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I had to read an announcement Saturday night. It was just a few minutes past 8 p.m. ET. I’ll never forget that moment. I had to read from a small white piece of paper the words that Jeanne Bice had passed away. How is that possible? My producer had to tell me before I went on air. It was still new news and no one in the building short of me and her knew. As soon as she told me, I burst into tears.

 I didn’t know Jeanne nearly as well as some other hosts…especially those that had worked with her for the total 16 years she was at QVC. But I think most hosts who worked with Jeanne remember so fondly two things — her humility and her kick-butt spirit. She used to leave us all voicemails after her show thanking us. And testament to her generosity, for every show she arranged to have a huge food spread on set with all sorts of goodies for herself, the models, the crew. She never got caught up in her fame or the success or the money. I'm from Michigan and Jeanne is from Wisconsin and I think we shared a kindred, Midwestern big heart and spirit. I went down to Boca Raton last year just for a brief “by myself” get away and I ran into Angel on the beach. I had no idea until that moment that Jeanne lived in Boca. Within two hours, I had an invite from Jeanne to come to the house for a feast and relaxation.

In 16 years, Jeanne had seen a lot of hosts come and go. She surely thought me a little unusual — all my silly made-up words and my energy that was as if I were launched out of a canyon. But she always embraced me with love and kindness and always gave me the room to just do my thing and be my quirky self. And I'll never forget talking to her about my mom one day — sharing with her how my mom so needed knee and hip surgery, but she was too afraid. And Jeanne said she needed knee surgery, too, and she understood my mom's fear.

I think what I respect and honor in Jeanne the most is how she kept plodding through tragedy and challenge in her life and how she refused to lose. She refused to give in, go down, or give up, or turn bitter. Losing her husband and having to reinvent herself to support herself the way she did — what a tough, courageous, amazing lady. I think right about now, reading her book, F08382 The Rubber Duck Principle would be an awesome tribute to Jeanne. In fact, I encourage you to pull up the item number and watch the video clip. Jeanne is on there, giggling her heart out and being her spicy self. Oh, I hope we leave that video clip up there forever…

Switching gears...

Kirstie Alley is coming to Saturday Morning Q this weekend…and David will be gone because he’s going to the Aspen FOOD & WINE Classic, so it’s me and Carolyn, goofing off girl-style. Speaking of girl time, on 6/28 at 9 p.m. ET, Mally and I will be hootin’ and hollerin’ for two hours. (Mally is such a pure love. She recently sent me the sweetest little gift of two stretch bracelets with inspirational charms attached. She knows how much I deep-think my life and love prayer — thanks Mals). And I’m working with the Kardashians coming up on Tuesday 6/28, too. Their K-DASH shows are returning to QVC. Should be fun…and Miss Kim is now engaged. Holy heavens — has anyone seen the ginormous cruise ship-sized engagement ring she's sporting? I tell you what…

So I had a meeting to review more new, upcoming stuff for Shawn Says, "Accessorize!" at 2 p.m. ET on Fridays...and the stuff coming in for fall is awesome. Wait until you see the hot new bags from London Fog. And I think we're going to start carrying Timberland brand and they showed me some really cute shoes (no, not lug work boots!). I think we're going to be featuring a new handbag line, too, called Kooba. I guess they have super-expensive bags like $500 at places like Neiman Marcus, etc., but they're making a more affordable line for us at QVC. Very chic.

Turks & Caicos is a week away and I have already signed up for something called Thai massage. Cannot wait. BFF Jenny and I are literally making calendar countdowns like Advent, to cross off the days before departure. Was supposed to start exercising to get ready for operation bathing suit…but in keeping with my general “I hate exercise” state of mind, that never happened. Have decided will just cover cellulite and dimples with three coats of self tanner.

Worked with Joan Rivers the other night — she was just coming off of the flu. And Judith Ripka is out today sick. Telling you what, there must be some summertime bug going around. Upswing — heat wave has broken and humidity this week appears to be at bay. All week it is in the 70s...delightfully springtime feeling. My favorite weather. My ideal favorite temperature is 72 degrees on the nose.

Finally, my dad. It’s Father’s Day on Sunday and my dad is amazing. A saint. A scorpio. A gentle-kind-loving-non-judging-always-there-always-supportive-patient-as-all-get-out spirit. Dad loves Dunkin Donuts, cookies, cake, apple pie, all things bad and sweet, really. I once had a Mrs. Prindable's apple created in his honor — he lives for peppermint patties so we did a peppermint and chocolate one. He frequently stashes treats in the garage so my mom doesn’t see. My dad loves duct taping and vacuuming and he can jimmy rig and fix anything. He approaches the hanging of a picture with scientific precision (such that I get so antsy it’s taking so long). His favorite song is Moonlight Serenade. His favorite car is his Ford Mustang that he has dubbed “Little Black Magic." He was once an extra in a movie with Ben Gazarra. And my favorite thing to do with my dad is walk through Home Depot. Oh, and somehow, no matter how scared or defeated I feel, my dad has a way of reassuring me that everything is going to be ok, and I really believe it. My amazing dad was also once trapped in a 16th floor elevator in Mexico during an earthquake in 1985 and endured open heart surgery back in 2007.

Lastly, lots of you have been posting questions and wondering why you aren't getting answers. I'm so sorry. I'm on email and Facebook daily (much better ways to reach me since I only post this blog once every few weeks) and so many of you reach out to me directly with your questions and thoughts so I just assumed I was covering all the questions that way. If you have questions, whether they're about rings I wear or jeans you saw me in or "is that for sale on QVC?" I'm a pretty open book and I'd love to dish you the answers. Best way to reach me is either through Facebook or S_killinger@QVC.com

Okay, girlfriends (um, guys, too, if you're reading this), in honor of Jeanne — she used to say happiness was a choice and each day you can decide whether to be happy or miserable, regardless of your circumstances. Jeanne, this one's for you. You have the most beautiful headband in heaven. I'm so jealous you are there, healthy, gorgeous, and sitting among the angels.

—S