ANAHEIM, CA - April 7, 2008 - In a public ceremony today, Jackie Autry, wife of the late Gene Autry, accepted a star on the Anaheim/Orange County Walk of Stars in honor of her husband and Orange County’s baseball pioneer. Gene Autry is the sixth honoree on the Anaheim/OC Walk of Stars and was recognized for his contributions to baseball and professional sports in Orange County. Today’s ceremony was held at the Anaheim/OC Walk of Stars, located on the corner of Harbor Boulevard and East Shuttle Way with Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle and City Council Members in attendance.

"Gene Autry not only had a lasting impact on American entertainment, but also life in Anaheim," said Mayor Pringle. "His passion for America's favorite pastime brought our City a stadium, a championship baseball team and fun for generations of Anaheim families. It is only fitting that we honor Gene Autry today with a star at Anaheim's Walk of Stars."

Gene Autry’s passion for baseball became evident when he not only acquired the radio broadcasting rights to the team, but became the owner of the Angels franchise in 1961. Gene Autry quickly realized the team’s potential and relocated the team to Anaheim where it began the 1966 baseball season in the newly constructed Anaheim Stadium. Since the Angels’ relocation to Anaheim, the team has been the stage for numerous talented players from Nolan Ryan to Reggie Jackson and captured its first World Championship title in 2002.

Gene Autry was not a foreigner to accepting stars engraved into walks. He is the only entertainer to receive five stars on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, each for his renowned contributions to radio, recording, motion pictures, television, and live theatre performances. His most famous work included his reputation as “America’s favorite singing cowboy” as he revolutionized the way viewers watched television programs in the 50s. The fixture on the Anaheim/OC Walk of Stars will be Autry’s first star commemorating his work and passion for professional baseball.

The Anaheim/Orange County Walk of Stars honors visionary leaders, entertainers and entrepreneurs who have made a positive national and international impact on Anaheim and throughout Orange County.

Additional information on the Anaheim/Orange County Walk of Stars, including how to sponsor a star, is available at www.anaheim.net.

For press inquires, contact Marty De Sollar at 714-765-5092.