'I know you. You're ... famous"

Tom Petty is at peace. And the confusion and fixation about the circumstances of his death can be attributed in large part to our fascination with celebrity and fame.

For many of us, Petty was more than just a famous person. He was an important part of our lives. His music brought us joy, offered us solace, sustained us in an often bleak world. He rocked and we rocked with him. But fame is a double-edged sword.

It brings public adoration but something darker, too. At a time when he and his loved ones deserved privacy and respect, his final hours were a public spectacle. Petty was smart enough to understand that. He even made gentle fun of his celebrity.

In the movie The Postman, a guilty pleasure of mine, Kevin Costner’s character encounters Petty, who portrays the leader of a group of post-apocalyptic survivors. In amazement, the Postman says, “I know you. You’re … famous.” Petty sheepishly replies, “I was once. Sorta. Kinda. Not anymore.”

Fame is fleeting. But Tom Petty will be remembered for as long as music of his era is played and enjoyed. Which is to say – forever.