NEW YORK (AP) — Chita Rivera, the dynamic dancer, singer and actress who garnered 10 Tony nominations, winning twice, in a long Broadway career that forged a path for Latina artists and shrugged off a near-fatal car accident, died Tuesday.
Rivera's death was announced by her daughter, Lisa Mordente, who said she died in New York after a brief illness.
In August 2009, Rivera was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor the U.S. can give a civilian.
Rivera put her hand over her heart and shook her head in wonderment as President Barack Obama presented the medal.
In 2013, she was the marshal at the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City.
Persons:
— Chita Rivera, Tony, Lisa Mordente, Rivera, Anita, Barack Obama
Organizations:
Latina, Associated Press, Puerto Rican
Locations:
New York, U.S, wonderment, New York City