Critically acclaimed musician Prince has died, aged 57, at his home in Minnesota.
News of the star’s death spread like wildfire across social media this evening after being reported on celebrity gossip site TMZ. Police were reportedly called to a medical emergency at his Paisley Park estate this morning. His death was later confirmed by his publicist.
The global superstar first shot to fame in the 1980s with albums such as 1999 and Purple Rain and has since sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
Tributes have poured in across Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, with a number of celebrities expressing their shock and sadness to hear of his passing.
Fellow singers, songwriters and musicians showed their admiration and love for the star, with Boy George calling it ‘the worst day.’
Today is the worst day ever. Prince R.I.P I am crying!
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) April 21, 2016
And just like that…the world lost a lot of magic ✨ Rest in peace Prince! Thanks for giving us so much…
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) April 21, 2016
This fucking sucks… Prince on repeat all day. Just like I did with Michael and Whitney ?
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) April 21, 2016
One of my biggest inspirations. A true icon. You will be missed. Sad sad news today… #RIPPrince
— Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) April 21, 2016
Rest easy, legend ❤️ #RIPPrince
— Fifth Harmony (@FifthHarmony) April 21, 2016
Words cannot express the impact this man has had on my life. Ever since I first heard 1999 when I was 3. I can’t believe it. #RIPPrince
— mistajam (@mistajam) April 21, 2016
“Thank you for the music Prince. Thank you for showing us your very best.”
Radio and TV star Fearne Cotton took to her Instagram to talk about her shock of hearing the news.
Courtney Love Cobain referred to him as ‘his royal badness’
Numb, full of pain for his royal badness has been snatched from us today . #ripprince
— Courtney Love Cobain (@Courtney) April 21, 2016
Shocked. Saddened. Gutted. A huge huge loss. #RIPPrince ?
D— antanddec (@antanddec) April 21, 2016
Planet earth lost a legend today. You will always be remembered #RIPPrince x
— GΞORGΞ SHΞLLΞY (@higeorgeshelley) April 21, 2016
today we lost a music legend #RIPPrince
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) April 21, 2016
I am truly devastated and heartbroken at the news. One of my biggest inspirations. Your genius will be greatly missed. #RIPPrince?
— Mason Noise (@itsmasonnoise) April 21, 2016
I can’t believe #Prince has passed. This is horrible news. #ripprince so sad 🙁 🙁
— Hilary Duff (@HilaryDuff) April 21, 2016
“This is what it sounds like when Doves cry.”
Whoopi Goldberg quoted Prince’s hit song ‘When Doves Cry’ before sending her condolences to his family.
This is what it sounds like when doves cry.. Prince R.I.P.
Condolences to his family & 2 us all— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) April 21, 2016
Prince was brilliant and larger than life. What a sad day.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) April 21, 2016
Such sad news about @Prince passing. Incredible artist and an inspiration. #RIPPrince
— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) April 21, 2016
Jesus, this is not a great year…
Can death please **** off and take a holiday.— Dermot O’Leary (@radioleary) April 21, 2016
I can’t believe he has gone. Thank you for everything Prince. You will always be The Greatest #RIPPrince
— Zane Lowe (@zanelowe) April 21, 2016
Iman, model and late wife of David Bowie, who also died earlier this year, gave her condolences to Prince’s family and friends.
It’s not just celebrities who are showing their support. Thousands of users are sharing their thoughts on the news, with many talking about the number of high profile deaths we’ve already seen so far this year.
It’s hard to believe legends could ever die, but we’re losing a lot this year. #RIPPrince
— Jono Read (@jonoread) April 21, 2016
Absolutely mortified. I’m not over Bowie and now Prince? 2016 can bugger right off now. #RIPPrince
— Kara (@spread_sparkle) April 21, 2016
It’s only April and we’ve lost Alan Rickman, David Bowie, Bankroll Fresh, and Prince. I want a refund on 2016
— Tstaff (@TrentStafford1) April 21, 2016
I have to believe David Bowie and Prince are collaborating on all the songs in heaven.
— Carly Lane (@carlylane) April 21, 2016
What are your favourite memories of Prince? Share them with us in the comments below.
