The deceased regional Mexican singer Jenni Rivera became the recipient of the 2,783rd star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday when her five children accepted the award on their mother's behalf.
“It is a great honor to be the daughter of such a wonderful woman, a woman who achieved so much,” said Janney Marín Rivera, better known as Chiquis, during the ceremony. “But more than anything, being the daughter of a woman who left her mark on this earth and in the hearts of so many people.”
Chiquis, along with her siblings Johnny Lopez, Jacqie Rivera, Jenicka Lopez and Michael Rivera, was 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 honor and celebrate the beautiful life and art of a brilliant and distinguished woman,” Trevi said. “Today love and talent conquer death, because Jenni Rivera, 'la Diva de la Banda,' 'la Mariposa de Barrio,' the daughter, the sister, the woman, the friend, the mother, lives on through all of us who love her and admire her.”
The Rivera family celebrates Jenni Rivera's posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
(Carlin Stiehl / For Of The)
The star sits in front of Capitol Records at 1750 Vine St., not far from Tejano legend Selena Quintanilla’s star. About 250 fans lined the sidewalk at the corner of Yucca and Vine streets before security allowed them into the event. It wouldn’t be long before that number doubled, with fans taking to the sidewalk to hear the live band’s pounding bass riffs and emotional statements from friends and family.
“One of my mom’s favorite exes used to work in this neighborhood. We would come check on her and she would always dream. I remember sitting in the car, in her Mercedes, and she would always dream, ‘I’ll have my star here someday,’” 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 faithful fans graciously endured the scorching sun, honoring the self-proclaimed “Diva de la Banda.” It didn't matter that sweat dripped from their foreheads. Many used fans to cool off as cheers for “Jenni” rose from the crowd.
Rivera may have died over a decade ago, but her empowering message to her fans, especially her female followers, is still celebrated. Fans honor the singer known for her bold, sassy, and edgy personality who sang big, breathy songs about love, pain, and the challenges women face — themes that are still very relevant today and live on in songs like “Inolvidable,” “La Gran Señora,” and “Ovarios.”
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honored the late Jenni Rivera with a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
(Carlin Stiehl / For Of The)
Rivera was a Latina with a lot of influence. Yoseline Castañeda says that's why she traveled from Beloit, Wisconsin, to briefly stop by Lodi, California, to say hello to her sister before making the five-hour drive to attend the ceremony.
“I was like, 'Oh, she's [being honored]“I have to book my flight, I have to be there,” Castaneda said as he turned his 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.”
Castañeda said there is not a single family party that takes place without Rivera's music. She says that “No Hace el Olvido,” a touching ballad about a lover who has not forgotten her love, is her favorite song.
Meliza Ramos and her 13-year-old daughter also came from out of state to be at the ceremony, driving eight hours from Tucson, Arizona. Ramos says Rivera's influence runs much deeper than her song lyrics, and attributes part of the singer's success to her ability to be open and vulnerable with her fans.
Chiquis Rivera speaks at the unveiling of her late mother's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
(Carlin Stiehl / For Of The)
“I relate to her. We grew up here in Los Angeles,” Ramos said. “I had the same kind of struggles, the same family structure. So I think it’s easy to relate to someone who comes from the same background and place that I made it big. Usually when artists come out, they don’t tell you a lot about their background, and when you expose the good, the bad and the ugly of your life, people can relate a little bit.”
Superfan Victoria Barakat stood out in her wide-brimmed sun hat, Jenni Rivera T-shirt and tattoos and a dazzling framed photo of her idol, which she held above her head for most of the event. Barakat said she has followed Rivera since 1993 and has seen her at concerts more than 20 times. She was even invited to meet Rivera backstage.
“Being able to represent her is amazing and I love it,” Barakat said. “Even though she’s not here anymore, it’s like she’s here. I feel her here.”
Barakat recalled that he was making his usual trip to an ultrasound technician class when news of Rivera's death broke.
“I was on the 10 Freeway when I heard on the radio that Jenni Rivera’s plane crashed and my heart sank,” Barakat said. “Once I found out she was dead, I couldn’t listen to her music for over six months because every time I did I cried.”
When the event concluded, fans lingered on the closed-off part of Vine Street before being evacuated by police and event staff. Admirers like Veronica Nakaya left with more Jenni Rivera memories than they brought home.
“I am addicted to work. This time I thought, 'No, I'll take the day off,'” the mother of four said. “Jenni represents me as a Latina woman, as a single mother, as an ordinary woman. Even though she is in heaven, look at all the people who are there.” [came out to support her].”
