Matt Lauer and Annette Roque finalize their divorce
Matt Lauer and Annette Roque are officially dunzo. Page Six reports a judge in New York's Suffolk County signed off on papers confirming the end of their 20-plus-year marriage on Thursday, Sept. 5. The former couple split in 2017 after the then-host of "Today" was hit with a sexual misconduct scandal that also cost him his job. (He denied the allegations.) The divorce was reportedly uncontested thanks to a multi-million dollar settlement they'd previously agreed to in which Annette would get up to $20 million and the horse farm the two owned. In July, People reported that Matt, 61, planned to sell their home, a 12-bedroom, 12-bath beachfront estate called Strongheart Manor that Matt bought from Richard Gere for $36.5 million. Located in New York's upscale Hamptons region, the estate is now worth $44 million, according to People. Annette and Matt share three kids — Jack, 17, Romy, 14, and Thijs, 11 — and will reportedly share joint custody. "It's final. They are both focused on their three children," a source close to Matt tells People. The two are said to be "on good terms" at this point, according to Page Six.
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Taylor Swift donates $10k to a teenaged fan battling cancer: 'Hope I can give you a hug in person soon'
In March, Taylor Swift revealed to Elle magazine that her mom's cancer had returned and that her father had previously fought off the disease. Now, the singer is doing what she can to support a young fan who's also battling cancer. On Thursday, Sept. 5, the singer found a GoFundMe for 16-year-old Trinity Foster, who explained in the page's blurb that she's been "diagnosed with stage 4 osteosarcoma, which has spread to my lung" and that she's struggling with chemotherapy while her family struggles to pay the bills associated with her treatment. "The chemo is really hard for me and my insurance doesn't cover everything that I need, we have tried to get other insurances like ten care but were told we did not apply," Trinity writes. "This is a very hard time for me and my family and if you have anything to donate it would be very much appreciated and helpful." The Daily Mail reports Trinity's fundraising goal was $10,000. Taylor donated $10,000 on Wednesday and shared a message with the teen, sending her love and thanking her for hosting a get-together in honor of the singer's new album, "Lover," which happens to feature a song Taylor wrote about her mom's experience with the illness. "Trinity, I saw photos of your album release party that you did in your hospital room and wanted to say thank you for being so kind and supportive!" Taylor wrote. "I hope I can give you a hug in person soon, but in the meantime I wanted to send you this and all my love. Your friend, Taylor." In the wake of her post and donation, other Swifites chimed in with support and funds, seemingly inspired by Taylor's contribution. "From one Swiftie to the next!" wrote donor Tasha Kenney. "I am so so sorry that you are going though all of this right now but just know you have army of Swifties behind you praying hard for you every single day! xoxoxoxoxoxo -Tasha Kenney Aka…. @TKKSwiftie." The donation comes a month after Taylor reached out to a London-based fan battling cancer, calling him on the phone in the hopes of cheering him up.
Yes, Kylie Jenner's sisters tease her about the whole 'billionaire' thing
"You buyin'?!" That's apparently the line Kylie Jenner's sisters have been giving her when certain subjects come up ever since she was deemed "the youngest-ever self-made billionaire" in Forbes' "America's women billionaires" issue last year. In a preview clip from the new season of "Ellen," Ellen DeGeneres asks Kylie, who's seated next to her mom, Kris Jenner, what her sibs think of her new title, implying they might tease her about it. "Um, it's only when we we're in a group chat talking about we should go on a trip," Kylie replies (via the Daily Mail). "Kylie … question mark, are you gonna pay for it? But they're all really proud of me, for sure." Ellen asks if they "really expect you to pay for all of the stuff?," to which Kris assures the host. "No, they don't really," before joking, "Just my stuff."
Justin Bieber defends his loving post about Hailey Baldwin
"Unfollow me if you don't like what I post." So said a clearly annoyed Justin Bieber on Instagram this week after one of his followers blasted him for gushing about his love for his wife, Hailey Bieber. Justin originally posted a photo of Hailey on his Instagram Story and feed on Thursday, Sept. 5. "No makeup…like what??" he captioned the shot, which showed Hailey seated in a chair before a mirror looking lovely. "Making a girl blush over here," Hailey replied in the comments. Not all the comments were so receptive, though. "You don't need to do this," one user replied (via Us Weekly ). "If you really love each other, just live and enjoy it without trying to presume to appear or force someone else to see that 'YOU'RE IN LOVE.'" Cue Bieber's Defensive Husband mode: "Honouring your wife publicly is actually such an amazing respectful thing to do," he told the user. "It's not only reassuring to her it's also a way of giving people something to look forward to. I'm not forcing it down anyone's throat, YOU follow ME. Should I not make songs about loving my wife or being in love or is that shoving down my love for her down your throat too. This is my life." He then told the user to unfollow him if he didn't like the singer's post — in other words, take a hike, buddy.
Duchess Meghan travels without Archie for the first time
Duchess Meghan just embarked on her first trip without her son, Archie, since she and Prince Harry welcomed him back in May. That's according to an ET source who reports Meghan flew alone to New York City this week so she could support her close friend, Serena Williams, when she takes on Bianca Andreescu in the Finals at the U.S. Open on Saturday, Sept. 7. The new mom, who made multiple appearances at Serena's Wimbledon matches, reportedly flew on a commercial plane while Harry stayed behind. The royal couple is preparing to travel together to Africa and hope to bring Archie along for part of the 10-day trip.
Kendall Jenner reveals which of her sisters' exes she likes the most
Kendall Jenner stopped by "The Tonight Show" on Thursday, Sept. 5, and while her appearance was pegged to Fashion Week and the new season of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians," Jimmy Fallon also made some time to squeeze a little gossip out of his guest. During a game of "Pour It Out," in which Kendall and Jimmy got a list of questions to answer, after which they could either share the question or take a shot of booze. "Oh shoot," said Kendall, taking the first go (via E! News). "Scott," she said, adding, "like, Disick." "That question could be anything, but the answer's Scott Disick?" Jimmy clarified. Rather than take the shot, Kendall shared the question: "Which of your sisters' exes do you like the most?" A good auntie response for her nephews and niece, Mason, Penelope and Reign Disick, though perhaps not much of a contest, given the other options …
Kirsten Dunst, award-winning movie star, is afraid of public speaking
Turns out Kirsten Dunst, a woman who's worked in the limelight since childhood, is afraid of speaking in public. During a chat with Jimmy Kimmel on Thursday, Sept. 5, Kristen revealed she "had a week of anxiety" before her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony at the end of last month. "I'd wake up and I could barely eat. I just get nervous," she said (via People). "I hate public speaking." She had a good support system at her side, including her fiance, Jesse Plemmons and her close pal, Sofia Coppola, but for perhaps understandable reasons, she was still worried. "It was me, Jesse, and Sofia Coppola. We all hate public speaking so it was the worst people to ask, of all time, to talk," she continued. "[We were] all terrified speakers." In addition to being generally emotional — she said she cried when she saw her publicist –Kirsten explained, "It's all your friends and family and it's this big historical thing but also, it's really hot, there's choppers above our head and tourists walking by." Ennis, the 1-year-old son Kirsten shares with Jesse, was there, too, as was her grandfather. But it was likely Jesse who ultimately calmed her nerves — if anyone did. "Aside from the brilliant actor you are, I've also had the even greater pleasure of getting to know you as a person outside of work," he said while introducing her at the podium that day. "Seeing the kind of mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and cohort you are is why I and all of your friends and everyone else are here today and why we all love you. It's for the incredibly generous and amazing person that you are," he continued. "You are truly one of a kind and the best woman I know. I'm truly so lucky to have you in my life, and Hollywood Boulevard is so lucky to have you on its sidewalks." In another news, we nominate Jesse Plemmons for fiance of the year …
Kanye West buys a ranch in Wyoming
Last spring, Kanye West seemed to find inspiration in the $5,000-a-night mountaintop home he rented in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, as a work space for five new albums he had in the hopper. According to TMZ, the rapper, producer and designer recently took his affection for Wyoming one step further by buying for a large piece of land about four hours north west (ahem) of Jackson Hole, outside the town of Cody. The property — listed for $14 million (though KKanye reportedly paid less) — includes a ranch called Monster Lake, which sits on 4,500 acres that 'Ye now owns. He's also reportedly leased another 4,500 acres from the government, making it a prime potential spot for more of the dome living structures his neighbors have been less-than-happy about on his property in Calabasas, Calif. The Wyoming ranch boasts eight "lodging units," according to TMZ, as well as two fresh water lakes, a restaurant, an event center and facilities to host meetings. The "monster" reference appears to be a nod to the ranch's reputation for "monster trout" fishing. A fan site recently posted video of Kanye riding around on the property in an ATV.
Zooey Deschanel and Jacob Pechenik split
Zooey Deschanel and film producer Jacob Pechenik are calling time on their marriage of four years. "After much discussion and a long period of contemplation we have decided we are better off as friends, business partners and co-parents rather than life partners," the couple told JustJared in a statement on Friday, Sept. 6. "We remain committed to our business, our values, and most of all, our children. Thank you for respecting our privacy at this time." Zooey and Jacob share a daughter, 4-year-old Elsie, and son, 2-year-old Charlie. Together, they operate a food startup called the Farm Project, an organization that "empowers initiatives that reconnect people with food," according to the company's website. The former couple married in 2015, a few months after confirming their engagement.
Chance the Rapper and Kirsten Corley welcome their second child
Congrats are in order for Chance the Rapper and his wife, Kristen Corley! The couple announced on Instagram on Friday, Sept. 6, that they are now a family of four. "Our sweet baby girl, Marli, is here," Kristen captioned a shot of the infant, who was clad in a cute onesie that read, "I am who he says I am." Marli joins big sis Kensli, 3. The girls' parents tied the knot in a civil ceremony in December 2018, then made their vows official at a second ceremony before friends and family this year.