Gwen Stefani Inducted Into Inaugural Class of Orange County Hall of Fame: ‘Never Left Anaheim Behind’

Gwen Stefani may be spending most of her time in Oklahoma these days with her husband, Blake Shelton — but the Anaheim, Calif. native has never forgotten her roots.

Stefani, along with nine others, was inducted into the inaugural class of the Orange County Hall of Fame, an event that celebrated individuals both living and dead in various fields who have made significant contributions to the Southern Californian region.

Speaking live at the induction, with Shelton looking on, the No Doubt singer explained that her upbringing in Orange County composes an integral part of her identity.

“Wow, this is my life?" she enthused. "I grew up on a cul-de-sac in westside Anaheim, across the street from a strawberry field and Tom’s Farmers Market. My entire world was between Euclid Street and Harvard Boulevard.”

“Orange County is where my dreams were born and the foundation that shaped my life. Anaheim, California is my roots. It’s my culture, and I’ve never left Anaheim behind," she continued. "It’s always been with me. I’ve been able to share it with the world through my songs, through my style, and I’ve always had such pride and gratitude from where I’ve come from.” 

Stefani has referenced her homeland frequently over her career, from No Doubt's debut album Tragic Kingdom (a wordplay on Disneyland's "Magic Kingdom," which is located in Anaheim) to her song "Orange County Girl," and more.

Also inducted into the new class were the late Walt Disney, Kobe Bryant, Henry Segerstrom and General William Lyon; musician Bill Medley, athletes Tiger Woods, Greg Louganis and Amanda Beard; and businessman Frank Jao.