Possible Clues:

• 'Cracklin' ___' (Neil Diamond hit)
• Big name in daytime TV
• Optimistic-sounding girl
• Char lady
• Former big name on "The View"
• 'Cider with ___'
• Lee's drinking companion reared around inn primarily
• — Lee is slang for tea
• O'Donnell who hosted a widely panned 2008 Thanksgiving variety special
• Wartime “Riveter”