January 17, 1981 (Saturday)
- After eight years, by Proclamation No. 2034, martial law was lifted in the Philippines by President Ferdinand Marcos, who had declared a state of emergency on September 22, 1972. Marcos announced that emergency rule would continue for three more years.
- Born: Scott Mechlowicz, American film actor (EuroTrip), in New York City; and Ray J, American rapper and singer, as William R. Norwood, Jr., in McComb, MS
- Died: Marguerite Oswald, 73, mother of Lee Harvey Oswald and conspiracy theorist
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