The musician known as Prince, who sang such hit songs as “1999,” “Little Red Corvette” and “When Doves Cry,” has died at the age of 57. His body was discovered at his Paisley Park Estate in Minnesota on Thursday morning. His death was confirmed by his publicist, via the Associated Press.
The publicist also released a statement:
Prince's publicist confirms iconic star's death to @KTLApic.twitter.com/4Xqjq1VkW1
— Tara Finestone (@tarawallis) April 21, 2016
The cause of death is not yet known, but the musician, whose full name was Prince Rogers Nelson, had suffered a medical emergency on the morning of Friday, April 15, which caused his private plane to make an emergency landing in Moline, Illinois so that he could be hospitalized.
It was later reported that he had been suffering from flu-like symptoms. Nonetheless he performed publicly the very next day and told the members of the crowd to “Wait a few days before you waste any prayers.”
Prince burst onto the international music scene with his 1982 album “1999,” and won seven Grammy awards. In 1993 Prince changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol that combined the symbols for male and female, leading him to be referred to as “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince.” He changed it back to Prince in 2000.
He has sold over 100 million records and also won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score for “Purple Rain” in 1985. He had an estimated net worth of $300 million.
Fans from Rev. Jesse Jackson to rapper Ice-T reacted immediately—and emotionally.
Raw emotion at Paisley Park in Chanhassen. Prince is dead. Pic.twitter.com/kuhusnrr8b
— Tom Hauser (@thauserkstp) 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
Im sooooo very sad right now… PRINCE can't die.
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) April 21, 2016
I'm Crushed!! UK news reporting Prince Is Dead?! For Real?! Massive Loss for us all! What a Genius! Speechless.
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) April 21, 2016
Daniel Bukszpan is a New York-based freelance writer.