confidante

But the rhetoric of his top confidantes has grown more extreme in recent days.

"As a single mother, Klevi was not just my son, he was my companion, my confidante and unwavering support," she said.

Donna Brazile, the former Democratic National Committee chair who managed Norton’s successful 1990 campaign and remains a supporter and close confidante, said the congresswoman remains engaged and “maintains a robust schedule.”

Such vicissitudes contributed to what had been previously unthinkable - splitting with Mike Walker, his coach and confidante since Fitzpatrick's mid teens.

The tea party was a unique, if not rare, public appearance for the Grammy-winning artist, who these days much prefers to stay at home in Los Angeles with family and a select few confidantes.