ABSTRACT
The news of Princess Diana's death astonished American political dignitaries. Initially, there was some question as to the proper political response from the White House. Other American political figures expressed sentiment and paid respects to Diana's memory. Ironically, the type of aggressive media coverage which allegedly led to Princess Diana's death was active with rivalry. Entertainers in the US felt a kinship with Diana and were devastated by the news of her death. They along with many Americans viewed her as a celebrity. Several American musicians who had concerts or appearances scheduled around the time of her death, dedicated songs or entire concerts to her. Funeral tributes and memorial services were held all over the country in honour of Princess Diana, but the overwhelming response by Americans was participation in spontaneous memorials. Spontaneous memorials in Diana's honour consisted of mementos symbolizing the relationship which mourners had established with her memory.
