A decade after his death, Prince gets a big hometown celebration

A decade after his death, Prince gets a big hometown celebration

TEN YEARS LATER: Prince’s hometown is commemorating the decade since his passing. The city where he first emerged as a musical icon, Minneapolis, is set to host a sweeping tribute to the late artist. This year’s gathering, the “10th Anniversary Celebration of Life,” promises to be the most ambitious yet, blending nostalgia with innovation to honor his multifaceted contributions to music and culture.

Annual tributes to Prince have been a regular tradition, but this year’s event is expected to be the largest in its history. Paisley Park — now a museum dedicated to his legacy in Chanhassen, Minnesota — will serve as the central hub for the multi-day schedule, which begins on June 3 and concludes on June 7, the date that would have marked his 68th birthday. The programming aims to showcase his artistic brilliance and enduring impact across his career.

“I think fans are going to be very surprised this year, because usually Prince’s work and catalogs have been focused on distinct projects and periods,” said L. Londell McMillan, his longtime attorney and business partner. “For the 10th year, what they’re going to get is a true celebration of his life.”

McMillan also highlighted the emotional tone of the event, hoping to shift the focus from sorrow to gratitude. “Attendees will witness a cross section of his artistic genius and human spirit across his lifespan,” he added. “We aim to move from sadness to appreciation, celebrating the magic he brought to our lives.”

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey emphasized the city’s deep connection to Prince, stating, “In Minneapolis, we don’t just remember Prince—we feel him in the streets, in the music, in who we are.” The celebration will include a two-hour community sing-along near the downtown Prince mural, a free, all-ages event designed to engage fans in a shared tribute.

Prince passed away on April 21, 2016, after an accidental fentanyl overdose at his Paisley Park home. At 57, he left behind a legacy as a 7-time Grammy winner, a virtuoso instrumentalist, and a pioneer of stage performance. His compositions, such as Sinead O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” The Bangles’ “Manic Monday,” and Chaka Khan’s “I Feel for You,” continue to resonate globally, cementing his place as a cultural phenomenon.