RIP

President Jimmy Carter's missing out on some serious drama -- his funeral created a mini soap opera between President-elect Donald Trump, all his White House predecessors ... and his former VP Mike Pence.

You could feel the tension in the air as Trump strode into the National Cathedral Thursday morning in Washington, DC, because one of the first people he came face to face with was Pence -- ya know, the guy Trump's supporters targeted in the Jan. 6 insurrection.

The former running mates kept it classy ... looking each other in the eyes, shaking hands and keeping it moving.

The family of late Tennessee Titans great Frank Wycheck announced the former tight end tested positive for Stage III Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) ... in hopes the diagnosis will raise awareness on the dangers of brain damage in contact sports.

The Wychecks released a statement on the findings on Tuesday ... saying it teamed up with Boston University's CTE Center to analyze the 52-year-old's body after his death in Dec. 2023.

The family wishes for an "improved commitment to player safety and enhancing support for those who may be affected by the consequences of head injuries."

tWitch's widow Allison Holker says she has a good reason for blabbing to the media about his alleged drug problem ... she says she's just trying to help others.

Allison defended herself Thursday amid a barrage of online attacks from her late husband's friends and family, who are all pissed off about her recent media interviews and upcoming memoir ... where she touches on his alleged drug use leading up to his suicide.

In a long social media post, Allison says ... "I hope that by sharing our full story maybe I can help someone else who might see themselves or a loved one in Stephen."

Former MLB pitcher Brian Matusz has tragically died at 37 years old.

Matusz's team, the Baltimore Orioles, announced the heartbreaking news late Tuesday evening ... though a cause of death was not revealed.

"Brian's family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time," the team wrote.

Allison Holker going on a media blitz to promote her upcoming memoir is sparking a family feud ... with relatives and friends of the late Stephen "tWitch" Boss going after his widow for labeling him a drug user.

The infighting is playing out right now on social media in the wake of Allison's new interview with People ... and tons of dirty laundry is being aired online.

Courtney Ann Platt, who was friends with tWitch and Allison, fired the first shot Tuesday ... with a long rant on Instagram blasting Allison for telling the media she allegedly found a stash of drugs in tWitch's shoeboxes before his funeral.

The man accused of killing NHL superstar Johnny Gaudreau and his little brother last year just pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges against him.

Sean Higgins issued the pleas in a New Jersey court room at a post-indictment arraignment on Tuesday morning ... turning down an offer from prosecutors that would have resulted in a 35-year prison sentence.

The case will now move toward a trial -- although Higgins is due back in court for additional proceedings in February.

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy just revealed one of his employees has passed away at just 32 years old after a battle with cancer ... sharing a heartfelt tribute to Jonathan Stanko.

Portnoy issued his condolences on Tuesday ... saying Stanko was beloved during his time at the outlet's New York offices for nearly four years, which he admitted was "very rare at Barstool."

"It's the 1st time we've had to deal with something this heavy in the 20 years of Barstool," Portnoy said on social media. "A cruel reminder not to take a day for granted because tomorrow isn’t promised to anybody. #stankostrong."

Peter, Paul and Mary singer Peter Yarrow is dead after a long battle with cancer ... TMZ has confirmed.

Peter died Tuesday at his home on Manhattan's Upper West Side ... according to his publicist, Ken Sunshine, who tells us Peter's cause of death was bladder cancer.

We're told Peter was diagnosed with cancer four years ago, and battled the disease until his death.

Richard Cohen, Meredith Vieira's husband of 38 years, has died following a decades-long battle with multiple sclerosis.

The "Today" show, where Meredith served as co-anchor between 2006 and 2011, announced Richard's passing Tuesday morning ... confirming Richard -- a fellow newsman -- had died on Christmas Eve while surrounded by his family.

"Today" co-anchor Savannah Guthrie said Meredith is "in really good spirits" ... with Hoda Kotb also revealing the family was happy to get an extra month with Richard when the family became very concerned about his health at Thanksgiving.

Late New York socialite Jocelyn Wildenstein, often referred to in the media as "Catwoman" due to her surgically enhanced cat-like features, is going to be cremated ... and her remains are going overseas.

Jocelyn's fiancé, Lloyd Klein, tells TMZ ... she will be remembered in a small and private funeral in Paris and after she's cremated her ashes will be taken to her ranch in Kenya.

We're told Jocelyn's final resting place will be near family ... her father is buried at the same African ranch, and her mother's ashes are there as well.

Jocelyn's fiancé says she loved Kenya ... so it's fitting that's where her ashes are going to wind up.

Aubrey Plaza is breaking her silence on her husband's sudden death ... calling Jeff Baena's passing an "unimaginable tragedy."

In her first public comments on her loss, Aubrey and their families add ... "We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time."

Monday's statement comes after Aubrey skipped the Golden Globes in the wake of her director hubby's death.

Luca Meixner -- a member of German soccer club SSV Reutlingen 05 -- has tragically died at 22 years old.

The football org. announced the heartbreaking news over the weekend, stating Meixner "passed away unexpectedly" on Dec. 27.

Further details surrounding his death were not released.

Aubrey Plaza didn't join the ranks of numerous celebrities at the Golden Globes Sunday night ... skipping the ceremony two days after her husband passed away.

Numerous celebrities packed the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills for the 82nd iteration of the ceremony ... but, Aubrey wasn't among them -- and, it's pretty clear why.

Plaza was originally scheduled to present an award ... though it's unclear which one or who filled in for her.

The Vivienne -- a fan favorite on "RuPaul's Drag Race UK" -- has died.

The reality TV star's publicist, Simon Jones announced the news on Instagram on Sunday writing ... "It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams - The Vivienne, has passed this weekend."

The rep went on to say ... "James was an incredibly loved, war-hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career."

Mike Rinder -- a former higher-up in Scientology who became an outspoken critic of the religion -- has died ... according to an Instagram post from his wife.

Christie King Collbran revealed the news in an emotional Instagram post Sunday ... saying she feels sadness and pain at his passing though his courage and integrity will continue to inspire many for years to come.

Collbran says Rinder was a stable force in the lives of those who knew him ... before adding the "world will remember you."