The swamps of Louisiana are a little quieter this week as the Swamp People family and fans mourn the death of Junior Edwards—a man many called one of the greatest alligator hunters of all time.

The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Junior’s grandson, “Lil” Willie Edwards, in an emotional Facebook post on Saturday, July 26. While the exact age and cause of death have not yet been made public, it was earlier revealed that Junior had been struggling with his health in recent months.

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Rest easy pawpaw,” Willie began his tribute. “I know [you’re] probably running your hoop nets or doing something crazy inside those pearly gates.”

“You will be extremely missed pawpaw. We love you more than anything!!! Until we meet again.

The emotional tribute has struck a chord with fans of the long-running History Channel series, who knew Junior as a gruff, fearless, and deeply traditional outdoorsman. Junior made his debut on Swamp People in 2010, appearing alongside his son, Willie Edwards, and later his grandson. His deep knowledge of the swamp, old-school hunting methods, and iconic catchphrases made him a household name.

Another castmate, Ashley “Deadeye” Jones, took to Instagram to share her grief.

The world lost a legend! Mr. Junior Edwards passed away! Please be in prayer for the family!”

“He was one of the greatest alligator hunters there is! A real hardcore outdoorsman! I watched this man bring in MONSTER gators at Duffy’s Gas Station in Pierre Part, LA,” she added, posting a worn-out selfie with Junior. “Glad we took a second for a pic!

Born and raised in the bayous of Louisiana, Junior Edwards represented a fading American tradition—the swamp lifestyle handed down through generations. Swamp People, the docuseries by History Channel has followed these families for 15 seasons, showing their seasonal gator hunts and deep family values. The series chronicles descendants of French Canadian refugees who settled in Louisiana and made their living wrestling reptiles in murky waters.

Junior’s presence was missed after he left the show in 2015, but he made a surprise return in Season 12 (2021), teasing fans with a humorous post:

Surprise… look who’s back.

That comeback reminded viewers why they loved him. Gritty, unfiltered, and always passionate about the wild, he was never just a TV personality—he was the real deal.

While many TV stars fade from memory, Junior’s legacy is different. His impact stretched beyond entertainment. He stood for a lifestyle—resilient, self-reliant, raw. And in doing so, he earned the respect not only of those who hunt gators but of viewers around the globe.

Fans across social media are now posting their condolences, sharing memories of watching him on screen and even meeting him in person at gas stations, trade shows, and community events.

With no official details yet shared about funeral arrangements or cause of death, the Edwards family has asked for privacy and prayers during this time. But one thing is clear: Junior Edwards won’t just be remembered—he’ll be celebrated.

The bayou has lost a legend, but heaven just gained a true swamp warrior.

Hollywood actress and humanitarian Ashley Judd has once again proven that true power lies in authenticity. On July 22, 2025, the 56-year-old stunned fans not with makeup or glamor, but with a bathing suit, a jellyfish, and three brave words: “I don’t care.”

While vacationing near the Baltic Sea, Judd posted a now-viral Instagram video in a simple one-piece swimsuit, exuding the kind of raw confidence that rarely finds space in today’s curated digital world. What followed was a profound message — about aging, menopause, body acceptance, and the joyful rebellion of embracing your inner child.

“Hi, I’m Ashley and I am a member of the ‘We Don’t Care Club,’” she declared in the video, laughing while wading through the cold waters. Judd openly talked about “chafing,” “cellulite,” and what she affectionately called a “hungry bum,” adding with a grin, “I don’t care.” This isn’t just cheeky fun — it’s a call to dismantle harmful norms and celebrate imperfection.

The We Don’t Care Club isn’t just a concept Judd tossed out; it was created by Melani Sanders, a content creator promoting body neutrality and emotional liberation. Judd embraced it fully, declaring herself not just a proud participant, but also a co-founder of the equally whimsical MSU Club — short for “Make Stuff Up.”

“It’s for our inner children,” Judd explained while cradling a non-stinging jellyfish, her voice light and childlike. “And if I make something up, and it’s not scientifically correct, I really don’t care.”

While Judd’s message might sound humorous on the surface, it carries layers of social commentary. Her candid video criticizes how society treats women’s bodies, especially those of postmenopausal women. As Judd wrote in her caption, “Menopause is human biology. Universal. And beautiful.”

And she’s not new to pushing boundaries.

The Double Jeopardy star has been outspoken about her journey since losing her mother, Naomi Judd, in April 2022. Following the tragedy, Judd suffered weight gain and a second leg fracture — one of multiple in recent years. Yet, through it all, her message stayed the same: “I don’t care what people think of me.”

In a 2022 interview with Dr. Jonathan Flint, she opened up: “You try being a once ultra-fit woman who’s 54 and put on some weight. That is going to spark some very sexist conversation… but it’s none of my business what people think.”

Her Instagram caption this week echoed the same sentiment but was laced with joy. “I bask in the unselfconscious being-ness of my True Self,” she wrote. “My Inner Child is free to emerge.”

The video wasn’t all talk — Judd demonstrated playful “water tricks” including a hair flip, backflip, belly flop, and even a handstand. Each act was a metaphor for reclaiming joy, especially for women burdened by the pressures of aging gracefully in silence.

Judd challenged followers to reflect:

“If you let yourself be free, how would your True Self & Inner Child spend your Carefree Timelessness?”

The actress’s refusal to conform has struck a nerve — and a chord. Thousands of women in the comments applauded Judd’s bravery, thanking her for sharing what so many feel but rarely say. Comments like “You just healed something in me,” and “Thank you for letting me feel seen,” flooded her post.

In a society that remains obsessed with youth and perfection, Judd’s decision to post unfiltered, cellulite-proud content is nothing short of revolutionary.

Her activism isn’t just digital. Judd is a long-time UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador, a voice for gender equality, and has spoken at the World Economic Forum about topics ranging from child sexual abuse to mental health.

She has also taken part in documentaries, authored books, and championed various social justice causes. Yet, it may be this swimsuit video — simple, silly, and sincere — that leaves one of her most lasting impressions.

What began as a casual vacation clip has now sparked conversations about the freedom of aging, letting go, and how to care less about approval and more about joy.

As Judd concluded, “Into the Sea for me, to splash & play.”
A perfect metaphor for shedding shame — and diving straight into self-love.

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In a nostalgic celebration of Australian music history, Triple J has crowned the 1987 hit “Never Tear Us Apart” by INXS as the greatest Australian song of all time — and the internet can’t stop buzzing. With over 2.6 million votes, this monumental Hottest 100 of Australian Songs poll has ignited debates, tears, and a nationwide musical reflection.

The poll, broadcast on Saturday by the government-funded youth radio station, was open to Australian songs from any decade. Unlike the annual Hottest 100 which focuses on songs of the year, this special edition was a one-time tribute to Australia’s musical legacy, and the outcome has made waves both locally and abroad.

The Legacy of ‘Never Tear Us Apart’

Originally released in 1987, “Never Tear Us Apart” became a global sensation for INXS, a band that had already made its mark on international charts. Penned by the band’s iconic frontman, Michael Hutchence (Wikipedia), the emotional ballad was written for his then-girlfriend and is remembered for its haunting saxophone solo and Hutchence’s desperate, soul-wrenching vocals.

Despite a rich catalog of international hits, this song stands out for Australians — not just for its sonic brilliance but the emotional chords it struck across generations.

“It’s the kind of track that you don’t just hear—you feel,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Who Did INXS Beat to Get There?

INXS didn’t win by default. The competition was fierce.

• Hilltop Hoods (Wikipedia) came second with their 2013 hit “The Nosebleed Section” — a platinum-selling Aussie hip-hop anthem that continues to define the genre.
• The Veronicas’ (Wikipedia) emotionally charged pop banger “Untouched” claimed third.
• Beloved singer-songwriter Missy Higgins (Wikipedia) ranked fourth with “Scar.”
• And Crowded House, led by Neil Finn (Wikipedia), took fifth with “Don’t Dream It’s Over.”

While Crowded House is often debated due to Finn’s New Zealand origin, their formation in Melbourne keeps them rooted in Aussie hearts.

Cold Chisel, Powderfinger, Gotye: The Decades Collide

Triple J’s special countdown highlighted a diverse cross-section of Australian music across eras:

• Cold Chisel (Wikipedia) had two songs in the top 10 — “Flame Trees” and “Khe Sanh.”
• Powderfinger (Wikipedia) made the list with “My Happiness.”
• Paul Kelly’s (Wikipedia) iconic “How To Make Gravy” and Gotye’s (Wikipedia) collaboration with Kimbra (Wikipedia), “Somebody That I Used to Know,” were also high on the list.

Despite being a retrospective poll, the 2000s surprisingly had the most songs included — suggesting younger voters’ loyalty still leans into the nostalgic digital era.

Prime Minister Albanese Weighs In

Even the country’s political leader had an opinion. Anthony Albanese (Wikipedia) publicly revealed his top picks, including Midnight Oil’s (Wikipedia) protest anthem “Beds Are Burning,” which landed at No. 18. Other favorites included tracks by Spiderbait, You Am I, and The Go-Betweens.

“This isn’t just a poll. It’s a cultural snapshot,” Albanese said in a weekend interview. “It tells you who we are, who we’ve loved, and where we’ve come from musically.”

But Not Everyone Is Celebrating

Ben Lee (Wikipedia), whose 1999 song “Cigarettes Will Kill You” came in at No. 83, took to Instagram with a thought-provoking post.

“This Hottest 100 of Australian Songs feels like a band-aid,” he said. “We need a bigger conversation about Triple J’s real role in developing Australian music talent.”

He argued that the main Hottest 100 each year should be exclusively for Australian songs, as international music already dominates most global charts and platforms.

A Poll That Sparked A Movement?

Lachlan Macara, the head of Triple J, acknowledged that the January 2025 poll (which featured just 29 Australian songs out of 100) sparked discomfort. “We have some big things cooking,” he promised earlier this year, vowing stronger support for homegrown artists struggling against algorithm-based platforms.

Triple J’s initiative seems to have worked. With over 2.65 million votes — the fourth-biggest response in Triple J Hottest 100 history — it’s clear the public was ready for a musical reckoning. While Millennials and Gen X made the poll go viral on Instagram, it was 18 to 29-year-olds who cast the most votes.

Final Thoughts: Music that Tells Our Story

Music is more than entertainment — it’s emotional memory, it’s national identity. And for Australians, “Never Tear Us Apart” is now an official cultural emblem.

Whether you grew up on Michael Hutchence’s voice or danced to Gotye and Kimbra in high school, this poll has proven one thing: Australia’s musical roots are deep, diverse, and powerfully resonant.

As we reflect on this incredible countdown, the question remains: will the next generation of Australian artists get the same love and recognition? That’s a story yet to be written — but it starts with us tuning in, voting, and supporting local music.

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