President calls wedding ‘spectacular’

Waco, Texas – President Bush spent months joking about being a father of the bride, but on Sunday he was downright wistful about giving his daughter Jenna away to her longtime beau.

“Our little girl, Jenna, married a really good guy, Henry Hager,” Bush said, standing next Laura Bush at an airport in Waco where he boarded Air Force One for his flight back to Washington. “The wedding was spectacular. It’s just – it’s all we could have hoped for.”

Unlike other first family weddings that have been broadcast live, the Bushes didn’t share their daughter’s nuptials with the nation. The day after, however, they briefly shared their joy.

“The weather cooperated nicely,” Bush said about the wedding at his 1,600-acre Texas ranch. “Just as the vows were exchanged, the sun set over our lake and it was just a special day and a wonderful day, and we’re mighty blessed.”

At the post-wedding party, more than 200 family and friends were entertained by the Tyrone Smith Revue, a 10-piece party band from Nashville, Tenn. The musicians gave the newlyweds what was described as a “get down” party.

The president and his daughter glided across the dance floor to “You are so Beautiful” – a ballad made famous by Joe Cocker. The newlyweds danced to “Lovin’ in My Baby’s Eyes” by Taj Mahal.

The bride and groom were reared in Republican families, but this was a bipartisan ceremony. Officiating was the Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, an influential minister from Houston and longtime spiritual adviser to the president, who has endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Underwood joins Grand Ole Opry

Nashville, Tenn. – Carrie Underwood is the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.

The singer joined the cast of the long-running country music show Saturday. Garth Brooks handled her formal induction and Vince Gill sang a duet with her.

“This really seems like a great family to be part of,” Underwood said, as she fought back tears. “I promise I’ll do everything I possibly can to not make you regret it.”

The former “American Idol” winner sold 7 million copies of her debut album “Some Hearts” and shot to superstardom almost overnight with hits including “Before He Cheats” and “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”

Her follow-up album, “Carnival Ride,” came out last fall and has produced two No. 1s: “So Small” and “All-American Girl.”

‘90210’ actress signed for spinoff

Los Angeles – The wild kids of television’s West Beverly High will have a guidance counselor familiar with the posh ZIP code’s dating, drugs and drama.

Jennie Garth will reprise her role as Kelly Taylor and join the cast of a planned “Beverly Hills, 90210” spinoff on CW.

She won’t be a regular but will play a guidance counselor at her alma mater, the Hollywood Reporter said in a story published online Saturday.

Garth, 36, departed the CBS comedy pilot “My Best Friend’s Girl” last month.