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‘God speed’: IMS lights honor Florence Henderson

SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) — The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is honoring beloved Indy 500 icon and television star Florence Henderson.

The words “God Speed. We love you, Florence Henderson” are lit up alongside a depiction of praying hands. It’s part of the speedway’s Lights at the Brickyard holiday light display.

Best known for playing the “The Brady Bunch” mother, Henderson died last week at the age of 82.

Her appearances every year at the Indianapolis 500 were loved by race fans.

IMS released a heartfelt statement following her passing.

Florence Henderson had an amazing impact on generations of Americans through her platform as an actress and an even more profound impact on Indianapolis Motor Speedway fans through her passion for and contribution to those special moments leading up the command to start engines at the Indianapolis 500. Our fans looked forward to seeing her on Race Day each year and her pre-race involvement became one of the expected annual traditions that makes the Indianapolis 500 so powerful.

This past year, we were pleased to have honored her as the Grand Marshall for the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500. More importantly, Florence Henderson was a treasured friend of the Hulman-George family for many years and the bond between them was as strong as family. We thank her for her friendship and love for our sport and her friends and family will be in our prayers. She was a lovely lady and she will be missed.

Lights at the Brickyard continues until Dec. 31. Click here for more information.