Robin Gibb in coma in London hospital
Former Bee Gee Robin Gibb is in a coma after contracting pneumonia, a statement on his official website said Saturday.
The statement, which confirmed media reports that the singer was gravely ill, said “we are all hoping and praying that he will pull through.”
The Press Association news agency reported that family members including wife Dwina and brother Barry were at Gibb’s bedside in a London hospital.
Gibb’s son acknowledged that the 62-year-old musician is seriously ill in a hospital.
Gibb was hospitalized last year for stomach and colon problems.
He said earlier this year that he was making a good recovery, but had intestinal surgery last month and was forced to miss the London premiere of his classical “Titanic Requiem” last week because of illness.
Taxes a bother for Anderson, Richie
Pamela Anderson and Lionel Richie owe the government money.
California tax authorities said Anderson owes $524,241 in personal income taxes. The Franchise Tax Board included the “Baywatch” star on a list of the state’s 500 biggest income-tax delinquents posted Friday.
Meanwhile, E! Online reports that Richie owes the federal government $1.1 million in unpaid taxes and that a lien has been issued warning that the singer’s assets may be seized if he doesn’t pay up in a timely manner.
California law requires tax authorities to update and publish the names and amounts owed by the state’s 500 biggest tax scofflaws twice a year.
Madonna a fan of Malawi leader
Madonna said she’s happy that Malawi’s former vice president is now leading the country.
Joyce Banda became president on April 7 and is the country’s first female leader.
Madonna adopted two Malawian children and started the charity Raising Malawi in 2006.
The singer called Banda “amazing” and said she interviewed the 62-year-old for her 2008 documentary, “I Am Because We Are,” about Malawian orphans who lost family members to HIV/AIDS.
“She was really into girls being educated in Africa, which is a good thing,” Madonna said. “So I’m glad.”
The birthday bunch
Country singer Roy Clark is 79. Actor Michael Tucci (“Diagnosis Murder”) is 66. Actress Lois Chiles (“Austin Powers”) is 65. Actress Emma Thompson is 53. Actor Seth Rogen is 30. Actress Emma Watson (“Harry Potter” movies) is 22.