Timberlake, Diaz call it quits

Sometimes the rumor mill is right. Singer Justin Timberlake and actress Cameron Diaz yesterday confirmed widespread rumors that they had ended their relationship of more than three years. "It has always been our preference not to comment on the status of our relationship, but, out of respect for the time we spent together, we feel compelled to do so now, in the light of recent speculation and inaccurate stories that are being reported by the media," they said in a joint statement. "We have, in fact, ended our romantic relationship, and have done so mutually and as friends with continued love and respect for each other." The rumors of a split reached a fever pitch this week with the kickoff of Timberlake's 36-date FutureSex/LoveShow tour at which Charlie's Angels star Diaz was conspicuously absent. The magazine said the couple often dodged breakup rumors but quoted sources as saying this time it was real.

"While My Guitar Gently Weeps" lyrics for sale

Do you have between $500,000 and $800,000 burning a hole in your pocket? The original handwritten lyrics of the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" could be yours. The lyrics, written by George Harrison on a single white sheet of paper in barely legible penmanship, will be auctioned off Monday. "It's a "really significant and rare piece of memorabilia," Neil Roberts, auction manager at Britain-based Cooper Owen, which is partnering with Scottsdale-based auctioneer Barrett-Jackson for the sale, told Reuters. "It shows the work in progress, the message, and the thoughts behind one of the band members." "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" appeared on the legendary band's 1968 White album. The sheet of paper up for bid also includes "The band leader said he ain't playin' no more," which Harrison wrote in apparent frustration with John Lennon at the time.

James Brown's son left out of will

The 5-year-old child of James Brown and his partner, Tomi Rae Hynie, is not included in the will read Thursday to six of the entertainer's children, attorneys for the late singer told the Associated Press. The will provides for six children, but Hynie's son, James Jr., is not one of those listed in the document, attorney Strom Thurmond Jr. told The Associated Press. The will was read Thursday in Aiken but has not been filed in probate court, said Buddy Dallas, another Brown attorney. Brown died Christmas morning at age 73. The singer has yet to be buried because the family plans to turn his home into a museum and bury him on the property.

Sly Stone's sister says new music on the way

Sly Stone's bizarre, brief appearance at the tribute to him at last year's Grammy Awards may have just been a teaser. Vet Stone, Sly's sister and a member of the band formerly known as Phunk Phamily Affair but now calling itself, with Sly's blessing, the Family Stone, told the Los Angeles Times this week that the ensemble will have new music out this year, and Sly is running the show again. "There are recording plans for the immediate future, and Sly is doing all the writing and producing," she says. As for when people will hear that music, Vet promises, "It'll be in 2007." The Family Stone will be appearing at House of Blues Anaheim on Saturday, January 13, and Vet and fellow band member Skyler Jett promise they'll preview some new music, as well as reintroduce old favorites. "We're playing the songs exactly like you heard them," Jett said. "And some refreshing new stuff for 2007. I know [Sly] is very concerned about political issues, and I think that's a focal point of a lot of the new music."

Stonewall Jackson sues Grand Ole Opry

Country music legend Stonewall Jackson, 74, is claiming that age discrimination by the Grand Ole Opry's general manager has kept him off the stage. Jackson filed a $10 million lawsuit Thursday in federal court against the general manager, Pete Fisher, and the Opry's owner, Gaylord Entertainment Co. Jackson has been a member of the show since 1956. He had a string of hits in the 1950s and 1960s, including the No. 1 songs "Waterloo" and "B.J. the D.J." Jackson claims his appearances on the show declined after Fisher was hired in 1998. Jackson said he approached Fisher on several occasions and was told, "I don't want any gray hairs on that stage or in the audience, and before I'm done there won't be any," and, "You're too old and too country."