Garth Brooks announces return from retirement

Garth Brooks announces return from retirement

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country superstar Garth Brooks announced Thursday that he’s coming out of retirement. Brooks, 47, said at a news conference in Nashville that he will end his retirement.

Brooks said he has no immediate plans and will see how things go in the coming years. “As for touring, if I can’t eat it, sleep it, breathe it, then it ain’t me,” Brooks said.

Brooks retired in 2000 to spend more time with his three children. He’s occasionally popped up in special appearances at awards shows and charity events, but has mostly stayed out of the limelight.

Avril Lavigne files for divorce from husband

LOS ANGELES — Court records show Avril Lavigne has filed for divorce from her musician husband after three years of marriage. Lavigne filed for divorce from Sum 41 singer Deryck Jason Whibley last Friday in Los Angeles. The couple were married in July 2006 and have no children together. Lavigne cited “irreconcilable differences.”

The 25-year-old punk-pop singer burst to fame with her 2002 debut album “Let’s Go.” Lavigne is asking a ruling to block Whibley from receiving spousal support.

Today’s birthdays

Actress Angela Lansbury is 84. Bassist C.F. Turner of Bachman-Turner Overdrive is 66. Actress Suzanne Somers is 63. Guitarist Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead is 62. Producer-director David Zucker is 62. Actor-director Tim Robbins is 51. Singer Bob Mould (Husker Du) is 49. Bassist Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers is 47. Singer Wendy Wilson (Wilson Phillips) is 40. Singer Chad Gray of Mudvayne is 38. Singer-songwriter John Mayer is 32.