MINDY MCCREADY – is dead following an apparent suicide over the weekend. She was found on her home’s front porch from a self inflicted gunshot wound Sunday, Feb 17th. Mindy had been dealing with a host of mental illness and legal problems over the past few months, and had recently shown signs of improvement according to her father, who had been taking care of her as she was dealing with the suicide of her boyfriend just a few weeks prior to her own. She leaves behind two boys. MORE INFO HERE 

JASON ALDEAN - launches his fourth headlining tour in Bossier City, Louisiana on Thursday. All week, Jason has been in private tour rehearsals in Tupelo, Mississippi working out the final touches on the new set for the Night Train tour, which includes sold-out gigs at Boston’s Fenway Park, Chicago’s Wrigley Field, New York’s Madison Square Garden and the University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium. Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett will open on the tour. Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert and Kelly Clarkson perform on select dates. 

CARRIE UNDERWOOD - NBC’s Sound of Music remake starring Carrie Underwood has gotten the seal of approval from Julie Andrews. Julie starred as governess Maria in the original 1965 film and tells the Wall Street Journal it was time for a remake of the Rogers and Hammerstein classic. She says, “How long ago was it out? 50 something years ago? Probably time that a remake is allowed. It’s all part of the process of those wonderful properties going out and reaching another audience … I won’t be in it, but I do endorse everything.” Look for the 3-part special to air during the holidays this year.