Prince to 'finally' get star on Hollywood Walk of Fame posthumously after declining it twice before death
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Prince Rogers Nelson, aka Prince, has finally been listed as a recipient of a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, eight years after his death on April 21, 2016.
The announcement came on June 25 with the release of the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2025 honorees, which also features other prominent figures.
It is noteworthy that Prince's honor was anticipated for quite some time. He was approached about receiving a star while he was alive but declined the offer on two occasions.
What did Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez say?
According to the official rules of the Walk of Fame, anyone can nominate a celebrity, but the nominee must agree to the nomination beforehand.
This rule, known as the “Springsteen clause,” originated after a fan nominated Bruce Springsteen without first obtaining his approval.
Ana Martinez, Walk of Fame producer, explained, "We announced it and he did not want it. So I created what's called the Springsteen clause, which [means] you now have to sign off on it. Because otherwise, it's not fair to those who do want it."
Despite being approached twice about receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Prince declined both times.
Martinez recounted that shortly before his death, a close associate of Prince, who was already a Walk of Famer, discussed the possibility of nominating him, but Prince responded that he was “not ready.”
As of June, the late 'Purple Rain' singer has been selected as one of the inductees for the Walk of Fame Class of 2025, but an official ceremony date has not yet been determined.
Prince’s family approval may be the reason for delayed recognition
After a celebrity death, specific rules apply to nominating them for a posthumous star, including a mandatory two-year waiting period referred to by Martinez as a “mourning period.”
Moreover, similar to a living celebrity consenting to receiving a star, the family or estate of a deceased celebrity must also grant permission for a posthumous star.
Following Prince’s death, a protracted six-year legal dispute over his estate was finally settled in August 2022. This legal battle may have contributed to the delay in Prince receiving his star on the Walk of Fame, as his family or estate needed to approve his nomination.
Who are the other celebrities receiving the Walk of Fame?
The Class of 2025 spans across various categories such as motion pictures, television, recording, radio, live performance, and sports entertainment, as per PEOPLE magazine.
Alongside Prince, other notable inductees for 2025 include Jessica Chastain, Jane Fonda, Nia Long, Fran Drescher, Lauren Graham, Bill Nye, Green Day, George Strait, Misty Copeland, Alan Cumming, and David Beckham.
Prince fans say he 'is smiling down from heaven'
When Prince was announced as a recipient of a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in June 2024, many fans expressed surprise on Facebook, that he hadn't already been honored with one.
One person shared, "I am so happy he got his star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame! Yes! Finally!"
Another user added, "Congrats Prince - Very Underestimated ! He's A MUSICAL GENUIS ! PRINCE SHOULD HAVE HIS OWN SYRIUS CHANNEL - HE SHOULD HAVE HAD IT A LONG TIME AGO ! BIG PRINCE FAN FROM AUSTIN TEXAS!"
The third said, "Luv that pic of Prince. And every pic that was ever taken of him. Also Luv The Time. U guys r awesome. Good times!"
The fourth added, "Congrats to him. I hope he is smiling down from heaven. Sure wish it would of happened when he was here on earth"
The last user commented, "You will always be a star here on earth and the heavens! We miss you Prince".
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