Governor Dayton Declares 'Prince Day” In Minnesota

SAINT PAUL MN — Honoring the legacy of music legend and lifelong Minnesotan, Prince Rogers Nelson, who passed away one year ago on April 21, 2016, Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith have declared Friday, April 21, 2017, to be “Prince Day” in the State of Minnesota. The proclamation comes in conjunction with memorial celebrations taking place at First Avenue in Minneapolis.

“Prince and his phenomenal talents led an era of music and showcased Minnesota to the world,” said Governor Mark Dayton in a statement. “This day, we honor a magnificent artist, celebrate his great legacy, and thank him for always making Minnesota his home.”

The Interstate 35W Bridge in Minneapolis will also be lit purple on Thursday and Friday night, in recognition of Prince’s passing and the memorial celebrations taking place in the city, according to a news release.

"Prince was a global star, but we felt his loss personally here at home," said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. "Through his playful, humorous, original, and prodigious talent he defined the ‘Minneapolis Sound,’ and left an indelible mark on music and culture not only in Minnesota, but everywhere."

The I-35W bridge is equipped with a computerized lighting system that allows MnDOT to color the bridge with light in almost any color. It is often lit in various colors for significant regional and national events.

Image via Tony Webster , Flickr, used under Creative Commons