The late music icon Prince is to have a part of the Minnesota highway named after him.
The section in question runs past the Purple Rain singer’s former Paisley Park home and studio, right through the Minnieapolis suburb of Eden Prairie and Chanhassen.
This decision was taken earlier this week to rename this seven-mile stretch along the Minnesota State-Highway 5 in honour of Prince.
The highway will now be named Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway, in tribute to the late singer.
Along with the name change, it was also confirmed that all signs that are marking the highway will be painted purple.
“a true genius, a visonary artist”
Senators representing the hometown of Prince in Minnesota voted yes to this proposal, with the bill being passed onto Governor Tim Walz.
Speaking to her leading politicians, Senator Julia Coleman who is the bill’s lead sponsor, paid tribute to Prince and his legacy in music and beyond.
“Prince was a true genius, a visionary artist who pushed the boundaries of music and cultures in ways that will never be forgotten”, she said.
“His influence can be heard in the work of countless musicians who came after him, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists to this day”.
Coleman also added that the proposal will be paid for by members of Prince’s family and friends.
Prince passed away from a fetanyl overdose in 2016.
In April 2021, fans flocked to his Paisley Park home, to pay their respects to the singer on his fifth anniversary.
The venue has remained as a shrine to the Prince since his death, with fans also leaving flowers and momentos in his honour. More on this here.
Earlier this year, Canadian singer Shania Twain admitted that she turned down the chance to work with Prince on “the next rumours album” in 2008.
Twain also revealed that she turned it down as she was divorcing her husband Matt Lunge at the time. More on this from Nova here.