She’s a Latin American icon… And, now Angélica María is a star in Hollywood…

On Wednesday, the 71-year-old American-born Mexican actress and Latin Grammy-winning singer-songwriter unveiled her very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Angélica María, known as “La novia de México,” arrived in a vintage white convertible to a cheerful crowd ready to celebrate a long overdue recognition to one of Latin America’s most talented and loved artists.

To kick off the ceremony, actor and singer Diego Boneta dedicated a few words to the woman he calls his mentor and inspiration.

“Angélica María, as much as I’d love to say that I am the only actor you have inspired, that’s not the case. You have inspired all of us, the new wave of Mexican and Latin actors who are here today working hard. You’ve been a great example of that. Thank you for motivating me.”

Following Boneta’s remarks, her daughter, Angélica Vale, also a well-known actress and television personality, went up to the podium with her two kids to read a tearful letter to her mother. Vale also had three messages sent from Latin superstars Emilio and Gloria Estefan and Ricky Martin congratulating Angélica María on her special day.

“I’m there in heart with you today on this glorious day honoring an incredible woman. Thank you for all your talent and art that we have enjoyed for so many years and for being my theater godmother when I began my career in Mexico,” read Martin’s message.

“I’m so thrilled and grateful,” said a tearful Angélica María. “This star means so much to me. I never thought I would have a star, but this is a dream come true. This star is dedicated to my mother, to my family, to Latin America, to the press who have always supported me and to my Mexico. Viva México!”

Born in New Orleans, Angélica María moved to Mexico at the young age of 4 where she began her acting career and, at 8 years old won her first Mexican Film Academy Award for the film Mi esposa y la otra. But that was just the first of many awards and achievements to come. She’s starred in many other films, musicals, telenovelas and theatrical productions.

She has recorded 63 albums and pioneered the genre balada-ranchera (ranchera ballad).

For her work on stage, screen, television and as a singer, Angélica María has been inducted into the Paseo de las Luminarias at Mexico City’s Plaza de las Estrellas.