Goodbye to an Icon

A tribute to my legendary friend. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( July 22, 2023 The news of Tony Bennett's death was tough, but today we're celebrating his full life with a look back at [my in-depth interview with this music legend](. Then we'll pivot to a younger generation of entertainers with [Cynthia Nixon's thoughts on the actors' strike](. We've also got [an eye-popping story about Barbie](, a recipe for [the perfect lunchtime salad](, and a list of [the books I've been bringing to the beach](. Thanks for waking up with us!   Goodbye to an Icon [Condoms and birth control pills]( Tony Bennett performs alongside Sammy Davis Jr. in 1960. (Getty Images) Tony Bennett, a music legend whom I was lucky enough to call a friend, has sadly died at 96 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016. His one-of-a-kind career stretched from his first recordings in the 1950s to his most recent collaboration with Lady Gaga in 2021. One of my favorite memories with Tony was [this special interview that I'll never forget](, in which we discussed his childhood, his inspirations, and his incredible collaborations. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FCu-GPgJxoff%2F   More Stories [A line of Barbies in different outfits]( Getty Images All dolled up: America's most famous toy is literally everywhere right now — and despite how much we've been talking about her, there's still more to unpack about this iconic doll. Our list of [6 things you didn't know about Barbie]( will astonish even the most dedicated fans. About your brain: Tony Bennett's passing is only one of the reasons cognitive diseases have been on our minds this week. New data that revealed [the 10 states where Alzheimer's is most common]( in residents 65 and up has given us plenty to think about — and if the news has motivated you to take action, we've also got advice about [the best foods for brain health](. Record scratch: Are you caught up on the Jason Aldean drama? We'll explain [the controversial country song everyone is talking about]( — and the complicated debate about what messages are appropriate to promote in popular music. Call the swat team: Ah, summer — the season of blood-suckers. If you've been covered in itchy bites lately, you'll definitely want to read this explanation of [whether mosquitoes really like some people more than others](.   In Conversation [Cynthia Nixon speaks at a rally for the WGA's strike]( Getty Images The powerful unions representing actors and writers are still on strike, and Hollywood has been ground to a halt. [I spoke to Cynthia Nixon](, award-winning actress and accomplished political advocate, about what she and her colleagues are demanding and why the outcome of these negotiations is so important to creative artists around the country. [SEE OUR INTERVIEW](   Saturday Spotlight [Katie Couric taking a bite of salad]( I Tried It! How does this famously fancy salad stack up when it's made in your own kitchen? I'm giving it a spin — and sharing the recipe. [Read More »]( [Jay Z]( It's a Hard Knock Life The CEO of the Brooklyn Library peels back the curtain on a stunning and expansive Jay-Z exhibit that you don't want to miss. [Read More »]( [Jane Fonda through the years]( Star Power From the details of a pricey divorce to the scandal that defined her for decades, we answer the most common questions about Jane Fonda. [Read More »](   I'm Obsessed! [Katie Couric in a colorful dress]( KCM This week's list of [everything I'm loving right now]( is a real doozy! It includes eight book recommendations, two recipes I'm excited to try, [my new favorite swimsuit](, and so much more. There's really nothing better than sharing the things that bring you joy, is there? [SEE ALL MY PICKS](   We Can Fix That The problem: The perfect rug ties your entire room together, but when you spill a little something on it, cleanup is one of the biggest household headaches. The solution: Forget the steam cleaner — [the washable rugs from Ruggable]( can go straight into the laundry (without destroying your beloved decor). And right now, you can get 20% off everything on the site with code BDAY23. [START SHOPPING](   Serious Savings [Jackets from Barbour]( KCM/Nordstrom We're definitely not experiencing the kind of weather you want to bundle up in, but with bargains this big, it's worth forecasting your wardrobe for the winter. You can currently snag $130 off [this timeless women's jacket from Barbour]( — and you'll save almost as much on [the men's version](, too. [LET'S GET SHOPPING]( P.S.: There's a lot more where this came from — and we're sharing the most spectacular savings in tomorrow's edition of The Shop Edit. [Sign up right here]( to make sure you don't miss a thing.   Before You Go... In these divisive times, it can be tough to know how to leave a positive mark on your community — and to make it truly last. [This genius (and beautiful) idea for spreading positivity]( is simple, meaningful, and delightfully silly, too. (But don't worry: You don't have to wear the costume.)   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.](   Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you next week! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. 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