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From staff and wire reports

Osmond faces down depression, abuse

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah -- A happy Marie Osmond is touring to promote her new book, "Behind the Smile: My Journey Out of Postpartum Depression."

It's been a year since Osmond was separated from her husband and publicly declared the details of her struggle with postpartum depression. Today, she is reconciled with her husband.

"We're doing awesome. Just totally awesome," Osmond told The Associated Press. She will sign her book in Salt Lake City on Monday and Provo on Tuesday.

In the book, published by Warner Books, Osmond reveals that she was sexually abused as a child. She said it was an experience she hid from her family until recently.

"I couldn't be honest in my own story if I didn't reveal it," she said. "But that was a long time ago."

Osmond rose to fame in the 1970s as part of the singing sibling group, The Osmonds. She teamed with brother Donny on "The Donny and Marie Show." The pair also recently hosted a talk show together.

Elton John's front-row fan: Mayor Stewart

PLATTSBURGH, New York -- Pop star Elton John has a fan of Plattsburgh Mayor Daniel Stewart, and vice-versa.

John surprised Stewart and a friend by offering them free, front-row tickets to John's recent concert with Billy Joel in Montreal.

"This guy came directly up to us and gave us these passes and said, 'Mayor Stewart, this is compliments from Elton,'" Stewart told the Plattsburgh Press-Republican. "I didn't know what was going on, and I don't know how they knew I was even going to be there."

Stewart, who is the first openly gay mayor elected in New York state, met John, who is also gay, at the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center in 1996 during a ceremony honoring the musician, according to The Associated Press.

"Elton is a great guy, and I really admire the work he's done for causes, especially for AIDS," Stewart said.

Oprah and Maya talk mentorship

BOSTON, Massachusetts -- Talk show host Oprah Winfrey and poet Maya Angelou appeared together Saturday at Simmons College's 22nd Annual Graduate School of Management Leadership Conference.

The long-time friends opened up to the audience, The Associated Press reports.

"Usually, it's just you and me at the kitchen table, chicken with a little gravy. Now there's an audience," Winfrey said to Angelou.

The women discussed the meaning of mentorship, how friends help one another and how courage helps one forge a path through life.

"I think that we are mentors -- all of us, whether we know it or not," Angelou said. "To be a sister to a strong woman means you are a strong woman. Only equals make friends."

Freeman donates $250,000 to school

MEMPHIS, Tennessee -- Morgan Freeman is giving back to his granddaughter's school.

The actor has donated $250,000 to establish a chair of performing arts at the Hutchison School, The Associated Press reports.

The position will honor Freeman's wife, Myrna Colley-Lee, and their granddaughter, E'Dena Hines. Hines, 18, will graduate from the school this year.

"We feel this gift is important because the high school theater experience allows students to gain confidence and to explore their talents," Colley-Lee said Friday. "We have seen this firsthand through E'Dena's involvement."

Freeman is best known for his roles in "Driving Miss Daisy" and "The Shawshank Redemption."