Reba stepping down from ACM host gig
Reba McEntire is ending her run as host of the Academy of Country Music Awards.
She’s stepping aside after a record 14 appearances. Her last two were with co-host Blake Shelton, who will return on the 2013 edition of the awards show.
McEntire first hosted the show in 1986 and gracefully guided its run every year since 1999, helping grow ratings. Academy CEO Bob Romeo said “we fully understand and support” McEntire’s decision to focus on her new television show “Malibu Country.” It is a new sitcom co-starring Lily Tomlin debuting in November.
No word on whether Shelton will have a co-host for next spring’s show in Las Vegas. But Romeo said “The Voice” star has “got something big up his sleeve” that will be announced soon.
Bryn Mawr to honor Patti Smith
Rock music veteran Patti Smith will be honored by Bryn Mawr College for her artistic accomplishments and pioneering spirit with a medal named for actress Katharine Hepburn.
The women’s liberal arts school near Philadelphia announced that Smith will receive the 2013 Katharine Hepburn Medal.
The college on Wednesday called Smith “a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of rock ’n’ roll.” She also wrote a critically acclaimed memoir in 2010.
The medal is given to women who embody “the intelligence, drive and independence” of the Oscar-winning college alumna for whom it is named.
Hepburn graduated from Bryn Mawr in 1928. Previous winners include actresses Lauren Bacall and Blythe Danner.
Witherspoon welcomes third child
Reese Witherspoon has given birth to her third child, naming him after a place close to her heart.
Witherspoon’s publicist, said Thursday that “Witherspoon and husband Jim Toth welcomed Tennessee James into their family today. Both mom and baby are healthy and the entire family is thrilled.”
The 36-year-old “Legally Blonde” and “Walk the Line” star lived in Tennessee when she was young.
Witherspoon is already a mom to Ava, 13, and Deacon, 8, from her prior marriage to Ryan Phillippe. Toth is an agent for Creative Artists Agency.
The birthday bunch
Actress Brigitte Bardot is 78. Singer Ben E. King is 74. Movie writer-director-actor John Sayles is 62. Actress-comedian Janeane Garofalo is 48. Actress Mira Sorvino is 45. TV personality Moon Zappa is 45. Actress Naomi Watts is 44. Rapper Young Jeezy is 35. Actress Hilary Duff is 25.