NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Two musical powerhouses helped open Nashville's newly renovated Walk of Fame Park. Loretta Lynn and Jack White were also honored with stars in the park.
The park has been closed for the last eight months as crews renovated the green space across from the County Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The project cost $2 million to complete.
Thursday, Mayor Karl Dean joined Lynn and White to cut the ribbon and officially reopen the park. The Mayor said it is a crucial piece of green space in downtown Nashville.
"It's right in the middle of a lot of different things. It's right next to the convention center, the Hall of Fame, Bridgestone Arena and shortly next to the Bridgestone North American and South American headquarters," Dean said.
The Walk of Fame was relocated within the park, and new stars were designed for the attraction. They are bigger and more durable than the stars on the former Walk of Fame.
"We think it tells the story in a way none of us could tell it, about Nashville," said Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation President Butch Spyridon.
After the park was reopened, the city bestowed the honor upon Lynn and White of adding their stars to the long list of musical greats who are part of the Walk of Fame.
White, who moved to Nashville from Detroit to open his Third Man Records, said Nashville has welcomed him with open arms.
"For example, what went down with Third Man Records here in this city, and accepted it so well, nurtured it, and helped make something come alive. We're so honored to be here every day, and we know there's only one town in the world where we could have done this and that's Nashville, Tennessee," White said.
White and Lynn inducted each other into the Walk of Fame. Lynn is a country music icon and was honored to receive her star.
"What can I say, I want to thank you all very much for this star," Lynn told the crowd.
Lynn and White are now the 62nd and 63rd artists honored with a star.
The Walk of Fame is now located just inside the park on the Demonbreun Street side, across from the Country Music Hall of Fame.
