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View of Sonny's resting place.

Sonny Bono's Grave

Field review by the editors.

Cathedral City, California

Desert Memorial Park is in the heart of the Palm Springs Cemetery District, just off Ramon Road. While it is not the most opulent cemetery on the drag, with little in the way of ornamentation, it is the only one in the world that can currently claim to hold half the remains of Sonny and Cher. The final resting place of the late California Congressman, who died in a skiing accident on Jan. 5, 1998, is easy to spot. Just look for the homunculus of flowers that seem to grow from his nourishment.

Sign near the gates.

Actually, the floral manifestation of America's outpouring of love and remembrance seems muted, but this is not due any lack of national grief. Rather, it is due to the Memorial Park's "No Flower Wednesdays." Every Wednesday at 6 AM, all flowers in the cemetery are removed, and so a proper overflowing Sonny tribute mulch can never get going. Still, when we visited, recent mourners had left a lacquered wood version of the Lord's Prayer and a tennis racket, and the City of San Jacinto, California had sent a lovely wreath bearing the inscription, "City Of San Jacinto."

Sonny Bono's Grave

Desert Memorial Park

Address:
31705 Da Vall Dr., Cathedral City, CA
Directions:
Desert Memorial Park
Hours:
Gates open daily 7-6 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
760-328-3316
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Frank Sinatra GraveFrank Sinatra Grave, Cathedral City, CA - < 1 mi.
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Gene Autry StatueGene Autry Statue, Palm Springs, CA - 3 mi.
In the region:
Old Town Jail, Julian, CA - 52 mi.

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