TikTok users are worried about their most beloved celebrities dying, and they're using an audio warning against making "unnecessary journeys" to share these fears.

The trend is experiencing a big boost in virality following the recent high-profile death of Dolly Parton, which was quickly followed by the death of Tim Curry.

But what is the context of the "unnecessary journeys" audio, what does the trend mean, and why is it going viral? Here's what we know.

@libbyjaned rest in peace dolly don’t make unnecessary journeys stevie #stevienicks #fleetwoodmac #dollyparton #fyp #viral ♬ original sound – Huh

What Is The 'Don't Make Unnecessary Journeys' Video?

In 2015, news broadcaster Teresa Mannion reported on Storm Desmond in the west of Ireland. During the report, she stands in the middle of the storm and yells through the rain, "Don't make unnecessary journeys, don't take risks on treacherous roads, and don't swim in the sea!"

The clip went viral after it was edited and posted to YouTube by Gerard Walsh. The edit adds a scene to the end of her report, where a stop sign hits her in the head.

A lot of people fell for the edit and truly believed that Mannion was hit by a stop sign. This turned Mannion into a viral sensation, even earning her an appearance on The Late Late Show.

How Is 'Don't Make Unnecessary Journeys' Used In Memes?

In 2024, TikTokers took the audio of Mannion warning viewers not to make unnecessary journeys and began using it as part of a trend about celebrity deaths.

The audio is used to warn beloved celebrities who are not yet dead, but are aging, against making unnecessary journeys and taking unnecessary risks so that they remain alive longer.

The trend has made a big comeback on TikTok and Reels in the wake of several big celebrity deaths. Most notably, Dolly Parton's and Tim Curry's deaths have caused a big boost in the trend.

Now, TikTokers are posting videos using the audio that share the celebrities they're most scared of passing, including names like David Attenborough, Ed O'Neill, and Stevie Nicks.

@bylethswife rip dolly parton 🕊️ (im a woc but i don’t play about them white grandmas) i also still can’t fathom that my future kids are gonna live in a world without dolly ☹️ #foryoupage #celebrities #dollyparton #stevienicks #cher ♬ original sound – Huh

What Are Some More 'Don't Make Unnecessary Journeys' Memes?

@actualirlrobinbuckley DONT TAKE UNNECESSARY JOURNEYS!! #dollyparton #stevienicks #merylstreep #foryoupage #celebrities ♬ original sound – Huh

@lovveforari edit: if hugh is transphobic just dont take my husband robert ill cry #foryoupage #housemd #deadpoetssociety #hughlaurie #hilson ♬ original sound – Huh

@sawsource I need my Jigsaw to live forever 💔 | #Saw #jigsaw #johnkramer #horrortok #sawfranchise ♬ Dont make unnecessary journeys – Skelly

@daions_.diary Please keep my baby jay safe.. #fyp #edoneill #blowthisup #viral #modernfamily ♬ original sound – Huh

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For the full history of Don't Make Unnecessary Journeys, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.