Desi Arnaz paid tribute to his ex-wife in a letter read just five days after his death

Desi Arnaz loved Lucille Ball right until the end.

The famed actor died on Dec. 2, 1986, but just two days before his death, he had a brief conversation on the phone with his ex-wife. Their daughter, Lucie Arnaz, was by her ailing father’s side when she called her famous mother, allowing the former husband and wife duo to have one final conversation.

“He was very, very sick. And I said, ‘I’m going to put him on the phone now, so say what you want to say,’ ” Lucie, 73, told CBS Sunday Morning. “And I just held the phone to his ear, and all I could hear her saying was, ‘I love you’, like five times in a row. And he listened, and he said, ‘I love you, too, honey.’ And then he said, ‘Good luck with your shows.’ ”

The day they last spoke was Nov. 30, which was their wedding anniversary, their daughter revealed.

Lucille, however, would get another surprise from her ex-husband just days later. As she was being celebrated at the Ninth Annual Kennedy Center Honors on Dec. 7, 1986, she discovered that Desi had written a tribute to her, which Robert Stack read on stage.

“I Love Lucy had just one mission: to make people laugh. Lucy gave it a rare quality,” the posthumous letter said. “She can perform the wildest, even the messiest, physical comedy without losing her feminine appeal. The New York Times asked me to divide the credit for its success between the writers, the directors and the cast. I told them, ‘Give Lucy 90% of the credit and divide the other 10% among the rest of us.’ “

“Lucy was the show. Viv, Fred and I were just props, damn good props, but props never the less,” the letter continued. “P.S.  I Love Lucy was never just a title.”

Clearly moved, the Three For Two actress was seen wiping tears away and getting emotional.

Lucille and Desi married in 1940, but the next few years were turbulent and filled with frequent fights, as he was routinely caught having affairs.

In chatting with CBS, however, their daughter argued that her father never had affairs of the heart.

“People say he had affairs. He never had an affair. He didn’t even know these dames’ names. They were hookers.” CBS correspondent Mo Rocca chimed in, asking, “They were transactional?”

“Yeah. He loved my mother, he loved his family,” Lucie replied. “It was a very unique, weird problem to have. And I think that’s the reason she stayed with him so long, is that she understood it. I don’t think I could do what she did, but somehow, at the time, with what they had, with what they needed from each other, they stuck it out as long as they could.”

Lucille and Desi ended their marriage and subsequently their hit television show, I Love Lucy, in 1960. Lucie was 8 years old at the time, and her younger brother Desi Jr. was 7.

Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball celebrate their Emmy in 1953.FPG/Getty

In the new book Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television, biographer Todd S. Purdum claimed that Lucille and Desi’s divorce was ruled invalid just hours after a judge signed it. According to Pardum, the couple was just one day away from officially divorcing when Desi gave the Stone Pillow actress a call, inviting her to a farewell dinner in Beverly Hills. The conversation went well, it seems, as Purdum writes that the two “wound up in bed.”

But the next morning, Lucille woke up in a frenzy, telling her estranged husband, “Oh, my God, I’m late,” before he asked, “Where are you going?”

“I told you, I’m divorcing you this morning,” Ball replied, before telling him she had to “go through with it,” knowing that press had gathered at the courthouse in anticipation.

“She went to court, got the divorce decree from the judge, and came right back and joined Desi in bed again — thus invalidating the breakup under California law, which had a one-year period banning cohabitation after a provisional decree,” Purdum writes. “Cuddled together, they read the afternoon papers announcing their split. After that, they went back to their Desilu ranch — and Desi started coming home on the weekends.”

The legendary actress died at age 77 on April 26, 1989.

OMG! I want this village! That old chapel is so cool! The earliest building dates back to the 18th century. They are located on 22 acres in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky. The property consists of ten cabins, including an old general store with commercial kitchen and bathrooms, an old chapel with stained glass and pews, a trapper’s cabin, blacksmith shop, post office, corn crib, salt house and cowboy bunkhouse.

The property is situated in the mountains of Renfro Valley. Lots of possibilities with this property! $350,000

Contact Victoria Caldwell with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Foster Realtors: 859-626-2578

From the Zillow listing:

Own your own piece of history! This unique property nestled in the mountains of Renfro Valley features 10 cabins. Among them, there is the General Store with a commercial kitchen and bathrooms; the Trapper’s cabin that was built in the 1700s; the Pennington, that has one bedroom, one bath, kitchen, and living room with a fireplace; and the 1800s Church with its beautiful stained glass windows. There is also a Blacksmith Shop, Post Office, Corn Crib, Salt House, School House, and the Cowboy Bunkhouse. With all of this on 22 +/- acres, the possibilities here are endless! Whether you want to run a store front, host weddings and events, own vacation rentals, or simply find a peaceful unique homestead, this beauty is for you!

This house looks like a diamond in the rough to me! Love that third floor space! This is in an interesting town! They have a fossil museum and fossil pit where you can hunt for fossils. The house was built in 1900. It is located on .78 acre in Aurora, North Carolina. The house features a covered front porch, wood floors, bead board, chair rails, baseboards, built-ins, tall ceilings, big windows, crown moulding, picture rails, french doors, spacious kitchen, sunroom and a great third floor space!

There is a detached storage shed and this house is within walking distance to the fossil museum. The house is a big one! Three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 4,500 square feet. $150,000

Contact Jennifer Theocles with Neuse Realty: 443-600-6560

From the Zillow listing:

Welcome to a rare opportunity in the heart of Aurora! This historic home, originally built around the turn of the century, blends timeless character with the potential for modern updates. with over 4,500+ square feet of living space. The residence offers multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, making it ideal for a large family, multi-generational living, or those who love to entertain. Step inside and you will find soaring ceilings, generous room sizes, and charming architectural details that speak to its 19th-century craftsmanship. Large windows flood the interior with natural light, while original woodwork and period features add warmth authenticity. The expansive floor plan provides endless possibilities-whether you restore it to its original grandeur, creating a bed-and-breakfast, or tailoring it to your personal lifestyle. Situated on a spacious lot in a quiet neighborhood, the property offers room for gardens, outdoor gatherings, or simply relaxing on the porch while enjoying small-town living. Located walking distance from the Aurora Fossil Museum, the Pamlico River, local shops, and community amenities, this home combines the charm of Aurora with easy access to boating, fishing, and coastal exploration.

This property gives you the rare chance to own a piece of Aurora’s history, and 207 N Fifth St can become the masterpiece you envisioned, leaving your own mark, while honoring it’s roots!

Double porch love! This house has a nice interior too! The house was built in 1890. It is located in Hammond, Louisiana. The house features double porches, original wood floors, french doors, built-in bookshelves, baseboards, spacious kitchen and a large back covered deck. The property has a big backyard and a detached carport. Four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,185 square feet. $270,000 New price: $265,000

Contact Lynsie White with Monument Real Estate: 985-215-7958

From the Zillow listing:

Historic house for sale in the heart of downtown Hammond offering everything you need to live comfortably in the South. This 4 bedroom + bonus room, 2 bath, two-story home sits on an oversized lot located walking distance to all of the wonderful restaurants, shopping, theatre, and night life in Hammond’s downtown development district, and quick access to the interstate and to Southeastern Louisiana University campus. Featuring two oversized front porches, and one a large back porch with ceiling fans, tv mounts, and retractable shades overlooking a large, fenced back yard that is shaded and private. A full home generator for hurricane season, a 12×24 workshop, and a new covered carport large enough to fit multiple vehicles, an RV and/or a large boat. The interior has been tastefully preserved and restored over the years and proudly boasts its original wood floors throughout, wall paper in two rooms, hidden storage behind built-in shelves, a beautiful double brick fireplace, and gorgeous cypress doors.

Come add your touches to this beautiful piece of Hammonds history! No flood zone

Tucked deep within the forests of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, sits a cabin that seems almost lifted from the pages of a storybook—a place where towering trees meet open skies, where crisp mountain air drifts across sweeping vistas, and where time slows enough for visitors to truly appreciate the beauty around them. Resting on nearly nine acres of land, this 1941 cabin is more than a cozy escape; it is a cherished piece of mountain history that has served as a beloved retreat for generations.

The first thing that captures your attention is the setting. Maggie Valley is known for its incredible natural landscapes—rolling peaks, winding creeks, and endless layers of blue and green stretching toward the horizon. On this property, those views take center stage. Whether standing on the expansive deck or gazing from the living room windows, the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking. The large deck, one of the home’s standout features, offers a panoramic vantage point that changes with the seasons: vibrant greens in spring, cool blues and purples in summer evenings, fiery reds and golds in autumn, and snow-dusted tranquility in winter. It’s the kind of place where mornings begin with quiet coffee and sunsets end with soft, glowing skies.

Built in 1941, the cabin reflects the rustic character of an earlier era while blending comfort and warmth in every corner. Its classic stone chimney sets the tone even before stepping inside, hinting at the handcrafted charm waiting within. Once indoors, the vaulted ceiling and exposed beams immediately draw the eye upward, creating a sense of spaciousness despite the cabin’s modest footprint. These architectural elements, combined with the knotty pine interior, give the home an inviting glow—warm, intimate, and unmistakably mountain-inspired.

The heart of the cabin is undoubtedly the large stone fireplace. With its rugged design and wood-burning warmth, it serves as a gathering place during cool mountain nights. Generations of families have sat around this fire, telling stories, enjoying the crackling flames, and finding comfort in its steady glow. It stands not just as a feature, but as a symbol of what this cabin represents: connection, tradition, and moments shared.

The main level offers two comfortable bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms, providing practicality without sacrificing the charm of the original structure. While the home embraces its 1940s roots, thoughtful care has been taken to ensure modern necessities are in place. Recent updates include a new refrigerator and oven installed in 2021, along with a new water heater added in 2022. These updates blend seamlessly with the rustic atmosphere, ensuring the cabin remains functional and welcoming year-round.

One particularly charming feature is the loft area. Although the ceiling height is low, it has long been used as sleeping quarters for visiting family members, adding to the sense of nostalgia and tradition woven throughout the cabin. The loft overlooks the main living space, offering not only additional room but also a cozy perch perfect for guests, reading, or simply enjoying the peacefulness of the surroundings.

Outside the cabin, the nearly nine-acre property opens up countless possibilities. The land itself feels like a private mountain sanctuary, filled with trees, wildlife, and the natural serenity that makes Maggie Valley so beloved. There is space to explore, room to wander, and endless potential for quiet hikes, picnics, or simply enjoying the solitude of nature. Despite the sense of seclusion, the location is surprisingly convenient, offering the best of both worlds.

The cabin sits just off Soco Road—one of the valley’s most accessible routes—placing it minutes from some of the region’s most popular destinations. Waynesville, with its charming downtown and shops, is only a short drive away. The legendary Blue Ridge Parkway, known for its overlooks and scenic drives, is practically around the corner. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the close proximity to the Cataloochee Ski Lodge, while those seeking cultural experiences or entertainment can reach Cherokee and its many attractions in under half an hour. Even Asheville, a vibrant city filled with music, art, and history, is roughly forty minutes away.

Because this cabin has been held by the same family for generations, it carries an emotional weight and a sense of legacy seldom found in modern homes. It represents memories—summer vacations, holiday gatherings, quiet retreats, and the simple joy of being surrounded by nature. Now prepared for its next chapter, it stands ready for someone new to appreciate its beauty and continue its story.

With its stunning scenery, rustic architecture, and almost nine acres of pure mountain tranquility, this Maggie Valley retreat is a rare find. It offers the kind of atmosphere that invites reflection and inspires adventure, a place where the wild beauty of North Carolina’s mountains becomes part of everyday life. Whether enjoyed as a peaceful getaway or as a continuation of its longstanding tradition of hospitality, this cabin embodies the timeless magic of mountain living.

When I invited my mom to my senior prom, I thought I was giving her a second chance at a moment she lost when she became a mother at seventeen. I imagined a night full of joy — not drama. What I didn’t expect was how quickly one cruel comment would change the entire evening…and how one spotlight moment would turn everything around. My mom walked into that gym thinking she didn’t belong, but by the end of the night, the whole room was applauding her, and my stepsister was learning a lesson she would never forget.

My mom, Emma, had sacrificed every classic teenage milestone so she could raise me alone. She skipped her own prom, missed her graduation celebrations, and took night shifts to keep us afloat. So when senior year rolled around for me, I knew exactly what I wanted: to finally give her the night she lost. I asked her to be my prom date, and she cried in disbelief. My stepdad was thrilled, but my stepsister, Brianna, reacted with pure disgust. She mocked my mom, called the idea “pathetic,” and spent days whispering insults about how “embarrassing” it would be. I didn’t argue — because I had already planned something she could never sabotage.

On prom night, my mom looked stunning and nervous, but she was quickly overwhelmed by the kindness of students and teachers who praised her courage and her story. Just as she began to relax, Brianna loudly tried to humiliate her in front of everyone, making comments about her age and claiming she didn’t belong there. My mom’s smile collapsed — but the moment didn’t end the way Brianna imagined. Halfway through the evening, the principal asked for everyone’s attention and shared my mom’s story: a young woman who gave up everything to raise a child who adored her. The entire gym erupted in cheers as she was honored in front of everyone. It was the most powerful moment of the night.

By the end of the evening, my mom was glowing, the school had captured photos that would later go viral for their sweetness, and Brianna stood frozen as her friends distanced themselves from her behavior. When we got home, she tried to lash out again — but my stepfather immediately stepped in, grounding her and making her write a sincere apology to my mom. It wasn’t just discipline… it was a shift. My mom finally understood how valued she truly was, and Brianna learned that cruelty has consequences. What started as a simple prom invitation became a night that healed old wounds, restored confidence, and reminded everyone in the room what love, gratitude, and respect really look like.

Long before she became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars, admired for her intensity and emotional depth on screen, she was a child fighting to survive a world that seemed determined to break her. Behind the glamour, magazine covers, and blockbuster roles was a past filled with secrets, instability, and moments no child should ever endure. It is this hidden history — raw, complicated, and deeply human — that shaped the woman the world would later come to know. Understanding her journey requires returning to the beginning, where survival, not stardom, was the goal.

Born in 1962 in Roswell, New Mexico, she entered a life of constant upheaval. Her teenage mother remarried quickly, leading the family through a maze of moves, money troubles, and emotional turbulence. As a child, she coped by reinventing herself in every new environment, adapting to chaos with a kind of emotional armor. But the real fractures came from inside the home: long-standing secrets about her parentage, a stepfather whose struggles destabilized the family further, and a household marked by addiction and volatility. One revelation — discovering that the man she believed was her father was not biologically related to her — shattered her sense of identity at just twelve years old, all while she tried to protect a mother whose emotional battles often became overwhelming.

The trauma escalated as the years went on. After her parents separated and her stepfather died, she became a young caregiver in a home filled with unpredictable behavior. She carried responsibilities no child should shoulder, navigating moments she later described as deeply painful and confusing. Seeking escape and opportunity, she eventually left school and chased acting without training or connections — relying solely on instinct and determination. Her breakthrough roles came quickly, but fame introduced new pressures, including battles with addiction and the weight of a public image that hid how fragile she often felt behind closed doors. Through interventions, treatment, and a renewed commitment to her own healing, she rebuilt her career and became one of the most influential actresses of the 1990s.

Yet her personal life continued to challenge her, especially during her marriage to Ashton Kutcher, which brought heartache, loss, and a painful drift from her daughters. It took years of reflection and recovery for those relationships to heal.

Today, she is open about her past not for shock value, but to help others understand that trauma does not have to define the future. Now entering a celebrated creative resurgence — with praised performances, new roles, and renewed confidence — she stands as a powerful example of resilience. Demi Moore’s life story proves that even the most difficult beginnings can lead to extraordinary strength, purpose, and reinvention.

What should have been the happiest day of my life turned into a moment I still struggle to describe. I walked into the hospital ready to bring home my wife and our newborn daughters, my arms full of balloons and plans for the perfect welcome. Instead, I stepped into an empty room where only the babies slept peacefully in their bassinets — and where a single handwritten note waited to shatter everything I thought I knew. The words were brief, unexpected, and impossible to ignore: “Goodbye. Take care of them. Ask your mother WHY she did this to me.” From that moment, joy turned into confusion, fear, and a desperate need for answers.

At first, I tried to believe there had been some misunderstanding. Suzie had never shown signs of wanting to leave, and we’d made plans for our new life together. But as I brought the twins home and confronted my mother about the message, I uncovered more than I ever imagined. A hidden letter revealed the cruel comments my mother had made behind my back — words that attacked Suzie’s worth and left her feeling unwelcome in her own family. It became painfully clear that while I was preparing for our future, Suzie had been quietly fighting feelings of isolation and doubt.

Raising newborn twins alone pushed me to my emotional limits, yet I refused to stop searching for Suzie. Every scrap of information, every conversation with her friends, every unanswered message made it clear she was struggling with far more than I realized — postpartum depression, fear, and the weight of words meant to break her confidence. A single photo she later sent showed how deeply she loved the babies, but also how lost she felt. I held onto that message as proof she wasn’t gone forever, even as months passed with silence.

It took nearly a year before I heard a knock at the door and saw her standing there, apologetic but stronger than before. Through tears, she told me how therapy had helped her rebuild her sense of self and confront the pain she had carried alone. Reuniting wasn’t simple, but it was real — built on honesty, healing, and the life we both still wanted for our daughters. It took time to fix what had been broken, yet little by little, we found our way back to each other and created the family we were meant to have.

Most people don’t think twice about how long turkey can safely sit in the fridge — until a family gathering turns it into a mystery worth solving. That’s exactly what happened when Mia found herself standing in her grandmother’s kitchen, holding a printed food-safety chart she never expected to use. She thought she was just helping reorganize the fridge for the holidays, but her grandmother called it their “annual tradition.” What began as a quick chore soon unfolded into something far more meaningful, revealing memories tucked between old containers and familiar scents.

As they moved item by item, her grandmother shared stories from past celebrations — tales of favorite dishes, cooking experiments gone wrong, and moments that had become part of their family legend. Each container seemed to unlock another memory, and Mia found herself laughing, listening, and appreciating how such simple tasks brought them closer. She realized that everyday routines can become a bridge between generations, offering a quiet reminder of how much history lives in a family kitchen.

When they finally uncovered the turkey in question, her grandmother admitted she had no idea when she’d placed it there. Instead of panicking, they took it as an opportunity to learn something new together. They compared guidelines, read through recommendations, and talked about how easy it is to lose track during busy days. What could have been a stressful moment turned into a shared lesson in mindfulness — not just about food safety, but about caring for themselves and the people they cook for.

By the time they finished, the fridge was spotless, the kitchen smelled of lemon and warm memories, and Mia felt closer to her grandmother than she had in a long time. As they sat down with two cups of tea, her grandmother smiled and said, “See? Even a turkey can teach us something if you take the time to notice.” Mia left knowing the afternoon wasn’t really about the turkey — it was about connection, traditions, and the quiet ways love shows up in everyday life.