Waking up to news of a favorite star passing away just feels weird. It’s like a little piece of your own timeline gets erased. Today, January 16, 2026, the entertainment world is processing some heavy news as we look back at the lives of those who shaped our screens, our playlists, and our culture.
Sometimes these losses come out of nowhere. Other times, it’s a long-expected goodbye that still manage to sting when the notification finally hits your phone.
✨ Don't miss: What Really Happened With Channetta Valentine and Nelly
Which Celebrities Died Today? The Latest News
Honestly, the start of 2026 has been pretty rough on the nostalgia front. If you've been scanning the headlines for which celebrities died today, the names reaching the news desks are varied, from rock legends to the faces you grew up watching on Saturday afternoon TV.
Bob Weir: A Grateful Dead Icon Silenced
One of the biggest shocks this week has been the passing of Bob Weir. He was 78. If you’re a Deadhead—or even if you just know the vibes of the 60s—you know Weir wasn't just a guitarist. He was a founding member of the Grateful Dead and the architect behind that rhythm guitar style no one could quite replicate.
Reports indicate he died on January 10, 2026, but the full weight of the news and tributes are peaking today. He had actually beaten cancer back in the summer of 2025, which made the news of his death due to underlying lung issues feel like a cruel twist. From "Sugar Magnolia" to his later work with Dead & Company alongside John Mayer, Weir never really stopped touring. He lived for the stage.
The Dilbert Creator: Scott Adams
In a very different corner of the cultural world, Scott Adams, the creator of the Dilbert comic strip, passed away on January 13, 2026. He was 68.
Adams had been battling metastatic prostate cancer for a while. While his later years were surrounded by significant controversy and his strip was dropped from most major newspapers in 2023, there’s no denying the impact Dilbert had on office culture for three decades. At its height, the strip was in 2,000 newspapers worldwide. It's a complicated legacy, for sure.
💡 You might also like: Ray Romano Wedding Wife: What Most People Get Wrong About Their 37-Year Marriage
T.K. Carter: A Versatile Character Actor
You probably recognize T.K. Carter from The Thing or maybe Punky Brewster. He was found dead on January 9, but the confirmation and memorials have been circulating heavily today. At 69, Carter was known as a "working actor" who made every scene better. Authorities have noted that no foul play was suspected, which is a small mercy for his family and fans.
Recent Losses Shaping the Month
It isn't just today. The last 48 hours have been a whirlwind of "did you hear?" texts.
- Ethan Browne: The son of singer Jackson Browne. News of his cause of death just broke, adding a layer of tragedy to the Browne family's start to the year.
- Victoria Jones: Daughter of Tommy Lee Jones. She was only 34 when she was found in San Francisco on New Year’s Day.
- John Forté: The Grammy-nominated artist died at age 50 on January 12.
- Yeison Jiménez: The Colombian singer died in a tragic plane crash on January 10. He was only 34, a rising star whose life was cut incredibly short while traveling to a performance.
Why We Care So Much
It's funny how we feel like we know these people. You've never met them, but they were there during your first breakup or that summer road trip.
When people search for which celebrities died today, they aren't just looking for a list. They’re looking for a way to process the fact that the people who provided the "soundtrack" to their lives are moving on. 2026 is already proving that even our icons are human.
The Reality of Celebrity Tributes
Social media turns into a giant wake when a major star passes. You’ll see the "RIP" posts and the curated clips of their best work. But if you want to really honor them, here’s what actually matters:
- Listen to the Deep Cuts: Don't just play the hits. For Bob Weir, find a live recording from '72. That's where the magic was.
- Support the Causes: Many of these stars, like Scott Adams (prostate cancer) or the various actors we’ve lost to illness, had charities they cared about.
- Check the Facts: In the rush to be first, some outlets get details wrong. Stick to reputable sources like the Associated Press or legacy obituaries before sharing news.
Moving Forward
The news of which celebrities died today serves as a reminder that time doesn't stop for anyone, not even the people we think are immortal.
If you want to stay updated without the doom-scrolling, your best bet is to follow dedicated memorial sites or "In Memoriam" trackers that focus on factual accuracy over clickbait. Take a moment to appreciate the art they left behind—that's the one thing that actually stays.
Next Steps for You:
If you are looking to pay tribute, consider donating to the Leukemia Foundation or the American Cancer Society in memory of the stars lost this month. Alternatively, visiting a star's official memorial page on Legacy.com allows you to leave a personal note for the family, which often means more than a social media post.