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Does this family ever get any rest from mourning? They lost Eunice Kennedy Shriver two weeks ago and now… iconic senator Ted Kennedy lost his battle with brain cancer.

Here’s the thing about paparazzi parenting or, in this case, surrogate parenting in the spotlight as the patriarch of the Kennedy family. Then look at all of the tragedies over the years that have impacted their lives. Ted lost his brothers Joseph, John, and Bobby. When JFK, Jr. passed away 10 years ago, it was Ted Kennedy who took the reigns as the surrogate parent. He was the one who kept the family intact, released the family statements, dealt with the press, and kept a firm upper lip to be strong for the family. Sure, their family has endured a lot of triumphs as well, but it always seems unfortunate when tragedies occur to them. For a longer, more formal tribute, be sure to read the obituary in The New York Times. For purposes of this blog, let’s focus on surrogate parenting.

As we look at Americana, royalty, and the very fabric of our culture, it’s embedded with the Kennedy’s. Whether you’re a fan of them or not, whether you’re a right or left winger, there’s no denying the indelible stamp their family’s legacy has left on our nation’s history, politics, and government.

So, as our country mourns the fallen senator, let’s not forget: a parental role in the spotlight can indeed be done with dignity, grace, and even when it’s not your own children you’re protecting. To quote another senator, as in Hillary Rodham Clinton, “It takes a village.” Amen!

As you heard of the passing of the late senator, what thoughts came to mind? Were you like me in not being able to name any other senators by name other than the one from your home state and Massachusetts? Or perhaps you were thinking about the Kennedy family and how they each left their mark and place in history? Or how at least this Kennedy got to endure a long life to see his hair become gray and see the younger members of the family become adults? Let’s discuss.

Okay, now if you’re like me and grew up in the ’80s, you know this for sure: it would not have been the same without John Hughes’ movies. Weird Science, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off! You name it, the teen angst was there along with classic lines like, “If he gets up, we’ll all get up, it’ll be anarchy!”

Ah, the teenage years. So my provoking thought to you is this: perhaps John was a surrogate parent to all of us during that time. Check that – more like a super cool uncle who “got” our generation. When I heard the immensely talented writer and director passed away the other day, I was immediately saddened. And then, almost instantly, celebratory in honor of his work! Perhaps he served as the talented, surrogate, cool uncle to our generation when you truly think about it. I remember seeing Ferris in the movie theater. I recall having classmates talk about The Breakfast Club in homeroom the Monday after seeing the film for the first time. Or how about watching Sixteen Candles at a sleepover party, hoping your first boyfriend would definitely be a hottie like Jake? I think Pretty in Pink inspired me to create vintage jewelry and, for sure, long for a friend like Duckie.

Although we didn’t hear a lot about his work in recent years, we can all relate to the fun flicks Hughes created and with which we connected. My friends, this is where Hollywood seems real.

It’s not about the superficial celebrity stuff. It’s not about who wore what, where they ate, or who they’re dating. Shouldn’t it truly be about substance? Maybe it’s because I’m not starstruck when I interview celebs and instead focus on the neat project they’re promoting or working on as they go from gig to gig transforming themselves, stretching their abilities. Quality work with a message, with a story, with a compelling tale to share? John Hughes seemed to epitomize this as he made movies for his audience instead of big box office suits.

So, as we lost a talented member of the creative Tinseltown circle this past week, what type of role did he play to you? Was it a pseudo paparazzi parent? Distant cousin perhaps? Or maybe, just maybe, the uber-cool uncle.

The King of Pop. Michael Jackson. The man, the myth, the legend. As I concoct this blog while watching the memorial ceremony being held at the Staples Center, of course you gotta’ think about his kids. The custody battle. The estate. And ah yes, where his former significant other fits into all of this.

Thrust into the spotlight once again, Debbie Rowe, the mother of his two oldest children is being HOUNDED (and I do mean hounded) by the press. You gotta wonder where she fits into the puzzle of his estate pie? Where she fits into the parenting conundrum? Did she know what she was getting into by giving birth to two of his children in terms of the glaring media spotlight?

In any event, you gotta have some compassion for this woman in terms of privacy. Or in this case, lack thereof. While her attorney indicated she will not be present at the memorial, there’s good reason: she’ll mourn his loss in private. Same holds true for Elizabeth Taylor as she was quoted as saying she, too, had planned to grieve in private.

In any event, what are your thoughts? Feeling like Debbie Rowe deserves an ounce of privacy or perhaps no – when she “signed on” as his baby mama she knew what type of paparazzi hounding she was getting herself into?

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She’s only three years old, but little Matilda Ledger is in queue to add a gold male accessory to her toy chest. Check that: an Oscar, darling.

While she won’t be adding it just yet – after all, the offspring of Michelle Williams and the late Heath Ledger must first turn 18 – the bittersweet award her father won for Best Supporting Actor will be hers to cherish forever.

The scene was the 81st Academy Awards. There didn’t seem to be a dry eye in the Kodak Theater. And rightly so. As he owned the character “Joker” in the Dark Knight, Ledger’s performance was infallible and downright frightening. His family accepted the award on his behalf and during the speech (was it just me or did Heath bear a striking resemblance to his dad?), the warmth of his family and solace in their words made it hard to believe it’s been one short year since Heath’s untimely death.

Even more unfathomable? Trying to figure out what new theatrical heights the deceased actor could have climbed. Now, as Michelle Williams forges ahead raising their daughter, Matilda, there is at least some comfort in hoping that his playful, mischievous, energetic ways will be embodied in her.

What do you think? Should Matilda get the Oscar or should perhaps his parents and sister get to enjoy it, too?