The memorial for Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood Hills on Saturday. This was the public memorial promised to the fans after announcing that the January 5 funeral would be private. It sounds like it was a loving and touching tribute that gave a lot of people closure. Todd Fisher, Debbie’s son and Carrie’s brother, hosted the event, which was attended by over 1,200 people. Todd said at the start that, “This entire thing I’m calling a show, not a memorial, because my mother… liked shows and parties.” Young and old fans came from all over to pay their respects. Dan Aykroyd, Carrie’s former fiancé, spoke and a song written by James Blunt in tribute to the two was played during a video montage. I didn’t realize Carrie and James were so close, she was his son’s godmother. Could you imagine anything cooler than Carrie Fisher as your godmother? Carrie’s daughter Billie Lourd attended with boyfriend Taylor Lautner. Both Carrie’s dog Gary and Debbie’s pup Dwight had their own reserved seats.

Dancers, Dan Aykroyd and Star Wars’ R2-D2 were among those who took the stage at Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher’s public memorial service, held Saturday afternoon at Los Angeles’ Forest Lawn — Hollywood Hills.

The celebration included montages — set to music by Star Wars composer John Williams — that highlighted each woman’s storied film career, as well as intimate family photos, interview footage and their humanitarian work.

Though tearful at times, the tone of the 90-minute ceremony was that of a joyful celebration. Star Wars’ R2-D2 even came onstage for a few beeps.

An original song called “I’m Here to Let You Go” by family friend James Blunt debuted over a final photo montage, as well as footage of Reynolds’ last performance, which was with Fisher and her daughter, Billie Lourd, their “pride and joy,” said Todd.

The show also included performances by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (highlighting Star Wars’ Princess Leia as an icon), tap numbers highlighting the Debbie Reynolds Dance Studios and a color-guard tribute for Reynolds’ humanitarian work for veterans. Costumes and memorabilia were on display throughout the venue, which accommodated guest overflow in the lobby and outside. Immediately after the service, fans were invited to pay tribute at Fisher and Reynolds’ final resting place.

[From The Hollywood Reporter]

I sort of felt bad for Todd Fisher after Debbie and Carrie’s death. He repeated during the memorial on Saturday that Debbie, “looked at me to ask for permission to leave, said she wanted to be with Carrie, closed her eyes and went to sleep.” I appreciate that as a beautiful sentiment to the love between Debbie and Carrie but I am not sure how I would handle that. He seems to have found his moment, though. And he assured fans that they meant the world to the ladies and considered them family. He also announced that Debbie’s living room and Carrie’s writing room will be preserved in a museum. I am not yet over Carrie’s death so I will be burning tracks to see her writing room as soon as it’s open. Whatever Todd’s feelings are, he is seeing to the fans and bless him for that. That is probably the best tribute he can pay to his mother and sister.

In addition to Aykroyd and R2-D2, old friends told lovely stories. Guests received programs that had the Tuck Everlasting quote, “Don’t be afraid of death; be afraid of an unlived life,” which has always been one of my favorites. The whole event was live-streamed for those who could not make it. Saturday was my son’s bday party so I was swarmed with 12 year old boys and unable to watch it. It sounds like I should have skipped the Lord of the Flies and gone to the memorial instead. The food would have been better, for sure.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to The Thalians in honor of Carrie and Debbie.

Photo credit: Getty Images and WENN and Fame/Flynet Photos