Chicago's Circle Interchange will be re-named for Jane Byrne

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Gov. Pat Quinn will re-name Chicago's iconic Circle Interchange Friday after the city's only female mayor Jane Byrne.

"It took a long time to happen, but now that it has happened, it's happening so fast," said Kathy Byrne, Jane Byrne's daughter. "It's incredible."

Some will say it took too long to honor the contributions of Chicago's only female mayor. Jane Byrne will tell you, "That's Chicago politics!"

"She, at first, did not believe me. She said, 'No, no. Something will happen.' I said, 'Nothing's going to happen. This is true. This is real,'" Kathy Byrne said.

The point in the city where the Kennedy, Eisenhower and Dan Ryan come together will be re-named the Mayor Jane Byrne Interchange. It's fitting for the woman who campaigned for "One Chicago".

Kathy Byrne says her mother plans to attend and is energized - even giddy - getting ready. Not unlike a teen preparing for prom.

"Outfit. Hair. Nails. The whole bit, yes. Of course she has," she said.

There is no doubt the woman small in stature but big on ambition will attend Friday's dedication at the University of Illinois Chicago Campus polished and proud. It'll be up to her family members to keep it together.

"Actually I think it's going to be more smiles than tears. Our family likes to laugh," she said.