Mavericks Frontman Raul Malo Dies at 60, Sheinelle Jones Joins Jenna Bush Hager as Today Co-Host, Confessions of a Shopaholic Author Sophie Kinsella Dies at 55
National Lager Day and Human Rights Day are recognized
From The LifeMinute.tv Team
December 10, 2025
Mavericks frontman Raul Malo Dies at 60 from complications of colon cancer
The charismatic frontman and co-founder of the Grammy-winning band The Mavericks, died Monday at the age of 60 due to complications from colon cancer. His illness later progressed to leptomeningeal disease (LMD), a rare and incurable condition in which cancer spreads to the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Malo first disclosed his colon cancer diagnosis in June 2024. By September 2025, he shared the difficult news that the disease had advanced to LMD. Born Raúl Francisco Martínez-Malo Jr. in 1965 in Miami to Cuban immigrant parents, he went on to form The Mavericks in 1989 alongside bassist Robert Reynolds and drummer Paul Deakin. The group became known for its signature blend of classic country, Cuban and Mexican influences, rockabilly, and pop—an innovative sound that distinguished them within American music. Their genre-spanning style earned them a Grammy Award in 1996 for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for the song “Here Comes the Rain.” Malo leaves behind a profound legacy as a pioneering voice in both American and Latin music, celebrated for his incomparable vocals, fearless creativity, and decades-long influence across genres.
Confessions of a Shopaholic author Sophie Kinsella dies at 55 from brain cancer
Beloved British author Sophie Kinsella, best known for her New York Times–bestselling Confessions of a Shopaholic, has died at the age of 55 following a private battle with glioblastoma. Her family announced the heartbreaking news today in a statement shared on her Instagram account. “We can’t imagine what life will be like without her radiance and love of life. Despite her illness, which she bore with unimaginable courage, Sophie counted herself truly blessed—to have such wonderful family and friends, and to have had the extraordinary success of her writing career. She took nothing for granted and was forever grateful for the love she received,” the statement read. Kinsella’s Confessions of a Shopaholic was adapted into a successful 2009 film starring Isla Fisher, bringing her endearing heroine to an even wider audience. Her Shopaholic series went on to sell more than 45 million copies worldwide and helped define the “chick lit” genre, cementing Kinsella as a cherished and influential voice in women’s fiction.
Sheinelle Jones to replace Hoda Kotb as Jenna Bush Hager's permanent Today show co-host
NBC has named veteran journalist Sheinelle Jones as Jenna Bush Hager’s new permanent Today show co-host, following nearly a year of rotating guests after Hoda Kotb’s departure. Announcing the news, Bush Hager said she was “thrilled” to begin “a brand-new journey” with Jones, praising her as an extraordinary broadcaster who embodies the spirit of the show. With her warm, engaging presence and extensive live-TV experience, Jones brings a fresh yet familiar dynamic to the popular morning program.
Today’s holidays:
National Lager Day, Human Rights Day, Nobel Prize Day, Dewey Decimal System Day.
In today’s birthday news:
Actress Susan Dey 73, actor Kenneth Branagh 65, celebrity chef Bobby Flay 61, Dinosaur Jr. frontman J Mascis 60, White Stripes drummer Meg White 51, actress Emmanuelle Chriqui 50, actress Raven-Symoné 40, actress Melissa Roxburgh 33.