[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2492-S2493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    REMEMBERING PRINCE ROGERS NELSON

 Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
life and legacy of the late artist and musician Prince Rogers Nelson. A 
global legend, a Minnesota icon, Minnesota's Purple North Star, Prince 
was a once in a generation talent from the moment he stepped on stage 
for the very first time.

[[Page S2493]]

  Born and raised in Minneapolis, Prince rooted his life and work in 
Minnesota, building his home and studio Paisley Park just 20 minutes 
southwest of Minneapolis. Prince filmed various scenes from his iconic 
film ``Purple Rain'' in the city and pioneered the ``Minneapolis 
Sound'' in the late 1970s and 1980s that influenced music for decades 
to come.
  It was that sound, and Prince's remarkable voice and vision, that 
propelled him to historic heights. He sold 39 studio albums and 150 
million records worldwide. Prince won seven Grammys, an Oscar, and a 
Golden Globe, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 
in 2004, the first year he was eligible.
  Throughout his extraordinary life, Prince always called Minnesota 
home. He wrote a song about the Minnesota Vikings, appropriately titled 
``Purple and Gold.'' In 2015, when the Minnesota Lynx won their third 
WNBA championship, he held a concert at Paisley Park. And just a few 
days before his passing, Prince hosted a dance party there and made a 
brief appearance.
  Prince envisioned that Paisley Park would be open to the public one 
day and now, as a museum, recording studio, live music venue, event 
space, and education organization, Paisley Park is dedicated to 
fulfilling that dream and keeping Prince's memory alive and connected 
to his hometown. As we continue to mourn his loss, we also continue to 
celebrate his life, his legacy, and his music. This year's 10th 
anniversary celebration in the Twin Cities brings together people from 
around the world and from all walks of life to celebrate the 
contributions and impact that Prince had on the community.
  Like most Minnesotans and Americans, I remember listening to Prince 
for the very first time. His talent and creativity changed music 
forever, and he will forever be missed.
  So today, I rise to honor Prince and his legacy as we mark 
Minnesota's 10-year celebration.

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