Missy Elliott celebrated in Portsmouth, gets key to city

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Portsmouth native and music superstar Missy Elliott not only had a street named after her on Monday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin also declared Oct. 17 as “Missy Elliott Day” in Virginia.

Many local and state leaders were in attendance at the dedication for Missy Elliott Boulevard Monday. Portsmouth City Council unanimously voted in August to rename the current McLean Street to “Missy Elliot Boulevard.”

Fellow Virginia music icons Pusha T, Trey Songz, and Timbaland attended the event at Manor High School. The football stadium quickly reached its 3,600 capacity. A spokeswoman for Portsmouth Public School told 10 On Your Side others were turned away at the gate.

Aside from celebrity appearances, political officials were also in attendance making key proclamations and providing honors. Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Congressman Bobby Scott presented the proclamations to honor Elliott and her accomplishments, and Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover presented her with a key to the city.

Gov. Youngkin declared Oct. 17 as Missy Elliott Day.

“As a native Virginian, she has inspired young women in the Commonwealth and beyond to pursue careers in the arts and music,” said Youngkin describing Elliott. “She is the American dream!”