All posts tagged: Willie

Today’s Willie Geist reveals family sacrifice behind major career move

Today’s Willie Geist reveals family sacrifice behind major career move

Published by Daniella Wilson

Today star Willie Geist has been a morning staple for almost two decades, having started at the desk with third-hour anchors Al Roker, Tamron Hall and Natalie Morales before clinching a hosting spot on Sunday Today in 2016.  The 50-year-old opened up about his emotional journey following the milestone 10th anniversary of Sunday Today, and shared how a lengthy discussion with his wife, Christina Geist, allowed him to balance his soaring career with his home life.  “The first show, our guest was Leslie Odom Jr. He was Burr in Hamilton at the height of Hamilton hysteria at that point. And we got him to do the show, and that was a huge boost that he would agree to do it,” Willie told People, adding that the team spent time “building” the show when it first aired.  © Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty IWillie reflected on his 10-year tenure at Sunday Today “It takes time. Nothing happens overnight. And I think we’re able now, 10 years [later], to look back and say, ‘It’s been worth it. It’s been a blast.’” “They’re all seared in some way in my mind,” he said of the 375 …

Quote of the day by Willie Nelson: ‘You know why divorces are so expensive? They’re worth it’

Quote of the day by Willie Nelson: ‘You know why divorces are so expensive? They’re worth it’

Published by Daniella Wilson

Sometimes, just one onscreen quip can become part of your own wise-cracking legacy, just ask Willie Nelson! The country music legend, 92, is known for several iconic sayings from his lifetime, including many about the meaning of happiness and contentment from his book The Tao of Willie: A Guide to the Happiness in Your Heart. © Getty Images“The Dukes of Hazzard” stars Jessica Simpson and Willie Nelson However, a hilarious one that’s often attributed to him came in 2005, which goes: “You know why divorces are so expensive? They’re worth it!” And it turns out, it wasn’t even from Willie himself. The origins The line actually came from Uncle Jesse Duke, Willie’s character in the 2005 theatrical version of The Dukes of Hazzard, co-starring Jessica Simpson, Johnny Knoxville, Seann William Scott, and Burt Reynolds. While the film received negative reviews, it was a box office success, grossing nearly $110 million worldwide. Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: Meet Willie Nelson’s eight children! Willie’s Uncle Jesse says the memorable line as he escapes during a police chase, …

Willie Colón dead: Salsa trombone legend was 75

Willie Colón dead: Salsa trombone legend was 75

Published by Sam Flores

Willie Colón, a legendary trombonist and pioneer of salsa music, has died. He was 75. His death on Saturday was confirmed in a Facebook post by his longtime manager, Pietro Carlos. News of the singer’s condition circulated on the web in recent days. Yonkers Voice News reported Colón was admitted to NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester hospital in Bronxville, N.Y., on Tuesday with respiratory problems and he appeared fragile. Born William Anthony Colón Román on April 28, 1950, to Puerto Rican parents in New York City, Colón first picked up the trumpet in school. It seemed like a natural choice for the former bugle-playing Boy Scout, who attended the youth program at the suggestion of his grandmother. “So I could learn how to be a good boy,” said Colón in a 1988 interview with Associated Press. By age 13, Colón had started a band and played at some weddings and in the bustling nightclubs of New York City. At one point, he forged a cabaret card, a mandated ID for musicians and entertainers between 1940 and 1967 who …

Willie Colón, salsa singer and musician, dies aged 75

Willie Colón, salsa singer and musician, dies aged 75

Published by Daniella Wilson

Get the inside track from Roisin O’Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Willie Colón, the prominent salsa singer and musician, has died aged 75. Colón’s family announced his death Saturday with a tribute on Facebook. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and renowned musician, Willie Colón. He passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by his beloved family,” the statement underneath an image of the singer read in both Spanish and English. “While we grieve his absence, we also rejoice in the timeless gift of his music and the cherished memories he created that will live on forever.” The statement concluded: “Our family is deeply grateful for your prayers and support during this time of mourning. We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate our grief.” Musician Willie Colón’s family announced his death Saturday (Getty Images) The details of his funeral have not yet been finalized or …