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Elizabeth Taylor Purposely Late for Her Own Funeral

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Fashionably, fabulously late to the very last!

When Elizabeth Taylor was laid to rest on Thursday, her funeral service was a bit behind schedule — as per the explicit instructions of the legendary star, who died on Wednesday at age 79.

Related: PHOTOS: Elizabeth Taylor's incredible life

Her publicist explained to UsMagazine.com: "The service was scheduled to begin at 2 pm but at Miss Taylor's request started late. Miss Taylor had left instructions that it was to begin at least 15 minutes later than publicly scheduled, with the announcement, 'She even wanted to be late for her own funeral.'"

Related: PHOTOS: Her many, many marriages

Held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, Calif. (where Taylor's pal Michael Jackson and other stars are entombed), Taylor's multidenominational service last about an hour, and was officiated by Rabbi Jerry Cutler.

As loved ones said goodbye, the two-time Oscar winner, humanitarian, mogul, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was laid to rest in the Great Mausoleum, underneath a marble Michelangelo angel.

Related: EXCLUSIVE: Read one of her final interviews -- with Us Weekly

The service included poetry readings by her famous friend Colin Farrell, her son Michael Wilding Jr., grandson Tarquin Wilding and her daughter Liza Burton Tivey. Her grandson Rhys Tivey performed a trumpet solo of "Amazing Grace."

Taylor's casket was closed and covered with gardenias, violets and lily of the valley.

Details of a public memorial service will be provided at a later date.

Related: PHOTOS: Us' touching tribute to other stars we've lost

On Friday night at 8 p.m., marquees at Broadway theaters in NYC will be dimmed in Taylor's memory for one minute.

"Every breath you take today should be with someone else in mind," Taylor Tweeted in July. "I love you."

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