The governor of Minnesota has announced June 7 as ‘Prince Day’, which is also the legendary musician’s birthday.
“Prince was the creator of ‘The Minneapolis Sound,’ a contribution not only to the global catalogue of music genres, but to Minnesota’s worldwide prominence and its economic growth,” wrote Governor Mark Dayton in a press release. “Prince’s artistry, music, and brand showcase his outstanding contributions to music and the arts and entertainment industry.”
Minnesotans are encouraged to wear the color purple in remembrance of the “Purple Rain” singer.
Prince, full name Prince Rogers Nelson, was declared dead on April 21 after he was discovered unresponsive in the elevator of his Paisley Park Estate. He was 57.
The investigation of Prince’s death was completed on Thursday, June 2, and findings concluded that the “Purple Rain” singer died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, according to the Midwest Medical Examiners Office. Reports suggested the singer was battling an intense addiction to painkillers after a medical procedure to replace his hip.
This is the second declaration of a musician’s day in the state of Minnesota in less than a month. Governor Dayton declared May 23, 2016, as ‘Beyoncé Day’.
“Thousands of Minnesotans will gather at TCF Bank Stadium tonight, as pop superstar Beyoncé marks her fourth performance in Minnesota. In honor of her performance, Gov. Mark Dayton and Lt. Gov. Tina Smith proclaimed May 23, 2016, to be “Beyoncé Day” in Minnesota.”
Governor Dayton also praised the Houston native for being a positive influence on women.
“Beyoncé has influenced many Minnesota girls and women with the powerful, positive messages in her music, and her impact and success have been widely-recognized,” wrote Dayton in a press release.
The “Halo” singer’s Formation World Tour finished in Minnesota on May 23.
Beyoncé has honored Prince throughout her concerts with moments of silence and a powerful rendition of “Beautiful Ones,” thanking the artist formerly known as “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince” for his contributions to music.
In the final moments of the concert tour in Miami, the 34-year-old singer said, “Prince, thank you for your beautiful music.”
The “Formation” singer and Prince first encountered each other during a 2004 Grammys performance together. The pair sang a collaboration of “Purple Rain” and “Crazy in Love.”
