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People in the news

By United Press International
Ann Curry stands with Matt Lauer and Al Roker before Kenny Chesney performs on the NBC Today Show at Rockefeller Center in New York City on June 22, 2012. UPI/John Angelillo
Ann Curry stands with Matt Lauer and Al Roker before Kenny Chesney performs on the NBC Today Show at Rockefeller Center in New York City on June 22, 2012. UPI/John Angelillo | License Photo

The latest news on today's hottest celebrities ...

PATTI PAGE: Grammy Award-winning singer Patti Page has died in Encinitas, Calif., said representatives for Seacrest Village Retirement Communities, where she lived.

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She was 85 when she died Tuesday, The New York Times said. The cause of her death was not immediately reported.

The recording artist was known for her 1950s hits, "With My Eyes Wide Open, I'm Dreaming," "Tennessee Waltz," "Old Cape Cod," "How Much is That Doggie in the Window?" and "Hush ... Hush, Sweet Charlotte." She continued to perform until she was in her 70s.

The Oklahoma native also served as the host of several short-lived TV series such as "Music Hall," "The Big Record" and "The Patti Page Show."

She appeared as well in the films "Elmer Gantry" and "Boys' Night Out."


ANN CURRY: U.S. broadcast journalist Ann Curry has formally asked NBC to release her from her contract so she can take an anchor job at CNN, RadarOnline reported.

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NBC demoted Curry last summer from "Today" show co-anchor to correspondent in an effort to shake things up after the popular morning program started to slip in the ratings.

"Ann wants out of her contract, big time," the website quoted an unnamed source as saying.

"She has formally asked her attorney to explore exit options from the network. However, NBC bosses have indicated they are unwilling to release Ann from the contract."

Radar said Curry's pact with NBC includes a non-compete clause, which prevents her from working at a competing news outlet for two years if she quits.

However, her lawyers contend NBC violated the terms of her contract by booting Curry out of the "Today" anchor's chair.

TVGuide.com said Curry is in line to fill the CNN time slot currently held by Anderson Cooper.

Cooper and the cable network recently announced his talk show would not return next season.


KRIS ALLEN: Season 8 "American Idol" winner Kris Allen broke his wrist and his pregnant wife, Katy Allen, suffered unspecified injuries in a car crash, MTV.com reported.

"Thank you @ford for equipping me with a car that kept my whole family @katyallen @ZorroPup and the little one we have on the way safe," Allen tweeted Tuesday.

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Despite being in the "really bad wreck," Allen still plans to kick off his upcoming Out Alive concert tour in Killington, Vt., next week, MTV.com said.

Allen's mother, Kimberley, tweeted a photo of the singer on a gurney, along with the message: "From Kris: he's in a lot of pain, arm broke, may not play guitar for a while. ... Prayers welcome please! #headoncollision."

Kimberley also said her son and daughter-in-law were "pretty beat up" in the collision.

MTV.com did not say how and where the accident happened, or if any other parties were involved.


BRITNEY SPEARS: U.S. pop star Britney Spears said via Twitter she is working on her eighth album, her first since 2011's "Femme Fatale."

The Grammy Award-winning singer tweeted during the weekend she is "working hard" on the new CD and "collaborating with some new inspiring producers."

She did not disclose the names of the producers, or a possible title or release date for the album.

Asked by a fan online if she will return for a second season as a judge on TV's "The X Factor," she tweeted, "Really focused on my music right now."

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