A life-size bronze statue of Fred Rogers was unveiled Saturday morning in America’s beloved neighbor’s hometown.

The statue was dedicated during a public ceremony at James H. Rogers Park, named for Rogers’ father.

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Originally scheduled to be dedicated in June, the statue's debut was put on hold when the sculptor, Jon Hair, became ill. Hair was in attendance for Saturday’s ceremony, as was Rogers’ sister, Nancy Rogers Crozier.

"I am so excited about this," Crozier said. "We've been waiting a long time."

Fred Rogers died Feb. 27, 2003, after a battle with stomach cancer.

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

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