Blake Shelton and NBC are putting together a benefit for Oklahoma tornado victims. Shelton told reporters about the fundraising effort after Tuesday night’s episode of “The Voice.Carole King has a friend in the Library of Congress. She’s the first woman to win the library’s Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
In her five decades of songwriting, King’s hits have included “You’ve Got a Friend,” “So Far Away” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” The library said Thursday that King will be the fifth person to receive the prize. Prior recipients include Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney.
Librarian of Congress James Billington says King’s work has been recorded by many artists to communicate universal human emotions like love, joy and pain.
King will receive the prize in the spring and says in a statement that she looks forward to performing in Washington. Honorees are typically saluted at the White House.
Baby on the way
Former first daughter Jenna Bush Hager announced Wednesday that she’s pregnant with her first child, due in the spring.
The 31-year-old made the announcement on NBC’s “Today” show, where she is a contributing correspondent.
Hager, the twin daughter of former President George W. Bush, and her husband, Henry, have been married for four years. He joined his wife on the “Today” set when she made the announcement.
During a phone call on the show, former President Bush said he’s “fired up” about becoming a grandfather, and former first lady Laura Bush said she’s “thrilled.” It will be the couple’s first grandchild.
Happy birthday
Among celebrity birthdays today: Actor Hal Williams is 74. Singer Joyce Vincent-Wilson is 66. Actress Patty Duke is 66. Actress Dee Wallace is 64. Bassist Cliff Williams of AC/DC is 63. Singer-guitarist Mike Scott is 54. Singer-whistle player Peter “Spider” Stacy is 54. Actress Cynthia Gibb is 49. Singer Brian Dalyrimple is 37. Actress Vanessa Hudgens is 24.
