Diane Overton – 2025 Wrap Up

As this year comes to an end, there is a lot to reflect on and to be thankful for. 2025 was an unforgettable year, the common theme being family. I spent a lot of time visiting my family, making some wonderful memories. One of my brothers surprised us with news that he’s expecting his first child with his fiancé. The baby is due in early July; we are so excited to meet the little one!

There were so many highlights to my year. I traveled out of state a few times for concerts, I got to see some of my favorite groups! I ate my way through the Minnesota State Fair (twice!). I roamed my way through the Renaissance Festival (both in Minnesota and in Las Vegas), danced my way across stages, watched my baby brother get married to his college sweetheart, and took a family vacation to Yosemite where we hiked, boated and star gazed. In July, I adopted a dog and welcomed Kai into my life. He’s the sweetest dog, whose favorite activity is cuddling.

With the highs come the lows, our family’s world was rocked this year. In January, my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 Esophageal Cancer. I spent the year traveling back and forth between Las Vegas and Minnesota, sometimes for weeks at a time. I took my mom to doctor appointments and chemo appointments, to the hairdresser when she decided to cut her hair; I sat next to her bed after surgery and helped take care of the farm. Unfortunately, my mom wasn’t able to overcome her illness. She passed on November 8th, with the whole family by her side. We celebrated her life with a giant party, filling it with all of the people and the things she loved.

Navigating your way through the holidays without a loved one is tough, my heart is with anyone who has or is going through something similar. I am incredibly grateful to my team for letting me put my family first this year. Life is unpredictable, be kind to those you encounter. Cheers to a fresh 2026!