Jenni Rivera is posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

The legendary Jenni Rivera was honored with a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last Thursday at an unveiling ceremony outside the Capitol Records building. The late Mexican-American singer-songwriter’s children – Jacqie, Johnny, Chiquis, Jenicka and Michael – accepted the star on her behalf, 14 years after her tragic death in a plane crash in 2012 at the age of 43. Guest speakers at the ceremony included legendary Mexican singer and friend Gloria Trevi, Univision journalist Ninette Rios and television personality Jessica Maldonado, all of whom were close friends of “La Diva de la Banda.”

Trevi said she was honored to take part in the celebration of “the beautiful life of a brilliant, distinguished woman,” adding that Rivera “lives on in all of us who love and admire her.”

“Today we’re gathered to celebrate the achievements of a genre-defining artist – a radio host, television host, philanthropist, aspiring actress and mother of five. And before that, she was just a little girl from Long Beach,” Michael said. “She’s here in spirit, celebrating with us. I’m just so proud of you, mom.”

Rivera was born Dolores Janney “Jenni” Rivera Saavedra to Mexican immigrants in Long Beach, California. With 20 million albums sold, she is considered one of the most successful Mexican-American artists of all time. She is the highest-earning banda singer of all time and a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry. More than 30 of her songs have been played on regional Mexican radio stations, 14 of which have been in the top ten. Her biggest hits include “Ovarios,” “La Gran Señora,” “De Contrabando,” and “Las Malandrinas.”

“I am so grateful, it is a great honor to be the daughter of such an amazing woman. A woman who has accomplished so much, yes, but more than anything, it is to be the daughter of a woman who has left her mark on this earth and in the hearts of so many people,” Chiquis said during the ceremony.

According to the Hollywood Walk of Fame press release, Rivera’s star represents her achievements as an artist, as well as her resilience, courage and unwavering spirit, which continues to inspire her fans long after her death.

“She’s burned herself into the hearts of the people of this city and her fans and now she’s literally burned into the asphalt of the streets of this city and that’s so cool to me. It’s like she won a championship,” Michael said during the ceremony.