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Fans brave the heat to see Jenni Rivera get a posthumous Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Marcos Franco, Los Angeles Times on

Published in Entertainment News

LOS ANGELES — The late regional Mexican singer Jenni Rivera became the recipient of the 2,783rd star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, as her five children accepted the accolade on their mother’s behalf.

“It’s such an honor to be the daughter of such an amazing woman, a woman that accomplished so much,” said Janney Marin Rivera, better known as Chiquis, during the ceremony. “But more than anything, being the daughter of a woman who left her footprints on this earth and in so many people’s hearts.”

Chiquis, along with siblings Johnny Lopez, Jacqie Rivera, Jenicka Lopez and Michael Rivera, were joined by Mexican singer Gloria Trevi, who befriended Jenni Rivera before she died in a plane crash in December 2012.

“Today is a very special day. Today we are honoring and celebrating the beautiful life and art of a brilliant distinguished woman,” Trevi said. “Today, love and talent defeat death, because Jenni Rivera, ‘la Diva de la Banda’, ‘la Mariposa de Barrio,’ la hija, la hermana, la mujer, la amiga, la madre, lives through all of us who love her and admire her.”

The star sits in front of Capitol Records at 1750 Vine St., not far from Tejano legend Selena Quintanilla’s star. Roughly 250 fans lined the sidewalk on the corner of Yucca and Vine streets before security allowed them into the event. It wouldn’t take long before that number doubled, with fans taking to the sidewalk to hear the live loud banda bass riffs and emotional statements from friends and family.

“One of my mom’s favorite exes used to work in this vicinity. We would come and check in on him and she always dreamt — I remember sitting in the car, in her Mercedes, and she always dreamt, ‘I’m gonna have my star here one day,’” said an emotional Jenicka Lopez. “I thought it was impossible after she passed away, but God has a beautiful way of proving people wrong.”

 

Despite the heat and lack of shade, Rivera’s loyal followers endured the scorching sun graciously, honoring the self-proclaimed “Diva de la Banda.” It didn’t matter that sweat was dripping from their foreheads. Many used hand fans to cool themselves while cheers of “Jenni” rose from the crowd.

Rivera may have died more than a decade ago, but her message of empowerment to her fans, especially her female followers, continues to be celebrated. Fans honor the singer known for her brassy, sassy and bold persona who belted out big breathy songs about love, heartache and the challenges that women face, themes still very relevant today, which live on in songs such as “Inolvidable,” “La Gran Señora” and “Ovarios.”

Rivera was a Latina with big influence. Yoseline Castañeda says it’s the reason she traveled all the way from Beloit, Wisconsin, briefly popping into Lodi to greet her sister before embarking on a five-hour road trip to make the ceremony.

“I was like, ‘Oh, she’s [being honored], I have to book my flight, I have to be there,’” Castañeda said as she swiveled her head in search of a street vendor selling T-shirts. “I’m excited but sad. I couldn’t see her live because I was still young, but at least I could still be a part of this. It makes me proud.”

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