Liza Minnelli Releases Statement on Judy Garland's 90th Birthday

Liza Minnelli issued a statement today on her official website and Facebook page to commemorate her mother's birthday. Judy Garland, who died in 1969, would have turned 90 today.

Liza said: “Today is a day for celebration. We celebrate the privilege of having had Mama touch all of our lives. She left us with so many feelings we never would have discovered about our self until she exquisitely translated them to us with her voice. She is to be missed deeply, yes…But, what if we never had her? That’s what we celebrate today. Mama gave each and every one of us the gift of hope, laughter, and love.”

Minnelli, a four-time Tony Award winner, spent part of the day attending a performance of The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess whose lyrics were co-written by her godfather Ira Gershwin. She also stopped backstage after the show to wish the cast luck at tonight's Tony Awards. The show is nominated for 10 Tony Awards.

Minnelli is next headed to England where she will perform on June 14 at the Hampton Court Palace Festival.

Liza Minnelli's official website can be found at OfficialLizaMinnelli.com and she is on Facebook at Facebook.com/OfficialLiza.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.