Mourning the loss of a legend. Music icon Prince was discovered dead at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota on Thursday, April 21, and fans of the musician quickly took to social media to share their sorrow. He was 57.
“MTV is heartbroken and in utter disbelief at the news that the world has lost Prince Rogers Nelson so suddenly and so before his time,” the network told Us Weekly in a statement. “Prince was a once-in-a-lifetime artist who transcended every medium and genre he touched and created music with a passion and individuality that inspired multiple generations. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, friends and millions of fans.”
The singer was rushed to the hospital following an emergency landing of his private plane on Friday, April 15, but a rep for the musician reported that the “Purple Rain” crooner was feeling healthy again shortly afterward. He even made an appearance at a concert the next day to reassure fans that he was OK.
An insider told TMZ that the musician had been battling a bad case of the flu.
I just want to think of David Bowie greeting Prince up in space, talking about what a terrific view they’ve got.
— Anne T. Donahue (@annetdonahue) April 21, 2016
Naw not Prince.
— Charlamagne Tha God (@cthagod) April 21, 2016
There’s just no backup Prince. It’s like all the best parts of 20th century music downloaded into a robot from the future.
— Benjy Sarlin (@BenjySarlin) April 21, 2016
I wanted to be offline. I was liking being offline. But goddamnit. Not Prince.
— Marc Bernardin (@marcbernardin) April 21, 2016
“Artist” & “Genius” are thrown around carelessly these days. Prince Rogers Nelson was an actual artist & a legit genius. I’m so sad#RIP
— Mario Lopez (@MarioLopezExtra) April 21, 2016
Beep boop beep???? @prince #Prince
— BB8 (@BB8) 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
Another icon gone too soon.
RIP Prince ??
— Jenny McCarthy (@JennyMcCarthy) April 21, 2016
I’m stunned & so saddened to hear about the passing of Prince. He changed it all!!!! The true definition of talent!! pic.twitter.com/Ni17GvPu67
— Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) April 21, 2016
R. I. P to the King Prince thank u for inspiring me to be a Musician First and using this tool to heal people
— Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) April 21, 2016
I’m gutted. Speechless. Heartbroken. Such a great great great kind man. #RIPPrince
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) April 21, 2016
Sending love out to #Prince #AmericanGenius Thank you for all you gave us- https://t.co/fGX0MSfQd3 via @youtube
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) 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
Numb. Stunned. This can’t be real.
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) April 21, 2016
Dang it… Truly hate hearing we lost Prince. Sad day..
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) April 21, 2016
RIP OG ?!!!!! pic.twitter.com/7BtzSJgCRo
— T.I. (@Tip) April 21, 2016
Sad day! RIP Prince ?? pic.twitter.com/HGN7MrtBZj
— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) April 21, 2016
Please no! Some one please tell me it isn’t true #PRINCEWILLNEVERDIE
— Cara Delevingne (@Caradelevingne) April 21, 2016
today we lost a music legend #RIPPrince
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) April 21, 2016
PRINCE, sad to say, has passed on!!! He was a Giant. My deep condolences go out to his family, friends and fans.
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) April 21, 2016
Unbelievable just heard about PRINCE. Strength and light to his family/loved ones. One of my favs and a true pioneering artist. RIP brotha.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 21, 2016
Here’s to one of the strongest spirits the world has ever known ? We will miss you forever, Prince. pic.twitter.com/vEGAd0HLxS
— Britney Spears (@britneyspears) April 21, 2016
In absolute devastation today, I cry purple tears for the loss of my dear friend Prince. I will forever cherish you in my heart. #Prince
— Salma Hayek (@salmahayek) April 21, 2016
In absolute devastation today, I cry purple tears for the loss of my dear friend Prince. I will forever cherish you in my heart. #Prince
— Salma Hayek (@salmahayek) April 21, 2016
Just came back from Cuba & received horrible news. Such an iconic legend. Will forever cherish u & what u gave this earth sir. Love u Prince
— Usher Raymond IV (@Usher) April 21, 2016
“Like a bird without a song”. I’ve lost one of my best friends today. I know he would have advice right now, Prince I’m listening as always.
— Tamron Hall (@tamronhall) April 21, 2016
Prince had previously canceled two concerts in Atlanta earlier this month due to an unspecified illness, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
His last tweet came on Monday, April 18, a promotion for his 2016 Piano & A Microphone tour program, which he kicked off in Australia in February. The multi-hyphenate artist was also set to release his first book, a tell-all memoir titled The Beautiful Ones, in fall 2017.