Elton John and Elizabeth Taylor (via TV Guide)

Taylor’s close friend and fellow HIV/AIDs activist Elton John took a moment to pay his respects to the deceased actress at his concert in Pittsburgh last night. John dedicated a rendition of his song, “Don’t let the Sun Go Down on Me” to Taylor, after which he described her as both a friend and a hero.

Dozens of Hollywood stars and friends of the Oscar-winning actress have continued to make statements today about Taylor’s life, how much she will be missed, and the glowing light in which she will be remembered. 

Mickey Rooney, Taylor’s costar in her breakout film “National Velvet,” said that the “loss in the motion picture business with [her] passing is momentous. She was a great lady who gave herself to everyone.” Rooney also noted that Taylor’s death was a “great personal loss” for him. 

Friends of Taylor have also made a point of recognizing the profound and lasting impact of her philanthropic efforts, especially her advocacy for HIV and AIDs. 

Singer and Actress Barbara Streisand commented that “it was [Taylor’s] humanitarianism” that really made her life count, noting that she “put a face on HIV/AIDs.”  

This afternoon, guests are just beginning to arrive at Elizabeth Taylor’s private funeral service in Glendale, California. Taylor will be laid to rest next to her parents at Forest Lawn Cemetery, the same cemetery in which her close friend Michael Jackson is buried.  

Watch the live stream of guest arrivals here. 

Reach Whitney Tolar here.