What to expect at the Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds public memorial
It's the world's turn to say goodbye to Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher, the famed mother-daughter duo who died in December within 24 hours of each other.
The public is invited to the memorial service at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles where the two were laid to rest side-by-side. The service begins at 1 p.m. PST and will be streamed live on DebbieReynolds.com.
Todd Fisher, Reynolds' son and Fisher's brother, has organized the memorial featuring trademarks of the show-biz royalty family — singing, dancing and pets. Lots of pets.
Fisher says to be prepared for tears, but laughter as well.
"This all feels bitter like lemons," says Fisher. "But let’s make lemonade."
Here's a rundown of what to expect.
Deaths of Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds: What we know
Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds laid to rest, side by side
James Blunt will premiere a song for Carrie Fisher
Blunt was a close friend to Fisher. He even wrote his hit song You're Beautiful in her bathroom and Fisher was the godmother to his son.
"They were very deeply connected, the way Carrie was with so many people," says Todd Fisher. "But not everyone has a way to give back to Carrie at this time."
Blunt can, however. Although the British singer cannot make the memorial, he will premiere a specially-made video featuring a new song dedicated to Fisher.
The lyrics include: "When you left without saying goodbye, I’m here to let you know, I’m here to let you go."
"The song evolves into something bigger and a message to all of Carrie's friends. And it’s a killer," says Fisher.
Fisher has also cut a film segment dedicated to his sister around Blunt's You're Beautiful, saying, "That was James' desire to feature this song."
Billie Lourd, Fisher's only daughter, will attend
Fisher's daughter, actress Billie Lourd, 24, is fully supportive of the memorial and will attend. But the heartbroken Lourd will not take an active role.
"She cannot publicly speak about this at this point. And I don’t think she needs to," says Fisher.
The memorial will also feature home movies, images and still pictures from the family archives "that the world has never seen," says Fisher.
Expect pets, including Fisher's beloved Gary the dog
Carrie Fisher's beloved French bulldog Gary was a constant companion for the Star Wars star.
Lourd adopted Gary following Fisher's death and will be front and center at the memorial along with Lourd's French bulldog Tina.
Other pets include the parrot Archie, given to Carrie Fisher by music mogul David Geffen.
"This family travels with its pets, they are all coming," says Todd Fisher. "Many times in our life we would have to have a tour bus take us to places just to bring the pets. That isn't going to change now."
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Guests will be treated to music with meaning
The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles will perform two songs at the memorial: Who Will Love Me As I Am? and Cyndi Lauper's famed song True Colors.
"These songs say a lot about Carrie and Debbie’s lives, their availability and connection to fans and friends, and their non-judgmental views," says Fisher.
'Star Wars' will play a big part
Both Star Wars stars Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill are travelling and will not be able to attend the memorial. But Fisher says some of Fisher's Star Wars outfits and memorabilia will be on display in the theater.
The ceremony will also feature music by Star Wars composer John Williams.