Today, the singer’s memorial service, described as a ‘heavenly commencement’ by her family, was commemorated through music, with devoted fans chanting her name. The legacy of Jenni Rivera was honored.
Thousands of fans gathered at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, to pay tribute to the ‘Diva de la Banda’, while Rivera’s children were among the performers.
Among the attendees were renowned Mexican vocalists Marco Antonio Solis, Ana Gabriel, and Joan Sebastian.
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A scarlet coffin sat on the stage surrounded by numerous ivory roses, while images of Rivera were showcased on a sizable screen.
While most of the speeches and songs were delivered in Spanish, Rivera’s children spoke in English, often directly to their late mother.
We’re here to celebrate the graduation and life of Michael, the son, said the mother, not mourning his death. He was more than just the best mother, he was a philanthropist, entrepreneur, fighter, diva, entertainer, and singer.
He subsequently asked for 27 seconds of silence in honor of the people impacted by the devastating event at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
Johnny, the youngest offspring of Rivera, who is 11 years old, stayed composed and uttered, ‘The person that everyone is talking about is my mom.’
The little boy, adorned in a crimson bow tie similar to several of his relatives, expressed, ‘Mother, I have shed copious tears in the past few days. I yearn for your presence immensely.’
‘I trust that you are looking after my father and I hope he is taking good care of you as well.’
Rivera’s siblings spoke affectionately of the vocalist, referring to her as ‘the ultimate queen’ and an ‘everlasting diva’.
‘La Diva de la Banda’ transformed into a lady who emerged from modest beginnings. Subsequently, he presented a tune he composed regarding his daughter, Rivera’s ‘bliss, grin, and concern for the community will always be remembered,’ her father expressed.
‘Jenni additionally normalized coming from humble beginnings with the aspirations of achieving success. Her sister empowered women to embrace their true selves. One of Rivera’s siblings mentioned.’
The family requested that Latin radio stations broadcast Rivera’s song La Gran Senora at midday on Thursday as a tribute to her.
Hundreds of Rivera’s fans converged outside the venue, hoping to gain access to the service. Others bought advance tickets for one dollar.
The service was restricted to the majority of media outlets, although a transmission of the events was provided.
The funeral will be intimate.
Rivera, a mother of five children and grandmother of two, was 43 years old. She died in a plane crash in northern Mexico, along with six other people, while the investigation is still ongoing.
Rivera sold more than 15 million copies of her major-label albums. She won fans on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border with her honest portrayal of her tumultuous personal life and her soulful singing style. Additionally, she was a reality TV star and an actress.
Born in Los Angeles, Rivera launched her career by selling cassette tapes at the end of the 90s, after winning a major-label contract and gaining a loyal following.
Many of her songs deal with themes of dignity in the face of heartbreak, which Rivera spoke of openly with her fans.
Recently, she filed for divorce from her third husband. She was once detained at an airport in Mexico City with tens of thousands of dollars in cash. After her brother was verbally attacked by a drunken fan, she publicly apologized in 2011.