The game show hostess is known for her sparkling smile. But underneath her grin, she’s dealt with unthinkable obstacles.

To prepare for portraying the Latin recording artist in the 1997 movie about her life, Lopez studied tapes, met the family — and even slept in Selena’s bed.

Here's a look back at some of the famous names who died this year.

The "I Love Lucy" actors had instant chemistry, but often struggled during their 20-year marriage.

Putting all his “new friends” in front of the camera was just one of the ways that the children’s television star showed he cared.

Fred and Joanne Rogers shared a long and loving relationship, which she continues to honor by carrying on his legacy after his 2003 death.

After getting a personal invite to a 1985 White House party, the "Grease" star dazzled the royal on the dance floor.

The minister-turned-host of "Mister Rogers Neighborhood" found dual meaning in the digits that popped up on his scale every morning.

Deodorant, drunken antics and a breakup fueled the creation of the song that launched grunge into the mainstream and made the rocker a household name.

For more than 50 years, the country superstar has been married to a man who prefers to remain of the spotlight.

What started off as romantic turned into a decades-long friendship between the singer and her closest companion.

From the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll to a Golden Girl, our nation’s veterans have also conquered politics, the arts — and even space travel.

The up-and-coming songwriter and country music singer found common ground on a crossover classic that cemented both artists' reputations.

Despite many ups and downs — including two divorce filings — the pair still recorded some of the best duets in country music history.

The country singer tragically died five days before his illegitimate daughter, Jett, was born, and it took her more than 20 years to discover his identity.

The country star was supposed to be on the plane that crashed and took the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper on February 3, 1959.

Adopted at birth, the country singer was determined to find her "missing link."

Immediately drawn to each other, the country singers navigated rocky roads before and throughout their marriage.

The reigning king and queen of country music met as struggling unknowns. Decades later they would wed as world-famous entertainers.

From hopes of becoming a professional athlete to global success as a country music superstar, Brooks has kept true to his parents’ ideals of dreaming big but staying realistic.

The country singer and the baseball pitcher found their peace and forged a genuine bond despite Tug's longtime refusal to acknowledge paternity.

What’s commonly known as one of the greatest music videos in history almost didn’t come to fruition because of money, casting and religious beliefs.

The early hours of March 16, 1991, brought the terrible news that those close to the singer perished when their plane collided with a mountain.

Inspired by her father's inability to read, the country singer founded the Imagination Library to help kids develop a love of books and reading.