Celebrities Express Shock, Grief Over Death of Musical Icon Prince

The eclectic star influenced musicians of all genres, touching on pop, funk and rock with a sound that could only be dubbed his own: the Prince sound

The world mourned the death of the artist known as Prince, who was found dead Thursday in his estate in Chanhassen, Minnesota. He was 57 years old.

Prince's publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure, confirmed the death of the "legendary, iconic performer, Prince Rogers Nelson," in a statement.

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The eclectic star influenced musicians of all genres, touching on pop, funk and rock with a sound that could only be dubbed his own: the Prince sound. [[376585691, C]]

As news of his passing spread, fellow musicians, actors, sports stars, and fans alike, took to social media to express grief and share their own personal Prince stories.

Among those mourning Prince's passing were President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, who, in a statement called Prince "one of the most gifted and prolific musicians of our time." 

"Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people with their talent," the White House statement read. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his band, and all who loved him.β€Ž"

Madonna called Prince "a true visionary," who "changed the world" in an undated, throwback Instagram photo. [[376597681, C]]

Elton John also published a photo of Prince on Instagram, with the caption: "This is truly devastating news. The greatest performer I have ever seen. A true genius. Musically way ahead of any of us. Sang with him twice on stage. What an honour. Rest in peace you purple warrior. #Prince #RIP." [[376603591, C]]

Supermodel Iman, the wife of the late rock great David Bowie, tweeted a photo of Prince, with the caption: "RIP Prince! Condolences to his family, friends and fans." [[376594491, C]]

Many were stunned by news of Prince's death, which comes a week after his plane was forced to make an emergency landing due to an illness. Prince also canceled two shows in Atlanta, Georgia, in early April due to the flu.

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Actress Alyssa Milano called Prince the "greatest artist of my generation," and recalled a concert where she danced on stage with him while pregnant with her son Milo. "Prince, I will forever love you," she tweeted. Actor Rob Lowe, mirroring Milano's remarks, called Prince's music "the soundtrack of my life."[[376588571, C]]

Singers Katy Perry and Cher Lloyd thanked him for "giving us so much" and leaving behind music that "will live on forever." [[376589591, C]] 

Target Field, the home of the Minnessota Twins baseball team, was lit purple for Prince. The team tweeted: "fitting that it's raining in Minneapolis today." 

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