Billy McKnight says ex-girlfriend Mindy McCready's suicide 'not a major shock'
HEBER SPRINGS, Ark., Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Singer Billy McKnight says the suicide of country star Mindy McCready, his ex-girlfriend, at her Arkansas home was not "a major shock."
The former couple had fought for years over custody of their 6-year-old son Zander, who was placed in foster care along with his 10-month-old brother Zayne, this month. McCready's family said she had been drinking and using drugs again, and wasn't caring for her children.
The baby's father, McCready's then-fiance David Wilson, was found dead of a gunshot wound in January. McCready denied any involvement in his death, which remains under investigation.
McCready, 37, died of an apparent self-inflected gunshot wound Sunday afternoon. She reportedly shot her dog before she killed herself.
"As sad as it is, it didn't come as a major shock," McKnight said on the "Today" show Monday.
"She's just been battling demons for so long," he said. "I was around her when she attempted suicide twice, so I knew it was in her. ... I feel for her mother and her family and especially my son."
McKnight said he wants Zander to live with him.
"He needs to come home," he said, adding, "I don't know what is going to happen to Zayne."
'Survivor' winners Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca break up
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. reality television stars Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca said Monday they have broken up after a decade as a couple.
Zohn, 38, and Morasca, 32, met after she won "Survivor: Amazon" and he was crowned champion of "Survivor: Africa." They subsequently competed together on "The Amazing Race" and headlined their own show, "Everyday Health."
Zohn recently underwent successful treatment for Hodgkins lymphoma.
"It is with much consideration and a heavy heart that we are announcing that after 10 years of a loving relationship, the decision was made to move on without each other," the couple said in an exclusive statement to People.com Monday.
"We will carry with us the memories of a relationship grounded in love, laughter, support and friendship," the statement said.
"We have experienced some of life's greatest joys and toughest challenges together and our decision to be apart can never diminish that. We want to thank everyone for their support and we ask that our privacy be respected as we move forward."
Actress Lindsay Lohan's father, Michael, penning memoir
BOCA RATON, Fla., Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Media personality Michael Lohan, the estranged father of troubled starlet Lindsay Lohan, is penning a memoir, said his collaborators in Florida.
The elder Lohan has engaged the South Florida firm TransMedia Group and its founder Tom Madden to co-write and publicize his book, "I'm Not Your Daddy Dearest ... If I Can Turn My Life Around, So Can You."
"So much of the press Lohan receives misfires as it characterizes him as 'a drug-abusing, felonious stock trader' as opposed to the decent, honorable guy I know," Madden said in a statement Monday. "Readers of his tell-all memoir will meet a very different Michael Lohan -- the real one."
Michael Lohan is a frequent guest on reality and talk shows. He made headlines last month when his on-and-off girlfriend Kate Major gave birth to their son.
He also has four children, including Lindsay, with his ex-wife Dina Lohan, and DNA tests proved in November he fathered Ashley Horn during an extramarital affair nearly two decades ago.
Sarah Michelle Gellar and Robin Williams set for sitcom pilot
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Sarah Michelle Gellar and Robin Williams are to star in the pilot for a U.S. workplace comedy called "Crazy Ones," EW.com reported.
Written and produced by David E. Kelly, the show is about a father and daughter who run an advertising agency together.
Gellar starred on the iconic supernatural series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
Williams is an Oscar-winning actor and stand-up comedian. His film credits include "Good Morning, Vietnam," "Good Will Hunting," "Dead Poets Society," "Awakenings" and "The Birdcage."
