Parton, Oh, Biles and teachers named ‘People of the Year’
NEW YORK » People magazine has named Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, actor Sandra Oh, country icon Dolly Parton and the nation’s teachers as its “2021 People of the Year.”
“This year has been a transformative one, pushing us all to create something new and hopefully better for our lives,” the magazine said. “This issue reflects that spirt: Our People of the Year cover stars have all led the way in their fields to help make the world a little bit better.”
Parton was cited for giving away millions of books and supporting COVID-19 research.
Oh was celebrated for fighting anti-Asian hate and working on “transformative stories.”
People said Biles’ focus on mental health “redefined what it means to win in sports.”
And the nation’s more than 3 million teachers have “gone above and beyond to ensure our nation’s kids have bright opportunities ahead.”
The new issue hits newsstands today.
Last year, People named George Clooney, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Selena Gomez and Regina King as the “2020 People of the Year.”
Rockin’ around the Christmas tree: Rockefeller tree lit up
NEW YORK » The holly,
jolly, best time of the year got a light-filled launch on Wednesday, when the towering Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center was officially turned on.
The 79-foot Norway spruce, covered with more than 50,000 lights in a rainbow of colors and bearing a crystal-covered, 900-pound star, was lit in a midtown Manhattan ceremony again open to the public, in contrast with last year’s virusimpacted event.
The lighting was televised on NBC and hosted by NBC “Today” anchors Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Craig Melvin. Among the musical performances were Harry Connick Jr., Norah Jones, Brad Paisley and Alessia Cara. The high-kicking Radio City Rockettes were also part of the celebration.
This year’s tree came from Elkton, Md., where it stood for more than 80 years outside a family home.
The first Christmas tree was placed in Rockefeller Center by men working there in 1931.