"I want to be immortal": Anne Rice's fans honor her legacy in New Orleans
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A fan poses with Anne Rice's most famous book. Photo: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios
Anne Rice fans finally got the chance to say goodbye to their beloved author over the weekend in New Orleans.
Why it matters: The celebration of life came four years after her death, but attendees told Axios it was worth the wait.
The big picture: Folks traveled from across the globe to dress as their favorite characters, mourn Rice's death and celebrate her unapologetic spirit.
- They shared stories about what her books meant to them and how her words changed their lives.
- Their creativity was on full display at the famous Anne Rice Vampire Ball and continued at her celebration of life on All Saints' Day at the Orpheum.
- Rice's recurring themes of celebrating nonconformists, exploring yourself and seeking light in the darkness were woven throughout both events.
Inside the room: Seats in the Orpheum were filled with fans of various races, ages, genders, orientations and nationalities. Many were in costumes.
- They cheered when Christopher Rice talked about his mother writing "Interview with the Vampire" after a discouraging comment from her husband's friend.
- They cried when her friend, Eric Shaw Quinn, shared how she once played a Welsh lullaby for him on the piano.
- And they laughed when an actor read an innuendo-filled excerpt from "The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty."
The vibe: Christopher Rice and business partner Quinn produced the tribute as they processed what Rice described as the "body blow that was our grief for my mother."
- The event was tailor-made for fans. The lobby, stairwells and halls were filled with archival photos and fan-made sculptures.
- The show was a mix of theater, tribute, documentary and memorial. Irma Thomas sang, personalities from Anne Rice's widely popular Facebook page shared memories and family members gave insight into her defining moments.
- It hit all the right notes for a fan base seeking catharsis.
What she's saying: "I want to be loved and never forgotten," Anne Rice said in a recorded clip that played during the event. "I want to be immortal."
Between the lines: Axios New Orleans was one of three credentialed media outlets at the celebration of life.
- Rice and Quinn told Axios after the event that the response was "overwhelming" and "everything we could hope for."
- The evening ended with them staying for hours to personally greet many of the 1,400 attendees.
What's next: Saturday's event will be turned into a documentary, which will stream for free later this month on AnneRice.com.
