Musician and all-around visionary Prince Rogers Nelson — known to the world simply as Prince — was pronounced dead April 21 after he was found unresponsive in an elevator at his Minnesota compound, Paisley Park. He was 57 years old.
A recent emergency plane landing for the treatment of a “flu-like illness” and paparazzi photos of Prince taking multiple trips to a pharmacy near Paisley Park have sparked rumors and speculation about the cause of the artist’s death.
An autopsy was conducted April 22; though results could take several weeks, which is standard, law enforcement officials said there were no signs of trauma.
While officials dig into the how of Prince’s death, fans worldwide are left grappling with the why and sharing their tributes to the late musician who meant so much to so many.
Here are some of the tributes shared via social media in the days following Prince’s death:
Erykah Badu
“… The moment you remember how much he means to you… You’ve been here all my life. And You will live F O R E V E R in my cells.”
Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.
“Shocked & heartbroken to hear news of death of dear friend, #Prince. Pray for his family & thank God for his legacy.”
Sheila E.
“The meaning of the word loss has taken on new meaning this day. Thank God, love lives 4Ever #prince”
Quincy Jones
“RIP to @prince…a true artist in every sense of the word. Gone way too soon.”
Alicia Keys
“Prince was a gift and a genius. He showed us that we have no limits. His music left me forever changed.”
Lenny Kravitz
“My musical brother… My friend… The one who showed me the possibilities within myself, changed everything, and kept his integrity until the end, is gone. I am heartbroken.”
Spike Lee
“I Miss My Brother. Prince Was A Funny Cat. Great Sense Of Humor.”
President Barack Obama
“Today, the world lost a creative icon. Michelle and I join millions of fans from around the world in mourning the sudden death of Prince. Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people with their talent.”
Will Smith
“I am stunned and heartbroken. I just spoke with him last night. Today, Jada & I mourn with all of you the loss of a beautiful poet, a true inspiration, and one of the most magnificent artists to ever grace this earth.”
Neil deGrasse Tyson
“Only now do we know what it sounds like When Doves Cry — the absence of music from loss of The Artist. RIP Prince (1958-2016)”
Lil Wayne
“R.I.P. to the God Prince. Gone too soon but here forever. Sippin Purple Rain 4 the legend. There will never be another”
Oprah Winfrey
“Prince the doves really are crying now. Listening to your music. Remembering you. #RIPPrince”
