Thousands Say Final Good Byes to Singer Jenni Rivera

Friends, family and fans honor Mexican-American singer Jenni Rivera with tributes during an emotional memorial service in Los Angeles.

Published

5 months ago

Categories

Entertainment

Topics

North America

People

Jenni Rivera

Places

Mexico, Los Angeles, Monterrey, Toluca

Transcript

Friends, family and fans packed Los Angeles' Gibson Amphitheater on Wednesday (December 19) to say their final farewells to Mexican-American singer Jenni Rivera. Rivera's family - including her parents, siblings and children - carried her red coffin on stage. Musical and spoken tributes punctuated the two-hour event, with the audience often breaking into chants. Rivera's father, Pedro, remembered his daughter with pride. SOUNDBITE: Pedro Rivera saying (Spanish): "Daughter, how proud I am to say that I am your father. Your happiness, your smile, your affection for the public will never be forgotten." Her 15-year-old daughter, Jenicka Priscilla Lopez, addressed her mother directly. SOUNDBITE: Jenicka Priscilla Lopez saying (English): "Mom, I thank you for being the best mom any girl could have. I thank you for caring for me although I didn't show that I loved you. And I'm sorry. I'm sorry for not being an obedient daughter or a respectful daughter." Rivera died last week when her Lear jet crashed 15 minutes after take-off, en route from Monterrey to Toluca, Mexico. She was 43.