Very sad news to pass long to folk music fans and fans of Martha and Rufus Wainwright … we are learning today that their mother and Canadian folk legend Kate McGarrigle has passed away. I understand that McGarrigle succumbed to a rare form of cancer and lost her battle just last night. Kate McGarrigle was only 63 years old :(

Canadian folk and roots music singer Kate McGarrigle, best known for her work with her sister, Anna, as the McGarrigle Sisters, has died at age 63. McGarrigle, born in Montreal, died Monday night after battling a rare form of cancer, confirmed her brother-in-law, journalist Dane Lanken. The mother of musicians Rufus and Martha Wainwright through her previous marriage with American singer-songwriter Loudon Wainwright III, McGarrigle is a music industry icon in her own right. The McGarrigle sisters recorded 10 albums in French and English, and their songs have been covered by artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Billy Bragg and Emmylou Harris. In 1993, McGarrigle was made a member of the Order of Canada. Reports that McGarrigle was critically ill surfaced over the weekend after her son, Rufus, cancelled his tour of Australia and New Zealand, scheduled to begin in February, to be with her.

This is just absolutely heartbreaking news. 63 is far too young to die and I know that Kate McGarrigle was a woman full of life, full of zest. It never occurred to me when I heard of Rufus‘s tour cancellation that it had anything to do with his mother … this is so tragic. I admit, I am no folk music fan … but when I became a fan of Rufus Wainwright and I learned of his famous parents, I sought out their music to see from whence his talent came. I was very impressed by The McGarrigle Sisters (Kate and Anna) and considered myself a fan of theirs. This is just … so sad. After the jump, check out a video of Kate performing with her children Martha and Rufus at Radio City Music Hall on Valentine’s Day 2008 …

Aussie pop queen Kylie Minogue, who is famously dating hot Spaniard model Andrés Velencoso and recently spent the holidays with his family in Spain, is featured on the cover and in the pages of the new issue of Spanish Vogue magazine … purely by coincidence, I’m sure ;) Unfortch Kylie‘s Spanish Vogue covestory is not available online but we do have a bunch of pretty pictures to look at … like her coverphoto:

I am thrilled that Kylie is getting some attention these days with this new magazine spread, especially since her younger sister has been hogging all of the media attention what with her being pregs with her first child and all ;) Those Minogue sisters … they’ll do whatever it takes to outshine the other. After the jump, check out a few photos from Kylie‘s new Spanish Vogue photospread …

Countless fans all over the country rallied to show their support for embattled late night talk show host Conan O’Brien yesterday in an attempt to send the message to NBC, the network which owns The Tonight Show, that they are NOT happy with the way O’Brien has been treated in the past few weeks. As you may recall, Conan O’Brien himself issued an open letter to NBC expressing his dissatisfaction with the way the network has been treating him and yesterday it was the fans turn. Rallies were held in NYC, in Chicago and right here in the very rainy Los Angeles. LAist provides some great

Great news to pass along for fans of Britney Spears and Candie’s clothing. The two have decided to partner up again for another year to feature our dear Britney as the Candie’s spokesmodel for 2010, much like she did for 2009. Here is a recent, previously unseen photo of Britney for Candie’s and an excerpt from today’s press release announcement:

Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: ICON) announced today it has renewed its exclusive partnership with international icon, Britney Spears for its Candie’s brand, which is available only at Kohl’s Department Stores (NYSE: KSS) and Kohls.com. Spears will appear in the Candie’s only at Kohl’s marketing campaigns throughout 2010. Commenting on the partnership, Britney Spears stated, “I had a great experience working with Candie’s and Kohl’s last year and I am thrilled to be asked to sign on again for a second year. We’re planning some very cool photo shoots and I can’t wait for my fans to see them.” Dari Marder, chief marketing officer, Iconix stated, “We had such a successful year with Britney in 2009 that we wanted to keep the momentum going and offer our Candie’s customers new, exciting campaigns with Britney in 2010. Britney has been a great partner, truly embracing the brand, and we know her fans worldwide will love what we have coming next.” Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, stated, “We are excited to have Britney Spears represent the Candie’s brand for another year and are confident this year’s campaign will be another success. Our customers embraced Britney as the face of Candie’s and know they can count on the brand to deliver quality and style at a great value.” Details on the spring 2010 Candie’s only at Kohl’s marketing campaign will released next month.

Commenting on the partnership, Britney Spears stated, “I had a great experience working with Candie’s and Kohl’s last year and I am thrilled to be asked to sign on again for a second year. We’re planning some very cool photo shoots and I can’t wait for my fans to see them.”

Yay!! I loved the partnership between Candie’s and Britney Spears and think it is very wise for them to continue to work together. Candie’s sponsored her tour last year and we know that Britney is a big fan of their clothing … it’s just a win-win situation. I cannot wait to see the new promo pics will look like. Bring ‘em on!!

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