Prince is receiving a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame after previously turning down the honor twice
More than eight years after his death on April 21, 2016, the famed singer will receive a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The official announcement was made on June 25, when the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce released the list of honorees for the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2025. In addition to Prince, the list includes big names such as Jane Fonda, David Beckham, Keith Urban, Fantasia and more.
Prince’s honor, in particular, has been a long time coming. In fact, he was previously approached about receiving a star when he was still alive but turned down the offer (twice).
From why he originally turned down a Walk of Fame star to how he’s receiving one now, here’s everything to know about the singer’s upcoming honor.
Why didn’t Prince have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
When it was announced that Prince would be receiving a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in June 2024, many fans were shocked that he didn’t already have one. As part of the official rules for the Walk of Fame, Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez said that while anyone can nominate a celebrity, they have to consent to the nomination beforehand.
The rule is known as the “Springsteen clause,” which came to be after a fan nominated Bruce Springsteen without clearing it with The Boss himself. “We announced it and he did not want it,” Martinez said. “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.”
Though Prince was approached twice about receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he turned the offer down both times. Martinez recalled that shortly before his death, a Walk of Famer who was close to Prince discussed the possibility of his nomination, but Prince replied that he was “not ready.”
What are the rules for getting a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
Following a celebrity’s death, there are different rules that apply when it comes to nominating someone for a posthumous star, including a two-year waiting period after a celebrity’s death, which Martinez said essentially serves as a “mourning period.”
Additionally, just as a living celebrity has to give their consent to receiving a star, a late celebrity’s family or estate must give their consent for a posthumous star.
Following Prince’s death, there was a lengthy six-year battle over his estate which was eventually resolved in August 2022. The estate battle could have been a factor in the delay of Prince’s star on the Walk of Fame since his family or estate has to consent to his nomination.
When is Prince getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
In June 2024, Prince was named as one of the inductees for the Walk of Fame Class of 2025; an official date for his ceremony hasn’t yet been announced.
As explained by Martinez, after a celebrity is selected, they — or in this case, Prince’s family or estate — have two years to schedule their ceremony before their application expires.
Who else is getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2025?
The Walk of Fame Class of 2025 includes a number of celebrities from the six categories including motion pictures, television, recording, radio, live performance, and sports entertainment.
In addition to Prince, some of the 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.
