and William “The Refrigerator” Perry.

Chicago defeated the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX, securing a championship that remains one of the most celebrated moments in Bears history.

Ditka’s emotional sideline outbursts, demanding coaching style and fierce loyalty to his players made him a larger-than-life figure. His famous intensity sometimes led to controversy, but it also helped define the legacy Chicago fans continue to celebrate decades later.

He coached the Bears through 1992 and later served as head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 1997 to 1999.

Following his coaching career, Ditka remained a familiar presence on television as an NFL analyst and commentator. His popularity also extended beyond football, with appearances in commercials, movies and television shows.

Behind his tough public image, Ditka also maintained a connection to his Roman Catholic faith.

Raised Catholic in Pennsylvania, he attended Catholic school and served as an altar boy. He later spoke about the influence of his religious upbringing, including the Sisters of Saint Joseph, and the importance of prayer and Bible study during his coaching years.

Ditka was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization dedicated to faith, charity and service.

His personal life included significant health challenges. He suffered a heart attack during the Bears’ 1988 season, a minor stroke in 2012 and another heart attack in 2018.

Ditka is survived by his wife, Diana, whom he married in 1977 and four children from his first marriage to Marge: Mark, Matt, Mike and Megan.

A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

For Chicago Bears fans, Ditka’s death marks the loss of one of the most beloved figures in franchise history. His name will forever be associated with the unforgettable 1985 championship team, and his family’s tribute underscores that his greatest legacy reached beyond football.

To millions, he was “Iron Mike” or simply “Da Coach.” To those closest to him, he was a husband, father, grandfather and friend whose loss will be felt far beyond the football field.

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For millions of “Saved by the Bell” fans, Dennis Haskins will forever be Mr. Belding — the lovable, often-exasperated principal who spent years trying to keep Zack Morris and the rest of the Bayside High gang out of trouble.

But as news spread of Haskins’ death at age 75, those who knew him best remembered something more than the television character that made him famous. They remembered a man who genuinely loved the people who loved him.

“Everyone loved Mr. Belding and those of us who got to know Dennis loved him even more,” his agent and longtime friend Jay Schachter said. “He was a great person, and he loved, I mean absolutely LOVED his fans.”

“He always had time for them, no matter what,” Schachter added. “He was my client and dear friend for over 20 years, and I will miss him terribly. I’m heartbroken.”

Born Nov. 18, 1950, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Haskins began playing Principal Richard Belding before “Saved by the Bell” even existed. He originated the role on the Disney Channel series “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” which was later reworked into the NBC sitcom that became a defining television show for a generation of young viewers.

From 1988 to 2000, Haskins played Belding across “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” “Saved by the Bell” and “Saved by the Bell: The New Class.” His booming “Hey, hey, hey!” became one of the franchise’s signature lines as Belding attempted to rein in Zack Morris and his classmates.

Haskins embraced the character long after leaving Bayside behind. In 2015, he joined several original cast members for a nostalgic “Saved by the Bell” reunion on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” once again stepping into the halls of Bayside High.

His career extended well beyond Mr. Belding, with appearances on “The West Wing,” “7th Heaven,” “Mad Men,” “New Girl,” “Hot in Cleveland” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

Haskins’ final known public appearance came in December 2018, when he attended a Los Angeles Clippers game. Photos from the night showed the actor dressed in a suit and smiling from the stands.

His official cause of death has not been announced. However, a Burbank karaoke bar where Haskins was reportedly a longtime regular claimed in a tribute that the actor had quietly battled Parkinson’s disease and other health concerns.

“He had been silent about his fight with Parkinson’s, among other health concerns, because he did not want the attention,” the tribute read.

The message ended by remembering Haskins not for his illness, but for the life he lived.

“What a cool and amazing life he had. Rest in peace, Dennis. You were very much loved and will never be forgotten.”

For fans who grew up watching “Saved by the Bell,” Haskins was the principal who somehow managed to be an authority figure, comic foil and reassuring presence all at once. But perhaps the more meaningful legacy is the one described by those who knew him personally: He appreciated his fans, made time for people and never seemed to forget how fortunate he was to play a character they loved.

Mr. Belding may have belonged to Bayside High, but Dennis Haskins belonged to the generations of fans who never stopped smiling when they heard, “Hey, hey, hey!”

Haskins is survived by his son, Dustin.

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Barry Melrose, the former NHL player and coach who became one of hockey’s most recognizable and beloved voices during nearly three decades at ESPN, has died at 70.

Melrose died Wednesday after a battle with Parkinson’s disease, which prompted him to step away from ESPN in 2023. His wife, Cindy, confirmed his death to the network.

For generations of hockey fans, Melrose was impossible to miss. There was the famous mullet, the goatee, the sharp suits and, above all, a personality big enough to make even a routine hockey highlight entertaining.

But those who knew him personally remembered something deeper: a loyal friend, family man and man of Christian faith whose values extended well beyond the rink.

“Barry was my best friend at ESPN,” longtime colleague John Buccigross wrote following Melrose’s death, calling him “a big brother figure of rock solid values.”

“I am shook to my core,” Buccigross added. “Barry gave his life to hockey.”

Melrose’s relationship with the sport stretched back more than 50 years.

Born in the small town of Kelvington, Saskatchewan, in 1956, Melrose began his professional career with the Cincinnati Stingers of the World Hockey Association in 1976. He eventually moved to the NHL, playing defense for the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.

Melrose appeared in 300 NHL regular-season games before retiring as a player following the 1985-86 season. He then moved behind the bench, where he found his greatest coaching success.

After leading the Adirondack Red Wings to an American Hockey League Calder Cup championship in 1992, Melrose was hired to coach the Los Angeles Kings. In his first season, he guided a team led by Wayne Gretzky all the way to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final.

Gretzky would later describe Melrose’s place in hockey in terms that went far beyond wins and losses.

“He’s bigger than any team,” Gretzky said when Melrose announced his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2023. “Hockey is more than a game, it’s a community — a finely tuned orchestra — and Barry was our conductor.”

Melrose eventually found the role that made him familiar even to hockey fans who never saw him play or coach.

He joined ESPN in 1996 and became a fixture of the network’s hockey coverage, bringing an everyman quality to television. His analysis was knowledgeable without feeling stuffy, and his sense of humor made him seem less like a broadcaster delivering a report and more like a hockey-loving friend talking about the game.

“For decades, Barry Melrose was one of the most distinctive and trusted voices in hockey,” ESPN said after his death. “His knowledge of the game was deep, his candor was refreshing, and his passion was unmistakable.”

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman similarly remembered Melrose as someone whose enthusiasm was contagious.

“From the flowing locks of his distinctive mullet to the flared lapels of his trademark long suit coats, Barry Melrose cut an unmistakable figure,” Bettman said, adding that talking with Melrose or hearing his analysis “never failed to boost your love of the game of hockey.”

Away from the cameras, Melrose was also identified as a Christian and had spoken about faith in connection with the toughness and competitiveness demanded by hockey.

“A lot of people in hockey feel you can’t be a big, tough, physical player and be a Christian, but just the opposite is true,” Melrose once said. “They are some of the most fierce competitors in the world.”

In October 2023, Melrose announced that Parkinson’s disease was forcing him to leave the sport that had defined so much of his life. His farewell reflected both gratitude for his career and a desire to devote himself to those closest to him.

“I’ve had over 50 extraordinary years playing, coaching and analyzing the world’s greatest game, hockey,” he said at the time. “It’s now time to hang up my skates and focus on my health, my family, including my supportive wife Cindy, and whatever comes next.”

Three years later, the hockey world is mourning a man who was much more than the unmistakable mullet on television.

Melrose played the game. He coached it at its highest level. He explained it to millions. And perhaps most importantly, he made people love it a little more.

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Dolly Parton spent a lifetime dreaming big, and even in her final days, the country music legend wasn’t finished.

Just four days before her death at age 80, Parton spoke about the health struggles that had slowed her down — and the dreams that continued to push her forward.

“I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve,” Parton told PEOPLE. “So I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.”

Parton died Tuesday, Aug. 25, according to her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who announced the news in a video on behalf of the Parton and Owens family.

“It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness,” Seaver said. “But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.”

For Parton’s family, her Christian faith offers comfort in their grief.

“Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens,” Seaver said.

That reference to Carl carries special weight. Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, died in March 2025. The couple married in 1966, long before Parton became one of the most recognizable entertainers in the world. Dean largely avoided the spotlight while quietly supporting his wife’s extraordinary career.

Parton later described his death as a loss that could only be understood by someone who had experienced it.

“He will always be in my heart and in my memories,” she said in 2025.

Born into poverty in the mountains of Tennessee in 1946, Parton was one of 12 children. Music and faith were part of her life almost from the beginning. She started singing in her grandfather’s church as a child, began writing songs at 7 and headed to Nashville after graduating high school.

Her songs ultimately took her far beyond the mountains.

Parton became one of country music’s defining voices, creating classics including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” She won 11 Grammy Awards and earned induction into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her personality proved just as enduring as her music, helping her cross generations and genres while remaining unmistakably Dolly.

But some of her greatest accomplishments never appeared on a music chart.

Parton founded the Imagination Library, inspired in part by her father’s inability to read and write. The program grew from providing books to children in her Tennessee hometown to distributing millions of free books around the world. Her philanthropy, humor and willingness to help others became as much a part of her public identity as the rhinestones and towering blond hair.

Through it all, Parton spoke openly about her belief in God. When health problems forced her to postpone performances in 2025, she told fans she wasn’t retiring because “God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet.”

That attitude remained with her until the end.

Years earlier, Parton admitted that one of her few worries was running out of time before fulfilling all her dreams. But even then, she was thinking beyond her own lifetime.

“I wake up with new dreams all the time,” she said. “But I put them in a place where they can continue, even after I’m gone.”

That may be one of the most fitting ways to remember Dolly Parton.

The little girl who sang in a Tennessee church lived long enough to see dreams bigger than she could have imagined come true. And through her songs, generosity, faith and the millions of lives she touched, many of those dreams will continue long after her passing.

Rest in peace, Dolly. Thank you for your boundless creativity, your profound kindness, and the endless joy you brought into the world. Your light will forever illuminate the lives of those who were touched by your extraordinary gifts.

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Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and Super Bowl champion O.J. Brigance, whose unwavering Christian faith became central to his nearly two-decade battle with ALS, has died at 56.

The Ravens announced Brigance’s death, remembering him not only for his accomplishments on the football field but also for the faith, courage and determination he displayed after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Brigance first made his mark in Baltimore with the CFL’s Stallions, helping the team win the 1995 Grey Cup. He later joined the Ravens and became a linebacker and special teams standout, recording the first tackle of Super Bowl XXXV as Baltimore captured its first Super Bowl championship.

After his seven-year NFL career ended following the 2002 season, Brigance returned to the Ravens in a player engagement role. Even as ALS progressively limited his physical abilities, he continued working with the organization and encouraging players and coaches.

Ozzie Newsome, the Ravens’ executive vice president, called Brigance “a hero to this city” who became an even greater inspiration through the “fight, faith and grace” with which he faced ALS.

Former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh remembered Brigance as “a man of great faith” who faced an extraordinarily difficult calling “through the great glory of God.” Harbaugh added that he looks forward to “seeing him again in heaven someday.”

Brigance often credited his relationship with Jesus Christ for sustaining him after his diagnosis.

“I have been able to remain positive throughout the diagnosis because of my faith in Jesus Christ,” Brigance said in an interview. “God’s grace is sufficient, no matter my physical weaknesses.”

His diagnosis also deepened his conviction about the value and purpose of every life. In 2015, Brigance testified against a Maryland physician-assisted suicide bill, telling lawmakers, “Every day, every hour, every minute, every second is God-given and valuable.”

Brigance turned his own struggle into a mission to serve others, establishing the Brigance Brigade Foundation to support people living with ALS and their families. He also shared his story in the 2014 book Strength of a Champion: Finding Faith and Fortitude Through Adversity.

Reflecting on his journey, Brigance once acknowledged that ALS had become the ultimate test of the faith he professed.

“You don’t know that your faith is real until a man sits across from you and tells you that you will eventually die,” he said. “And so now, it becomes more of a test of will, a test of my faith.”

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Hayden Panettiere, the former child star who grew up before audiences and became best known for her roles in “Heroes,” “Nashville” and “Remember the Titans,” has died. She was 36.

Panettiere died Sunday, Aug. 16, in Greenville, South Carolina, after she was found unresponsive at an apartment complex. Emergency personnel attempted life-saving measures, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said there were no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. A cause of death has not yet been announced.

Her father remembered her as someone whose presence reached far beyond the screen.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he said in a statement. “She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”

For many of those millions, Panettiere seemed to have been part of Hollywood for nearly her entire life. Born Aug. 21, 1989, she began appearing in commercials as a young child before landing roles on “One Life to Live” and “Guiding Light.” Her early film work included “A Bug’s Life,” “Remember the Titans,” “Raising Helen” and “Ice Princess.”

Her breakthrough came in 2006 when she was cast as Claire Bennet, the seemingly indestructible cheerleader at the center of NBC’s “Heroes.” The series became a cultural phenomenon, and its famous line, “Save the cheerleader, save the world,” helped turn Panettiere into one of television’s most recognizable young stars.

She found another defining role as troubled country singer Juliette Barnes on “Nashville.” Panettiere performed her own music on the series, earned two Golden Globe nominations and placed multiple songs on Billboard’s country charts. She later returned to another fan-favorite role, Kirby Reed, in the “Scream” franchise.

But Panettiere’s life away from the cameras was often far more difficult than her Hollywood success suggested. She spoke candidly about alcoholism, substance abuse, postpartum depression and the pressures of growing up famous. Earlier this year, she released her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” offering a deeply personal account of her struggles, relationships, recovery and efforts to rebuild her life.

“I put a lot of work into myself, and I had to be willing to be incredibly honest,” she told PEOPLE in 2022. “There were a lot of ups and downs, but I don’t regret even the ugliest things that have happened to me.”

Panettiere also endured a devastating personal loss in 2023 when her younger brother and only sibling, Jansen Panettiere, died at 28 from complications related to an enlarged heart. She later described the depth of that grief, saying, “When I lost him, I felt like I lost half of my soul.”

She was also a mother to 11-year-old daughter Kaya, whom she shared with former fiancé and Ukrainian boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko. Panettiere had spoken openly about the painful decision for Kaya to live full-time with her father while she struggled with addiction and her mental health, pushing back against the suggestion that she had simply walked away from her daughter.

Through those struggles, Panettiere increasingly allowed the public to see the person behind the celebrity — someone who was still trying to heal, grow and make sense of a life lived largely in the spotlight.

In one of her final interviews, she offered a reflection that now carries added weight.

“I’m a work in progress — we all are,” Panettiere said. “I take each day as it comes. I’m doing the work, and I’m doing my best.”

Panettiere would have turned 37 on Friday. She leaves behind her daughter, her parents and a career spanning more than three decades. For the generations of viewers who watched her grow from a precocious child performer into one of television’s most familiar faces, she will also be remembered for something increasingly rare in Hollywood: her willingness to let people see not only her successes, but also the struggles behind them.

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‘Dukes of Hazzard’ star Ben Jones, the actor who brought beloved mechanic Cooter Davenport to life, has died at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy that stretched far beyond television. While millions will remember his warm smile, Southern charm and role on one of America’s most beloved family shows, those who knew Jones remember a man whose greatest story was one of faith, redemption and second chances.

Jones died Sunday after suffering a massive heart attack at his home in Washington, Virginia, according to his wife, Alma Viator. She shared that he was resting in his favorite chair, waiting for his beloved Atlanta Braves to take on the New York Yankees.

“I lost the love of my life today,” Viator wrote on Facebook. “Ben had the most amazing rich full life. He loved and was loved by so many. He will be missed.”

Born in North Carolina in 1941, Jones built a successful career in television and film before landing the role that would make him a household name. As Cooter Davenport, the dependable mechanic and trusted friend of the Duke family, he appeared in more than 140 episodes of “The Dukes of Hazzard” from 1979 to 1985. He later returned for reunion movies, delighting generations of fans who never forgot Hazzard County.

Jones believed the show’s enduring popularity came from its timeless values.

“The show reflects the values of the heartland of America,” he once said. “The good guys always win.”

Yet his own life was shaped by a far more personal victory.

Before “The Dukes of Hazzard,” Jones battled alcoholism and reached a point where he believed he was dying. After a weeks-long drinking binge in 1977, he called a recovering alcoholic friend for help, quit drinking cold turkey and never drank again. Reflecting on that turning point years later, he memorably wrote, “I got sober the day before I died.”

Just a year later, he auditioned for “The Dukes of Hazzard,” beginning the role that would define his career.

A self-described Christian, Jones frequently credited God for the unexpected turns his life took. After later serving two terms representing Georgia’s 4th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, he recalled being overcome with gratitude during his swearing-in ceremony.

“That’s when it hit me, what a blessing I had been given,” he said. “I just started crying.”

After leaving Congress, Jones returned to entertainment, opening Cooter’s Place museums with Viator, performing music and remaining a familiar face at fan events well into his 80s.

Following news of his death, tributes poured in from friends and colleagues. Co-star Tom Wopat remembered him as “a fine friend and a fierce advocate of all the best things we can offer in the entertainment business,” while country artist Whey Jennings thanked Jones for believing in him, calling him “a true friend when I needed one most.”

For generations of fans, Ben Jones will always be Cooter. But beyond the iconic character was a man who never hid the mistakes of his past or the grace he believed changed his future. His life became a reminder that redemption is possible, second chances are real, and sometimes the greatest stories happen long after the cameras stop rolling.

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Senator Lindsey Graham’s life is being honored this week after his funeral service on Tuesday. The funeral took place at the Washington National Cathedral in the nation’s capital, with many statesmen in attendance, including Ukrainian president Vladimir Zelenskyy and Benjamin Netanyahu. President Trump delivered a eulogy for the staple of the US Senate, who died suddenly on July 11 from what appears to be an aortic tear. Graham had just returned from a NATO summit in Turkey. He was 71 years old. He had served the public for decades and his stalwart defense of then Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh during a hearing where he faced an accusation of sexual assault earned him the respect of some of his toughest critics in the GOP.

The suddenness of his death was a shock to many Republicans, particularly President Trump, whose complicated relationship with Graham had evolved from one of animosity to a deep friendship. Eulogizing Graham during his funeral, the President recalled Graham as a “tough cookie” and “true American original who left us much too soon.” Graham started out running against President Trump in 2015 during his original presidential campaign. At the time, he strongly criticized President Trump, with the President once sharing Graham’s personal phone number during a 2015 rally. President Trump acknowledged the moment in his eulogy, admitting he’d been wrong to do so. “I did something that I shouldn’t have done. I shared his personal cellphone number with … millions of people…But it was Lindsey who had the last laugh because while I blew up his phone all for one day, we became great friends and Lindsey did not stop calling me for the next 10 years,” said the President.

He shared stories of their golfing outings, admitting that Graham even beat him. He recalled that Graham kept a putter that belonged to his father and a class ring that belonged to his mother with him during their games. “And they were laying right at his bedside the night he died. They were there. He had them with him at all times,” said President Trump. “From that pool hall where his parents raised him to the halls of the United States Senate, where he was respected and loved, the son of South Carolina became one of the most important men in the most important country on Earth. In a city where politicians often become jaded and cynical, Lindsey Graham never lost the old-fashioned American idealism that brought him to the highest levels of government and life,” he added.

The President also quoted James 1:12, which describes overcoming trials to receive the crown of life. “For 71 years, Lindsey Graham was strong and steadfast as a brother, a senator, a warrior and a patriot; he withstood every last test. Every single test that you can go through,” said Trump. “And now he wears the crown of life in Heaven, reunited with his parents and reunited with his Lord.”

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