By WCCO Staff, Reg Chapman, CBS Minnesota | Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday signed a bill into law that renames a stretch of highway to honor the late Minnesota icon Prince.
“I think we can lay to rest that this is the coolest bill signing we’ll ever do,” Walz said before signing the bill, using purple ink. “I for one am just incredibly grateful to be a part of this celebration. But like so many Minnesotans, I’m just proud that Prince called Minnesota home.”
Last week, the Minnesota Senate voted 55-5 to approve renaming Truck Highway 5 from Eden Prairie to Chanhassen to Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway. The legislation stipulates the sign must be in purple, of course. The Minnesota House approved the renaming last month.
Chanhassen is home to Paisley Park, Prince’s longtime home and recording complex that now serves as a museum dedicated to the Purple One. It’s also where the bill was signed, and where Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway will run alongside.
Inside Paisley Park Studios, everything that made Prince who he was to his fans stood out in the room notorious for holding late night and special occasion parties.
“There were a couple of times when I was like, ‘Mom, I’m going to go sleep at my best friend’s house,’ and we would come to Paisley Park and dance all night long,” Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said.
Today, I signed a bill renaming a state highway in honor of Prince – an artist who transformed the music scene in Minnesota and across the world.
Prince was a proud Minnesotan through and through, and it’s only fitting that we honor this icon in the community he called home.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) May 9, 2023
> > > > > > > >
MnDOT made a special exception for purple signs designating the highway.
> > > > > > > >
Read or watch the full story here – lots of cool video:
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/prince-rogers-nelson-memorial-highway-bill-signed-into-law-renaming-stretch-of-chanhassen-highway/
[Editor’s note: I went to tour Paisley Park in 2020. Believe me, it is a JOY for musicians to behold. If I only had the money… ]
Photo: Paisley Park
https://www.facebook.com/people/Prince-Rogers-Nelson/100063763292440/
It’s Official: Using Purple Ink, Gov. Walz Signs Bill That Renames Stretch of Highway After Prince
