Gone but never forgotten. Prince’s closest friends and family members gathered for a private memorial service at Paisley Park on Saturday, April 23.
Several arrangements of purple flowers and catered food were delivered to the late legend’s home in Chanhassen, MN, earlier in the day, before relatives and pals gathered for the intimate event.
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Prince, who died on Thursday, April 21, at the age of 57, was cremated shortly after his body was released to his family following an autopsy on Friday, April 22.
“A few hours ago, Prince was celebrated by a small group of his most beloved: family, friends and his musicians, in a private, beautiful ceremony to say a loving goodbye,” the singer’s rep told Us in a statement. “Prince’s remains have been cremated and their final storage will remain private. We ask for your blessings and prayers of comfort for his family and close friends at this time. The cause of death remains unknown and it will be at least four weeks before we receive the results of the autopsy. An announcement will be made at a future date for a musical celebration.”
The “Purple Rain” singer’s protege and ex-fiancée Sheila Escovedo, better known as Sheila E., attended the memorial service on Saturday, as did half-brother Maurice Phillips, muse Damaris Lewis and bassist Larry Graham.
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Phillips told fans who were gathered at the gates of Paisley Park that the family is “willing to share and talk to people,” according to Entertainment Tonight. He also noted that his wife and their six children are taking the news “pretty well.”
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Fans of the “Kiss” crooner lined the fence of his home and recording studio with hundreds of flowers, signs and purple balloons. Some fans waiting outside on Saturday were greeted by Prince’s sister, Tyka Nelson, who also handed out memorabilia in large round purple boxes.