The latest news on today's hottest celebrities ...
ANNE McCAFFREY: Fantasy novelist Anne McCaffrey has died at her home in County Wicklow, Ireland, shortly after suffering a stroke, her publishers said. She was 85.
The author of the popular Dragonriders of Pern series of books died Monday. She is survived by two sons and a daughter.
"Surrounded by the reassuring presence of family and close friends, her passing was swift and without suffering," her family said in a statement released by Del Rey Books and Random House. "We, her children, are hugely comforted by the outpouring of sympathy flowing now from all over the world. Our mother's talent was known to countless fans. Yet her greatest gift to us all has to have been her enormous heart. That she was able to touch so many with her tender and loving heart is the greatest source of pride we will forever enjoy. Words cannot express how grateful we are to the universe of her admirers, whose heartfelt condolences beguile us in our grief, which pales beside the joy we know Anne McCaffrey brought to so many people."
ROBIN GIBB: British singer-songwriter Robin Gibb said on his Web site Wednesday he is "on the road to recovery" after a recent hospitalization.
Gibb did not offer specific details regarding his ailment or treatment, but weekend media reports said he is suffering from liver cancer.
"I wish to thank my family, friends and fans and the many thousands of people who do not know me but have enjoyed Bee Gees music and have wished me well," the 61-year-old former Bee Gees band member said in his online message. "I am very touched by your love, kindness and support. ... It is humbling and I take your prayers and good wishes for my health very seriously. I have been very unwell and am now on the road to recovery, and your prayers and wishes are a great tonic to me. I believe because of you I will get well and my deepest love goes out to you all."
Britain's The Sunday Mirror quoted an anonymous family friend as saying Gibb was diagnosed with liver cancer months ago.
"Robin is not good and there is a lot of concern for him," the unidentified insider told the newspaper.
"There is frustration because Robin has always looked after himself. He doesn't drink, eats well and exercises daily."
He was treated for abdominal pain and inflammation of the colon last week, Gibb's Web site said.
JACK WAGNER: Jack Wagner's publicist says the American soap opera star and singer is looking into a 23-year-old woman's claim she is his daughter.
The former "General Hospital" and "Melrose Place" regular recently was in the news after he and actress Heather Locklear broke off their engagement.
E! Online reported a woman identified as Kerry approached Wagner and told him her story before he was to perform with Rick Springfield at a concert in Boca Raton, Fla.
Wagner's representative told the celebrity news Web site the 52-year-old actor has embraced the young woman and hired private investigators to help determine who her biological parents are.
"[The] two reuniting is a wonderful story," the representative told E! Online, adding they are expected to spend Thanksgiving together.
The "Bold and the Beautiful" cast member was previously married to actress Kristina Wagner from 1993 to 2006. They have two sons together.
GEORGE MICHAEL: British pop star George Michael has postponed this week's concerts in Europe while he is being treated for pneumonia, the BBC said Wednesday.
The 48-year-old singer has been performing with a symphony orchestra on his Symphonica tour since August.
He was due to appear in Vienna Monday, but fell ill shortly before he was to take the stage. He was transported to Vienna's AKH hospital where he is being treated, the BBC said.
Michael's scheduled shows this week in Strasbourg, France, and Cardiff, Wales, are expected to be rescheduled, the British broadcaster said.
