People often question why we follow cherish, and love celebrities --- famous people who we do not personally know. And when we really ponder that question, you realize that it can be quite funny. We watch these celebrities on a big screen and become attached to make-believe Hollywood personas. Suddenly, we see their names flash on big-name magazines, talkshows, and news broadcasts revealing more than just their on-screen characters... and then we become fans. While we all laugh at the idea of someone praising a celebrity, we are, regardless of whether we can recognize it or not, interested in someone famous, whether it be for their talents, their looks, or their actions. We find our hearts melting at the news of their loving relationships, their kind hearts and the inspiration they ignite in their fans. And regardless of whether we personally know these people or not, we share with them a special connection for reasons unique to each individual. I, like millions of others, have been touched by one legendary actress in particular - Debbie Reynolds.

Mary Reynolds, more popularly known as Debbie Reynolds, was born in 1932 in the little town of El Paso, Texas. She was an American actress, singer, businesswoman, film historian, and an honorable humanitarian. Reynolds is commonly recognized for her acting roles in films such as Three Little Words (1950), Singin' in the Rain (1952), The Affairs of Dobie Gillis (1953), Susan Slept Here (1954), Molly Brown (1964), The Singing Nun (1966) and the Halloween Town series.

However, Debbie Reynolds was beyond just a phenomenal actress. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend to more than just her blood-related family. She was a musical sensation and a magical grandmother we awaited every October 31st. Beyond film, she was strongly involved in mental health causes and served as president of The Thalians, an organization dedicated to mental health.

Debbie Reynolds took the film and celebrity industry by storm with her talents and showed America how to love life and people in a grand and selfless manner. This love was so rich and evident in the voices of her colleagues and fans. The co-Halloweentown actress, Kimberly J. Brown, simply put it best when she said:

She [Debbie Reynolds] appreciated that after all the years of highs and lows in this crazy entertainment industry, she still got to come out, perform, and make people happy. She valued what a gift it is to be in that position, and no matter how famous she got, she did it with such humility and love. And that’s why she was loved by so many.

Debbie Reynolds and her also beloved daughter, Carrie Fisher, shook the hearts of America this week at the news of their tragic deaths. However, even in their passing, their strong love was so evident. "This is a beautiful love story to witness in my 58 years," Todd Fisher, sister of Carrie Fisher and son of Debbie Reynolds, wrote, "I miss them both so much. Love is everlasting." The cherished mother and daughter duo will be forever remembered as Hollywood icons and as classy, loving women. Their contribution to the film industry and the inspirations they left behind will never be forgotten, and America's love for the two will always remain strong.

While it's true that 2016 has unfortunately taken the lives of many, whether a celebrity or not, it is important to remember that while they may not walk the earth anymore, their presence is always with us. For so long as we cherish these memories, remember their character, and love them continuously, they will always live on in our hearts.