Jenni Rivera’s Family Attend Emotional Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Ceremony
LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 11: Singer Jenni Rivera performs onstage during the 11th annual Latin GRAMMY Awards at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on November 11, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for LARAS)
Jenni Rivera officially has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On June 27, the late banda icon’s children – Jacqie, Johnny, Chiquis, Jenicka, and Michael – received her star on her behalf. Her brother Lupillo Rivera, sister Rosie Rivera, mother Doña Rosa, and father Don Pedro also attended the ceremony.
During the ceremony, Mexican icon Gloria Trevi talked about La Diva de la Banda’s legacy. She said it was an honor to receive the accomplishment along with her family. She described her as “unforgettable,” and “unrepeatable.” She said she wished she could say more but didn’t want to cry: “Today is a day to celebrate the life of Jenni Rivera.”
Jenni’s children also made emotional speeches. “It is such an honor to be the daughter of such an amazing woman – a woman that accomplished so much,” Chiquis said. “But more than anything, being the daughter of a woman who left her footprint on this earth and in so many people’s hearts.” She also recalled a moment when Jenni said she’d get a star on the emblematic Walk of Fame.
Jenicka also talked to the public. She started her speech by recalling when they would visit one of her mother’s favorite exes who worked in the vicinity. She said that they would “check-in” on him and that during those visits, her mother would dream that she would have a star one day. “I thought it was impossible to get it after she passed away, but God has a beautiful way of proving people wrong,” she told the public. She also thanked her siblings for being here for her emotionally; and said that the moment was proof that dreams can come true no matter the circumstances.
Jacqie, who is currently in charge of the late singer’s estate, took part in the speeches. In tears, she thanked all of her mother’s fans for keeping her memory and legacy alive. “Together we celebrate you, La Diva de la Banda, La Gran Señora, the one and only Jenni Rivera!” she said.
Michael, known as “Mikey,” additionally talked to the fans. He talked about his mother’s accomplishments and said it was a “surreal” moment for him. “It’s like her winning a championship,” he said about the new star. Jenni’s youngest, Johnny, also talked to the audience. He highlighted his mother’s philanthropy and talked about moments that she gave back to the community. “I hope whenever you guys all pass to see this star, you think of not just her amazing voice, her boldness, her wittiness, or her beautiful laugh, but her beautiful heart,” he said.
Jenni’s family also let go of butterflies to represent their mother during the event.
Despite legal differences with Jenni’s children, Rosie appeared in the special event with Doña Rosa. Doña Rosa expressed her emotions on her daughter’s star. Lupillo and Don Pedro also attended the ceremony. Jenni’s younger brother Juan Rivera was not present in the festivities.