Music legend and star of the seminal 80s movie Purple Rain, Prince died Thursday, April 21 at the age of 57.
Reports first circulated that Minnesota sheriffs were investigating a death at the legendary singer’s Paisley Park estate outside Minneapolis. TMZ.com was the first outlet to confirm the death. His passing was later confirmed to the Associated Press by his publicist.
Last week the man born Prince Rodgers Nelson was hospitalized in Illinois with what was reported as the flu.
While he had some chart success before Purple Rain, the semi-autobiographical film and accompanying soundtrack album became his launchpad to legend.
In all, the prolific musician released 39 studio albums, four live albums between 1978 and 2016.
Fans from all walks expressed their grief in the after the first reports of his passing first started to trickle out.
"Paint a perfect picture. Bring to life a vision in one's mind. The beautiful ones. Always smash the picture. Always every time." #Prince xo
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) April 21, 2016
RIP #Prince — apparently true. Among many other things, one one of the greatest flash guitarists of our time. Reeling…
— Kurt Loder (@kurt_loder) April 21, 2016
Just Sad. Thank you for the soundtrack of my life, I lived for the day when we would work together. RIP #Prince. pic.twitter.com/6IdcdT2niF
— Terence Blanchard (@T_Blanchard) April 21, 2016
I really Pray this is NOT True…… #Prince
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) April 21, 2016
Shocked & heartbroken to hear news of death of dear friend, #Prince.Pray for his family&thank God for his legacy. pic.twitter.com/M5qCx9iXkj
— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) April 21, 2016
Can't believe this one. So sad. RIP #Prince. You changed everything.
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) April 21, 2016
A shock to read #Prince has died. He was so magnificent at the Super Bowl that I was privileged to perform the National Anthem in sign. RIP
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) April 21, 2016
I can't. I just can not. #Prince
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) April 21, 2016
NOBODY on this EARTH has affected the world of music the way #Prince has. Ask ANY1. I'm honored 2have had time spent w/him. Damn. Sad. Ugh.
— Tichina Arnold (@TichinaArnold) April 21, 2016
"Dearly Beloved, We're gathered here today to get through this thing called life. Electric word, life, it means forever."
Thank you, #Prince— Milo Greene (@MiloGreene) April 21, 2016
I loved this Man. Too soon. Can't comprehend it but it's unfortunately true. Heaven is yours. RIP #Prince #RIPPrince pic.twitter.com/EH8paEvn75
— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) April 21, 2016
Prince’s last national television performance was an eight-minute set on the Chris Rock hosted Saturday Night Live. One of his most memorable performances was at the Super Bowl in 2007.
