Tragedy has struck NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin … his dad has died following a devastating house fire in North Carolina that also left his mother critically injured.

On Monday evening, Gaston County EMS confirmed 75 year old Dennis Hamlin died from injuries suffered in the blaze. Hamlin’s 69 year old mom, Mary Lou Hamlin was injured in the fire and remains in critical condition.

Despite the extensive damage, firefighters were able to save some racing memorabilia and collectibles from inside the home.

Former A&E personality Tony McCollister — who was arrested on child and animal abuse charges — has been court-ordered to stay away from the two dogs he allegedly abused in Ohio … and, specifically, not to have sex with the animals.

As we reported … McCollister’s canines were taken into custody by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office — and are now being well cared for following the December 23 arrest of the former star of A&E’s “Neighbors with Benefits,” Sheriff Barry Riley told TMZ.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the judge ordered McCollister to keep at least 500 feet away from not just his pets, but all animals … and all minor children as well.  The judge notes that McCollister must refrain from “forcing sexual relations” upon his minor children and dogs.

In 2015, McCollister appeared on the short-lived A&E show “Neighbors with Benefits” about swingers. Public scrutiny led the show to get cancelled after only 2 episodes.

McCollister was released from custody after posting $250,000 bail.

Dakota Johnson reportedly split from Chris Martin earlier this year … and now she’s been spotted out with another singer — Role Model.

A new photo shows Dakota and RM — whose real name is Tucker Pillsbury — huddled over a candlelit dinner over the holiday with friends, and we’re told they got very close.

Sources tell us Dakota was lying on him all cuddled up at the cozy dinner.

Dakota was snapped taking a sip from her glass as they both leaned forward, engulfed in conversation with another dinner guest.

The two stars have found themselves single this cuffing season … as Dakota is coming off of an 8-year relationship with Coldplay’s lead singer and RM split from influencer Emma Chamberlain in 2023.

Dakota began her on-again, off-again relationship with Chris in 2017, and even got engaged before reportedly breaking things off for good in June.

Role Model and Emma broke up after 3 years, reportedly providing the inspiration for his album, “Kansas Anymore.”