The Senate may not agree on much these days, but they agree on the purple mountains’ majesty and the “Purple Rain.”
On Wednesday, the upper chamber passed by unanimous consent a resolution honoring the life of Prince Nelson Rogers, who was found dead at his Paisley Park studio compound on April 21.
The bill was introduced by his home state senators, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Al Franken (D-Minn.).
It was also introduced, fittingly, in purple ink.
Calling Prince “a superstar composer, an amazing performer, and a music innovator with a fierce belief in the independence of his art,” the bill notes his myriad accomplishments including his 2004 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the first year he was nominated.
“Whereas even after all of his success, Prince still called the State of Minnesota home and never lost the sense that he was a beloved son, a neighbor, and the superstar next door,” the resolution states. “Whereas Prince reminded the people of the United States that ‘there’s a world waiting for us after this life, a world of never ending happiness, where you can always see the sun, day or night’; and whereas on April 21, 2016, Prince passed away at his Paisley Park Estate in Chanhassen, Minnesota, leaving behind millions of fans and a legacy of music that touched hearts, opened minds, and made the people of the United States want to dance.”
“Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Senate honors the life of Prince Rogers Nelson and his achievements as a musician, composer, innovator, and cultural icon.”
It passed by unanimous consent.
“While the Senate may disagree on a lot of issues, today we agreed on one: Prince was a one-of-a-kind artist, fiercely independent and uniquely talented,” said Klobuchar. “For Minnesotans, Prince was our superstar next door. He made ‘Purple Rain’ a household name, First Avenue a landmark, and brought international fame to Minnesota’s music scene. He will be missed.”
Franken noted that “Prince was an incredible musician, a fiercely proud Minnesotan, and a legendary artist who was beloved by people all over the world.”
“Since his untimely death, the outpouring of appreciation for Prince speaks volumes to his influence on modern culture and also to the importance of the arts to so many people,” Franken added. “I’m glad we were able to do something in the Senate to honor this true Minnesota icon.”
The cause of death has not yet been determined by the medical examiner, but pain medications are suspected to have played a role. A law enforcement source told CNN on Wednesday that Prince, who had hip problems for many years, had commonly prescribed opiates on him and in his home.
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