Ariana Grande is going to become the first-ever honorary citizen of Manchester after her benefit concert raised millions of dollars for victims and their families affected by the attack on her May 22 Manchester show.
Dave Hogan/One Love Manchester/Handout via REUTERS
Town hall officials announced plans for an event to recognize the “great many selfless acts and demonstrations of community spirit” of those who contributed to the healing of the city and its citizens after the attack that left 22 dead and more than 60 injured, The Guardian reports.
“We’ve all had cause to be incredibly proud of Manchester and the resilient and compassionate way in which the city, and all those associated with it, have responded to the terrible events of 22 May, with love and courage rather than hatred and fear,” Sir Richard Leese, the leader of Manchester city council, said.
“Ariana Grande exemplified this response. I think many people would already consider her an honorary Mancunian and we would be delighted, if the council approves the proposal, to make it official,” Leese said.
(Photo by Getty Images/Dave Hogan for One Love Manchester)
Grande, heartbroken after the horrific attack that put her fans in danger, returned to Manchester just under two weeks after her original show. The 23-year-old singer visited injured victims in the hospital and put together a star-studded “One Love Manchester” benefit concert that raised over $2.5 million for victims and their families.
It seems the city of Manchester will be eternally grateful for the young singer’s empathy for their citizens and wants to make her one of their own as a thank you for her efforts to help them heal.