Musical icon Prince has passed away at the age of 57

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Well, this is completely and utterly devastating. Prince has passed away at the age of 57. Last weekend, Prince was rushed to the hospital with a bad case of the flu. But by the time anyone heard about it, he was already at home in Minnesota, and he was back to tweeting, so most people assumed he was fine – flu-ridden, but recovering. But it looks like something was really wrong. TMZ reports that Prince passed away at his Paisley Park compound. People Magazine and the Associated Press have confirmed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones. When Doves Cry…

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photos credit: WENN.com

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253 Responses to “Musical icon Prince has passed away at the age of 57”

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  1. Lee says:

    Awful year so far….RIP

  2. meme says:

    Why?

  3. jsilly4e says:

    WHAT?!?!? RIP. I was so worried we were going to hear this the other day when his plane made the emergency landing and he was sick. Sigh. Too sad.

  4. Tiffany says:

    This one….stings.

    • Little Darling says:

      Well said. Devastating.

      What an inspiration, talent, fantastic songwriter, producer of influence in both style and sound. Music as we know it is so much richer having been imprinted with his purple magical touch. RIP.

  5. Pinky says:

    Wtf? How does Prince die of the flu?!?! Bring him back!!!

    –TheRealPinky

    • MP says:

      There was a blind item about this like a week ago. They said he would die soon so I guess they actually knew something this time. And no it’s not really just the flu obviously…

      • EM says:

        There are rumors of HIV/AIDS but ultimately it’s how he lived that is important and he was an incredible talent and by all accounts a genuinely nice guy. Life is too short!

      • Talie says:

        @MP — Yeah, I read that tea. Shocking, if true. But all will be revealed soon…

        In the meantime…this is tragic.

      • nic919 says:

        I hope they do confirm if it is AIDS, because there are many who don’t take HIV seriously anymore. There are medications to control it, but it is still a very serious disease to get.

      • Greenieweenie says:

        I never read any rumors but when I saw
        he died of the “flu”, I immediately thought AIDS. He disappeared from the public eye in the late 1980s/early 1990s? and I remember when I found out Isaac Asimov had actually died of AIDS but the family said it was something else.

      • JenniferJustice says:

        Yes. Sadly, the blinds pretty much outed him as having AIDS and dying very soon. They said he was only HIV but he’s been seeing a spiritual guru who basically talked him into the “mind over matter” philosophy, so Prince went off his meds. He got very sick very fast. Damn these arrogant POS that convince people they are weak for using medication….as if he died because he didn’t beleive strong enough.

      • megs283 says:

        who knows – but for the record, the flu can and does kill. Same with pneumonia.

      • Frosty says:

        “Just the flu”? Flu kills.

      • eileen says:

        Actually its possible to die from complications of the FLU even if you’re young and active-for some people they develop pneumonia,sepsis,etc. I don’t know if he suffered from HIV like others are saying but please don’t discount flu. (I’m an RN and a lot of people scoff at the flu and being vaccinated for it)

    • Denisemich says:

      Bad case of the flu can also be called pneumonia.

      They are afraid to say pneumonia because of the implications but that would make more sense. He probably was not treated correctly as is the case with many celebrities.

      Rest in Peace Prince, you will be missed.

      • LAK says:

        Last week Blind Gossip was saying he had AIDS, and would pass soon.

      • Denisemich says:

        hmmm. I am sure that will be discussed in coming days.

        Not sure if it is true.. people jump to HIV/AIDs when they hear pneumonia. It is interesting that his last wife who is now married to Eric Benet just had a baby.

      • ladyE says:

        @Denisemich, I don’t know that people jump to AIDS from pneumonia. Plenty of people get pneumonia that don’t have AIDS or HIV.

      • Lilacflowers says:

        Grieving

      • byland says:

        My uncle died last February of pneumonia. He was gay, but he was not HIV+, let alone suffering from AIDS. Still, there were jerks at his wake, of all places, talking about how he had to have had AIDS since he was gay and died from pneumonia – wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

        So you’re right, even if he did die from pneumonia – something that can and does still happen, even today – the speculation will never end.

        And if he did die of HIV or AIDS? So what? It’s still heartbreaking. It doesn’t really matter what killed him, just that something did. The people who loved him will still suffer and grieve, no matter the cause.

      • drnotknowitall says:

        That was what I initially thought. Pneumonia is quite serious and when not treated promptly and properly, can be fatal.

        But he appears to have performed a concert the very next day, which would not be possible with pneumonia or any serious lung infection. So my theory went out the window.

        The AIDS scenario makes no sense either. If he was in such distress that they had to make an emergency landing, then he had full blown and serious complications that would likely made it impossible for him to perform the very next day.

        Same with any end-stage fatal illness.

        I can only concluded that his religious beliefs may have interfered with his care. It may be that he was discharged against doctor’s orders, knowing full well that would mean his death.

        Horrible:(

      • eileen says:

        Flu and pneumonia are two different things a complication of the flu can lead to a secondary infection such as pneumonia

    • LadyMTL says:

      How does Prince die, period? This is horrible! Prince, Michael Jackson, and Madonna were my “Big 3” growing up in the 80’s. Heck, I was a Prince fan when I was probably way too young for it to be appropriate.

      2016 blows.

    • Annetommy says:

      Flu and pneumonia kill around 50,000 people in the US every year. RIP.

      • Blue says:

        ^This, the flu can kill young healthy people in their prime.

        RIP Prince.

        I was way to young to be listening to Purple Rain and didn’t understand it fully, but I knew it was magical and exciting.

    • Redgrl says:

      Was he not a Jehovah’s Witness? Do they not have restrictions about certain medical treatment?

    • Eden75 says:

      I almost died from the flu. It’s very possible for it to happen.

      A sad day. What a bad year.

  6. islandwalker says:

    Wow- another shocking death, much too young. Many condolences to his loved ones.

  7. GiGi says:

    God, I cannot believe this! This one got me.

    There better be a lot of phenomenal humans born this year to make up for all these deaths.

  8. chioma says:

    Nooooooo
    We need to put the Year 2016 in rice.

  9. The Original Tiffany says:

    I’m gutted.

    • mia girl says:

      That is how I feel. Gutted.
      I don’t even know if I can bring myself to listen to one of his songs right now. It is just too overwhelmingly sad.

    • Emily C. says:

      This is how I feel too. This one feels worse than the others and even than Terry Pratchett’s death. Unexpected, and his music was SUCH a big part of my life when I was a young teenager. Still is.

    • Antonym says:

      Yes. Gutted is the right word.

  10. lily says:

    My 70 yr old Dad just called me 10 minutes ago to tell me about this. Major case of the sads now.

  11. artpunk44 says:

    So shocked and sad right now : (
    Bowie and now Prince too?

    Rest In Peace, Prince.

    • GingerCrunch says:

      It’s really too much. I was lucky enough to see each of them only once. Same year, I think, 1984. Thank goodness I did, and thank goodness that incredible music will live on. Wow.

    • Carol says:

      Both True Icons. Great creative forces. Beyond time and musical styles.

    • Trashaddict says:

      The cool aliens are leaving the planet. The End can’t be far off now.

  12. Alyce says:

    This has been such a terrible year for music. He was still pretty young too! RIP.

  13. minx says:

    I just played “Kiss”–that song and video still sound/look very modern. And it’s 30 years old.
    RIP! Too soon.

  14. Tiffany :) says:

    I am so sad about this. My office is freaking out. 2016 has been a really rough year for people leaving us too soon. I can’t believe he was only 57! Sigh. So sad.

  15. umila says:

    I’ll always remember Julia Roberts singing “Kiss” in the bathtub. What a fantastic talent. Sad to hear of his passing.

  16. mellie says:

    I just loved Prince…his music helped get me through High School. Bummed beyond words.

    • Michelle says:

      Me too. I loved When Doves Cry. I would listen to it over and over. He was still so young to die.

    • DianaM. says:

      Me too. So, so sad.:(

    • mia girl says:

      He is one of the artists I hold most dear.
      Purple Rain was the soundtrack to my senior year in high school.
      I’ve seen the movie Purple Rain more times than I care to mention. He was captivating.

      RIP Prince… Nothing Compares 2 U

  17. LAK says:

    ‘When doves cry’ is my favourite Prince song.
    RIP
    He was the soundtrack to happy late teenage years.
    This is devastating.

  18. Elizabeth says:

    I was really shocked when I heard this … he was too young to die of “the flu”. There have been lots of rumors on the urban web sites that he’s been sick for a long time with HIV and didn’t get the right treatment because of his religious beliefs.

    • jsilly4e says:

      If a JW has HIV they can take meds for it.

    • lucy2 says:

      I know of several people this year who had the flu or a bad cold that turned into pneumonia, and one who did from it – in his mid 30s. If he was really sick and not resting or under proper care, it could have been something like that.

    • kcarp says:

      I read that earlier this week. Was it Blindgossip.com? I think the blind said that the person could pass as soon as the summer.

    • Esmom says:

      Two years ago my teenage son almost died of pneumonia. Even in the hospital with the best medical care available, he continued to get worse, way worse, before he got better. Prior to that I also didn’t believe that young, healthy people could die of the flu or pneumonia, but it can happen. So it could be true.

      • Chinoiserie says:

        I had phenomia when I was teen too, 14. It is worst with very young and very old people but healthy people can get ill too.

    • eileen says:

      NO one is too young to die from the flu-children,teenagers,young adults and middle aged and elderly die from the flu. Prince was one of the most talented musicians I’ve ever listened to and watched on tv. I actually watched the MTV tribute ongoing right now. RIP

    • Emily C. says:

      I came close to dying from the flu in my early 30s. Dying from “common” illnesses happens more than a lot of people realize, and people aren’t nearly careful enough. Jim Henson died of pneumonia at only 50, remember.

  19. lucy2 says:

    Very sad. He was far too young, and we’ve lost so many talented people in the past few months.

  20. Miss M says:

    Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo 🙁
    RIP, Prince

  21. jsilly4e says:

    Also, raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and the only religious belief we have medically is no blood transfusions. There are bloodless hospitals now and many different options offered. I was anemic and my ob/gyn was nervous because of what might happen when I gave birth to my son. So I saw a hematologist every week and got iron infusions. I had the best blood work on the maternity floor that day. So until something specific comes out please don’t raise a false alarm. If you’re a JW and are bipolar you take meds and see doctors, you want to give birth at home or at a hospital, take your pick, etc. etc.

    ETA: I think JW’s are getting mixed up with other religions that don’t believe in any medical intervention. That’s not true, it’s a common misconception. A person gets to decide what medical treatment they wish to seek (obviously not a blood transfusion).

    • amilu says:

      Thank you for this perspective.

    • rianic says:

      I worked for a vascular surgeon, and we would give JW patients Meds to increase their blood counts pre op. Can you donate and have it given to yourself?

      • jsilly4e says:

        rianic, yes there are a number of things a JW can do to help with the blood issue. But storing and using your own blood isn’t allowed because it’s already left the body. But there is a machine, I forget the name of it, but it will circulate your blood and go right back into your body, and I believe a witness can use their own conscience in that matter and do that if necessary. I remember when I recently had two operations and also when I gave birth and there was this form and I could check off what I would allow if an emergency came up.

        My mother had an aneurysm, two strokes, and a heart attack all in one day in 2006. They said she wasn’t going to make it through the night and to prepare to say goodbye. Then she got airlifted to Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia and they were going to do emergency brain surgery and one of the doctors would not perform it without blood transfusions. So another doctor offered to do it bloodless and it was a success and she was back home in less than 2 months. Ten years later and she’s still alive and kicking.

      • henksey says:

        We do not donate or store blood. With that being said, even during surgery, skilled and conscientious surgeons and anesthesiologists can help by employing advanced blood-conservation methods. Meticulous operative technique, such as electrocautery to minimize bleeding, cannot be overstressed. Sometimes blood flowing into a wound can be aspirated, filtered, and directed back into circulation.#

        Patients on a heart-lung machine primed with a nonblood fluid may benefit from the resulting hemodilution, fewer red cells being lost.

        “Older concepts about oxygen transport to tissues, wound healing, and ‘nutritional value’ of blood are being abandoned. Experience with patients who are Jehovah’s Witnesses demonstrates that severe anemia is well tolerated.” —The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, March 1989.

        And there are other ways to help. Cooling a patient to lessen his oxygen needs during surgery. Hypotensive anesthesia. Therapy to improve coagulation. Desmopressin (DDAVP) to shorten bleeding time. Laser “scalpels.” You will see the list grow as physicians and concerned patients seek to avoid blood transfusions. We hope that you never lose a great amount of blood. But if you did, it is very likely that skilled doctors could manage your care without using blood transfusions, which have so many risks.

      • henksey says:

        You are welcome, Lak and jsilly4e

    • LAK says:

      Serious question, but why don’t you accept blood transfusions? What’s the thinking/belief behind this? Genuinely curious and would rather hear from a person who practises than wikigoogle it.

      • henksey says:

        Common misconceptions

        Myth: Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t believe in medicine or medical treatment.

        Fact: We seek the best possible medical care for ourselves and our families. When we have health problems, we go to doctors who have skill in providing medical and surgical care without blood. We appreciate advancements that have been made in the medical field. In fact, bloodless treatments developed to help Witness patients are now being used to benefit all in the community. In many countries, any patient can now choose to avoid blood-transfusion risks, such as blood-borne diseases, immune-system reactions, and human errors.

        Myth: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that faith will heal a person’s ailments.

        Fact: We do not practice faith healing.

        Myth: Avoiding blood transfusions is very costly.

        Fact: Medical treatments that avoid blood transfusions are cost-effective. *

        Myth: Many Witnesses, including children, die each year as a result of refusing blood transfusions.

        Fact: This statement is totally unfounded. Surgeons regularly perform such complex procedures as heart operations, orthopedic surgery, and organ transplants without the use of blood transfusions. * Patients, including children, who do not receive transfusions usually fare as well as or better than those who do accept transfusions. * In any case, no one can say for certain that a patient will die because of refusing blood or will live because of accepting it.

        Why don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses accept blood transfusions?

        This is a religious issue rather than a medical one. Both the Old and New Testaments clearly command us to abstain from blood. (Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 17:10; Deuteronomy 12:23; Acts 15:28, 29) Also, God views blood as representing life. (Leviticus 17:14) So we avoid taking blood not only in obedience to God but also out of respect for him as the Giver of life.

        At one time, the medical community generally viewed strategies for avoiding transfusions, so-called bloodless medicine, as extreme, even suicidal, but this has changed in recent years. For example, in 2004, an article published in a medical education journal stated that “many of the techniques developed for use in Jehovah’s Witness patients will become standard practice in years to come.” * An article in the journal Heart, Lung and Circulation said in 2010 that “‘bloodless surgery’ should not be limited to J[ehovah’s] W[itnesses] but should form an integral part of everyday surgical practice.”

        Thousands of doctors worldwide now use blood-conservation techniques to perform complex surgeries without transfusions. Such alternatives to blood transfusions are used even in developing countries and are requested by many patients who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses.

      • PinaColada says:

        Henskey, what about cancer? My loved one has stage 4 cancer and needs frequent blood transfusions or she will die. Her counts are too low with chemo. Is there an alternative for that, or would the choice be to pass? Just curious. I would be devastated if she died before she needed to. It will already cone prematurely (40s) so not interested in hastening it of course. But I am also religious (different religion) so I fully respect yours and am not judging. My in-laws are JWs but I’ve never thought to ask.

      • LAK says:

        Thank you Henskey.

      • jsilly4e says:

        Thank you Henksey.

      • Egla says:

        Not going after you Henksey about your belief but in my country the medical care it’s not that advanced. For now blood transfusion it’s the only option for people who go to surgery or have otherwise the need for blood for other reasons (see talasemic or born heavy anemia which are a considerate number of people who really need transfusions sometimes every other day).
        There was a girl in my town 26 years old, a JW. She had a car accident and she needed blood badly. She refused till the end and then died and of course doctors couldn’t do anything for her near the end. It was really sad.
        Now i have a question for you and please don’t think i have anything against your beliefs (i would rather avoid other peoples blood if i can) but IF there is no other options as in our hospitals and the only possibility of survival it’s blood transfusion would you take it or prefer to die?? And by you i mean JW in general.
        Thank you in advance and don’t hate me.

        Also RIP Prince. I just saw it on CNN. He was unique

    • AlmondJoy says:

      Thanks for clearing that up. I am a JW and it’s true that we choose not to take blood transfusions. It is NOT true that we refuse all medical help and medicine, which is what many people seem to think.

      • Anonamonapia says:

        I rarely comment, just read others, but just wanted to say that you are EVERYTHING. I’ve read your words on natural hair, the black female experience and now I find you’re a JW too?! Keep slaying, girl.

      • AlmondJoy says:

        Anoma, thank you SO much. Surprised you even noticed my ramblings on here lol. I’ve been a JW for about 15 years and it’s what keeps me happy and hopeful about change and the future. Thanks for your kind words! ❤️❤️😘

      • a finn says:

        quite many fellow Witnesses here, how nice! Almondjoy, I too have always admired your toughts and views and seeing that we have something in common makes me happy 🙂

      • Capepopsie says:

        Oh me too!
        Many fellow witnesses here.
        So sad about Prince. . .

      • AlmondJoy says:

        A Finn and Capepopsie: I never knew there were so many of us here! Jw family all over the place! So awesome ❤️ Much love to you both! 😘

    • Greenieweenie says:

      Didn’t the Supreme Court rule on religious freedom w/r/t refusal of medical treatment from a case involving JWs? If so, that’s likely where the perception comes from.

    • Sonia says:

      Thank you, I remembered he was JW but couldn’t remember what, medically, that meant other than no blood transfusions.
      Bottom line, he was a very private person and I hope his privacy continues to be respected. Of course it won’t, but hopefully some of it will be.

    • Aren says:

      Thank you for taking the time to clarify this. It’s very interesting to learn about other religions.

    • Jwoolman says:

      There has been a lot of progress made in alernatives to transfusions of human blood, which is much riskier than many people realize. So there has been incentive to look for other ways for many different reasons.

      • Lucky Charm says:

        When my daughter was born, I hemorrhaged severely and needed a blood transfusion. A few years later I found out that I needed to get checked for Hepatitis C because they hadn’t been testing for that at the time. To say I was freaked out was an understatement.

  22. felixswan2 says:

    Wow, first David Bowie this year and now Prince. We lost a huge musical icon. Very sad about this.

  23. bondbabe says:

    My goodness…so sad! His protege, Vanity, died in February of this year.

    • jsilly4e says:

      That’s right. She just passed away too! This is awful. And poor Chyna just died as well.

  24. Christin says:

    I had a bad feeling when he sought treatment last week. He seemed a workhorse, so he must have felt terrible from this ongoing bout.

    Purely speculation, but he was always a very small person. It’s possible that being sick off and on for weeks (possibly not being able to eat well / losing weight) just put his body under too much stress.

    Bottom line — It’s just terribly sad, and shows how we should appreciate every day.

  25. HK9 says:

    He was a musician’s musician. There will never be another. R.I.P.

  26. blue marie says:

    This hurts my heart, such a talented musician. RIP Prince you will be missed..

  27. nicegirl says:

    I have always loved him. Since forever. I’m 41.

    What a gift to the world. Finally got to see him in the Bay Area in 2004. I am so sad about this news. Gotta try to celebrate his beautiful contributions instead of crying like a baby in a diaper. Geez.

    So tonight I’m gonna party like it’s 1999. For our beautiful Prince.

  28. Kim says:

    Celebrity deaths don’t normally make me feel anything. I… am feeling this one 🙁

    Love you, Prince.

  29. meme says:

    Gutted.

  30. Nancy says:

    And just like that he was gone. RIP Prince

  31. HeyThere! says:

    Nooooooo! I can’t believe this!!! I’m 30 and I grew up listening to him and STILL get down to his music. RIP. I am crying…it’s hitting me pretty hard.

  32. Lucy says:

    What the hell is going on this year, I have no idea. I’m having trouble processing this. Such an enormous loss.

  33. Don't kill me I'm French says:

    At least he is with his son son Gregory now and he will make some awesome music with Bowie,Whitney Houston,Michael Jackson and Lemmy
    RIP

  34. PunkyMomma says:

    Another lost genius. Death, you can go away —

  35. Magnoliarose says:

    I have no words.
    Geez what a hardcore year for music legends dying. 🙁

  36. Nev says:

    Michael, Madonna and Prince were all born in the same summer. Only she is left.
    RIP Prince. All the funk and beats is gone now.

    #lovesexy forever

    • lucy2 says:

      Growing up in the 80s, their music is the soundtrack of my early years. I never, ever imagined they’d be gone before I turned 40 (or that Madonna would fail to own her age and grow gracefully).

      • Happy21 says:

        I agree.

        Michael, Whitney, Madonna and Prince were everything. The soundtrack of my childhood. I’m not almost 40 and all but Madonna are gone. How is this possible?

        I’m glad I still have my old Purple Rain record. I’ll be listening tonight.

        🙁

  37. Mia4s says:

    Ouch. The soundtrack of my childhood. Rest well Prince and thank you.

    On the music icon front just an FYI to Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen; I’m going to need both you gentlemen to live forever. Hope that’s not to much to ask.

  38. Charlotte15 says:

    This one felt like a kick in the gut. RIP

  39. kri says:

    Prince changed everything.All of it. My heart is shredded, broken and crying. Such genius. So much brilliance and courage and beauty and humor. I will say it-the Mozart of our time. He was everything-he will be everything forever. Rest In Peace Prince .

  40. Awful awful awful year. Alan Rick man, David bowie and now prince_ you never know these people personally and yet they influence you on a very personal level. Rest in peace, singing bird:'(

  41. Dena says:

    I wanna be your lovah . . .

    I just can’t believe it. I’m floored. I’m so glad he was able to share his gift and his artistry with us and the world.

    Sign of the Times

  42. gunter says:

    If he had the same strain of flu my mother is recovering from I would not be surprised that it was the cause of death – I thought she was a goner 🙁 Nasty stuff going around

    • Delta Juliet says:

      Yes, people DO die from the flu. That’s why they vaccinate against it. I think the problem is, as my doctor told me when I was diagnosed with Influenza last year, is that a lot of people tend to refer to any ailment worse than a cold as the flu when that is not the case. Influenza is a very serious illness and if you are compromised in any way could certainly kill you.

      • Zip says:

        It drives me nuts when people with a cold tell me they got the flu. No, dude, if you had the flu you would not be standing here like this right now. The flu can kill you. Argh…

  43. Pip says:

    Damn. 2016 has not been kind so far.

    Saw him play the Camden Electric Ballroom hundreds of years ago – in a smallish venue he was absolutely amazing.

    Really sad.

  44. hogtowngooner says:

    From The Oatmeal:

    “George R.R. Martin is the official author of 2016.”

    • I Choose Me says:

      I saw a similar post about Joss Whedon who also has a penchant for killing off our faves.

  45. Awful awful awful year. Alan Rick man, David bowie and now prince_ you never know these people personally and yet they influence you on a very personal level. Rest in peace, singing bird:'(

  46. Jess says:

    Unbelievable, what an amazing talent, so many memories involve the music of Prince playing in the background, so sad:(

  47. La princesita says:

    nooo! so sad! this is devastating! 🙁

  48. Dippit says:

    Another great gone. His mastery of music and instruments was at genius level. I loved his work.

  49. That makes the 3rd famous person this week! Geez. Rip! It’s raining purple in heaven

  50. Shambles says:

    I never meant to cause you any sorrow
    I never meant to cause you any pain
    I only wanted to one time to see you laughing
    I only wanted to see you
    Laughing in the purple rain
    💔

  51. Pansy says:

    Look at that passport photo! What a stunning human being. Man, this is a hard one.

    • nicole says:

      So shocked about this, a very talented man and something very likeable about him, even though he had a unusual mystic kind of persona, love purple rain and so many other amazing songs, really sad, another music icon gone forever and never will be seen again.

  52. colleen says:

    Whaaaaa??????

    This is such a sad year.

  53. The Original Mia says:

    Absolutely devastated. Could have gone to his concert last week, but didn’t. Kicking myself. Rest in peace, Prince. The world is less for your passing.

  54. mire usted says:

    I am in shock! I had to read it several times to believe it. I can hardly breathe. 57 is so young to me. This is so tragic. He was on my very short list of survivors of artists I grew up admiring. He was so gifted. I wish I could count how many songs he wrote that I know word for word by heart. His lyrics influenced my greatly. His performances really got me moving. He was so full of life to me. I don’t how I’m going to continue to work today. Wow. Just. Wow. This stings.

  55. Sam says:

    I just remembered when he told off Justin Timberlake. Jeez, I’m totally going to miss this dude. He had sass.

    • me says:

      When did this happen? Never heard of that story with JT. I do remember when he kicked Kim Kardashian off the stage for not dancing. Ha ha…he sure did have sass. So sorry to hear of his passing.

      • Sam says:

        It was at an awards show. He didn’t do it directly, but he threw serious shade. He got up on stage for something and just said, offhand, “For those of you saying you’re bringing sexy back, I’m here to tell you that sexy never left.” It was epic pwnage.

  56. Dana says:

    I can’t get over this. RIP, you amazing man. One of my all time favorites.

  57. Colette says:

    Shaun Robinson who used to be on Access Hollywood was a personal friend of Prince.She was on HLN and talked about how Michael Jackson’s death had a profound effect on Prince.She said Michael’s death really hit him hard,which I never knew.

    Michael,Whitney and Prince’s deaths have had more impact on me than any other celebrity death.

  58. Donna says:

    Devastating. RIP, Prince, you will be sorely missed. 🙁

  59. teacakes says:

    RIP 🙁

  60. Abbess Tansy says:

    OMG, I don’t believe this! I will always love Purple Rain, the music and the film. The song would bring tears to my eyes. RIP my Prince.

  61. Georgia says:

    A true musical genius and original artist…rest in paradise Prince

  62. serena says:

    I’m utterly shocked.

  63. antipodean says:

    Posted on the Gwen Stefani site, my comment was eaten. Will try again, because Prince was so insanely talented, and he had such style and grace, and I truly admired him, and loved his music. Purple Rain was a milestone in my life!
    RIP Alexander Nevermind, you will be deeply missed.

  64. greenmonster says:

    NO! Just no… This hurts.

  65. sofie says:

    This world doesn’t make sense anymore. All the good ones taken too soon. 😂😭

  66. MoochieMom says:

    I didn’t believe my husband when he told me and yes he called to tell me. I was all, “Don’t F with me.” My reaction was “Prince doesn’t die.” I feel gutted.

    • I Choose Me says:

      My husband called me to tell me the news as well and I’m pretty sure I busted his eardrum yelling at him not to fucking joke about such a thing. He wasn’t and he wouldn’t, for the record. I just didn’t want to believe it.

  67. ItDoesntReallyMatter says:

    RIP Prince. 🙁

  68. Frosty says:

    Gutted. Prince and Bowie. Gah, hate this year. Sad to see the knives out for Prince, practically within minutes of the announcement, spreading rumors that, of course ,will have life eternal on the net. F88king Ghouls.

  69. Aurora says:

    WAH! I recently found some old albums of his & wanted to get an record player to play them. I can’t believe it!

    • Jwoolman says:

      Look for apps and devices that will let you convert the LPs to MP3 files… I’m pretty sure they exist. Might be available to rent if too pricey. The local library might know. Or someone knowledgeable at a music store.

      I never paid too much attention to what was playing on the radio back last century but knew who Prince was because every time his voice came on, I would stop whatever I was doing and listen. He had a magnificent voice and the lyrics were quite different from the usual run of the mill, too. He was way too young to lose. From things he said occasionally in recent times, I would say we lost more than a singer. He’s one who should have pulled a George Burns and hit the century mark.

  70. Sarah01 says:

    2016 has been a really crappy year for me, these deaths only make it worse. As you feel you have a connection to their music or acting. Was unable to sleep a few days back and just browsing channels and saw sense and sensibility, it was Alan Rickman’s scene and realised he has passed. Very sad.

  71. scotch says:

    Well, my childhood is dead. This year is rough, just ROUGH!!!!

  72. Cinderella says:

    When I first heard I Wanna Be Your Lover in junior high, I was amazed at how such a magnificent sound came out of a rather small guy. From roller skating at the rink at 13 or clubbing in my 20’s, Prince’s music was there. Such a loss. He launched/influenced so many careers. Damn.

    • mia girl says:

      Me too! When I first saw Prince sing that song (well the video) on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert I was also in junior high. I was amazed by everything. He was unlike anything I had seen or heard before. It was a game changer.

  73. sequinedheart says:

    I feel like my childhood has just been blasted apart. David Bowie, now Prince.
    Oy! I may have to become a belieber because all the talented musicians are sadly leaving us……

  74. Michelle says:

    First Bowie and now this…how does this happen?? He was a smooth mother f*cker though.

  75. I Choose Me says:

    And 2016 continues to be one big ole NOPE.

    I don’t want to believe this. The man and his music was a staple of my life. I always told my husband he was the one celeb, I would go gaga over meeting. I didn’t think I’d be able to speak to him. And now I can’t, even if it was just a pipe dream of mine.

    Peace and good journey sweet Prince. The world was a better place for your presence in it.

    • JustCrimmles says:

      From the things I’ve heard about him just today alone, he probably would have been just like running into a friend. And in the most random, un-Prince places. He was magic and sex in a human, but sadly, still a human.

      Echoing all the sentiments of 2016 sucks. He’ll indeed be missed forever, but at least we were all here while it lasted. I have to go bury myself in my blankie and bawl now. 😭

  76. notasugarhere says:

    “Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!”

    — Shakespeare, Hamlet

  77. Dragonlady sakura says:

    I’ve been in love with Prince since I was five years and I’m forty now. Use to tell my mother I was going to marry him. Lol. This is heartbreaking. I need to listen to all my old albums to honor one of the greatest artist of all time.

  78. Janie says:

    Pure shock!!! What a sad day for music… Another Icon gone. RIP Sweet Man 💔🙏

  79. isabelle says:

    David Bowie & now Prince, f’ck this year. Still hands down the best superbowl halftime ever and can remember as a little girl dancing around the room to his music. Other kids were dancing to Michael, I was dancing to Prince. Really can’t believe it.

  80. smcollins says:

    😪 💔

  81. MAP says:

    I forgot how epic his recent passport photo is. Prince’s music is part of the soundtrack to my childhood, along with Michael Jackson and Madonna.

    *MAP hurriedly employs security guards to protect Madonna*

    • isabelle says:

      Took my passport pic recently and it looked awful. The photographer said “well we can’t all look like Prince.” lol. No we can’t, no one will ever be like him 🙁

    • Emily C. says:

      I’m more worried about Cyndi Lauper. Nothing against Madonna, but Lauper was always the better artist by far, right up there with Prince. I know it’s superstition, and Lauper’s still going strong, but this year is making me paranoid.

  82. april says:

    I’m in the Twin Cities in Minnesota and we are heartbroken. The local national channels are broadcasting nonstop about Prince. I’m so glad they are giving his death nonstop coverage, he helped make our state and the world great.

    • Christin says:

      One of the things I admired about him was how he remained true to his roots, when he could have chosen to live and record anywhere in the world. Not many performers of his stardom level do that, especially from the early part of their fame.

    • JustCrimmles says:

      I live in St. Paul, and hearing about all the places nearby that people ran into him over the years, is making me sad I wasn’t here sooner. He was Prince, but he was still also just one of us. How f#cking cool can a person be? I think the cap stops at Prince.

      • Vernie says:

        I was living in Minneapolis when 89.3 The Current launched, and they’re doing a helluva good job paying him the tribute he deserves. I hope you find some comfort being surrounded by so many local fans.

  83. Alix says:

    The man rocked eyeliner like nobody’s business. RIP.

  84. HK9 says:

    On a random note, for some reason, the lyrics to his song “Face Down” keep ringing in my head. All I can do is smile, because only Prince would have a song like that….

  85. Ninette says:

    Rest in peace, Prince.

    Who would have believed that Madonna would be the last one standing…

  86. boo says:

    Someone at a meeting I was attending said “Prince died”, and I thought I had heard wrong, or it was a hoax, come to find out it was true!! I am beyond devastated, his music was timeless and I am beyond sad. RIP Prince, thank you for giving us the gift of your genius and your music, love you forever brother.

  87. Andrea says:

    He was so young. This is very sad. 🙁 I loved his music!

  88. Ally8 says:

    TMZ is just reporting that he was found in an elevator on his property. Made me think of these lines in “Let’s Go Crazy”…

    Before the grim reaper come knocking on your door
    Tell me, are we gonna let the elevator bring us down

    The elevator motif reoccurs throughout. The song is over 30 years old, but still that would be creepily prescient somehow.

    • Christin says:

      That is an odd coincidence.

      I have so many of his songs bouncing around in my head right now. He was part of the soundtrack of my 1980s teenage years.

    • laura in LA says:

      Oh, wow, that’s eery. But there was depth to his persona and darkness in his lyrics, part of his overall appeal and intrigue. (Not to mention, he was just a Sexy MF!)

  89. drnotknowitall says:

    I just read an update that he was found in an elevator. It is quite possible he was very weak from the flu or other viral infection. He could have fainted and hit his head.

  90. outoftheshadows says:

    The beautiful ones
    always smash the picture
    always
    every time

  91. Nina says:

    This is truly a bad year for the one of a kind. 🙁

  92. Maxybabe says:

    A colossal talent. A vibrant performer and superlative entertainer. How can this be true? Rest Prince, the world loves you and your music lives on forever xx

  93. Tris says:

    Heart. Broken. Again.

  94. Nicol says:

    I am beyond heartbroken. I am incoherent. I logged on to Twitter and saw Prince trending. I thought to myself – what is my bae upto now? I thought he’d put forth a surprise song or had said something witty because he’s very private and rarely trends without intention. Alas, i see a pic of MJ and Whitney. I think to myself, it’s an award he’s won then. A Legends award. I sccroll down the timeline, and the first thing i read is “#gonetoosoon first MJ then Whitney now Prince…” –

    To cut a long story short, i am still bawling. Im trying to grasp at anything to comfort myself. My faith in the afterlife (the thought of him gone completely is just too much for me),, im remembering the lyrics to the Commodores, Nightshift and im hoping he’s not alone , ” you’ve found another home” together with Natalie Cole, Bowie, MJ, Luther, James Brown, and Heaven is having a beautiful rock out, soul session. What a talent to take, what a soul to rest, oh how he gave, how better our existence because he was. May the Lord rest his soul in eternal peace. The Lord gives and The Lord takes, Blessed be His name. Xoxo (im really hurting you guys) 🙁
    Ps: ill miss his subtle side-eyes and the beautiful range of his voice ( we all love purple rain but the most beautiful girl is a favorite too). I love that no other artist has ever been able to be as mysterious yet remain relevant, like Prince. Its a thing of envy and awe because artists demand to be in the sporlight but he wasnt liike that. So much to say. Im going to need closure. Through release of the cause of death.

  95. YvetteW says:

    Job well done…RIP Prince Rogers Nelson.

  96. Birdy says:

    very sad! I heard purple rain on the radio and cried my eyes out! I remember I was 9 or 10 when purple rain came out. RIP

  97. laura in LA says:

    Before I even heard this news, I felt like listening to some Prince today…weird.

    And I started reminiscing about the early MTV days, playing Atari and listening to Prince 1999 after school with my friends, then finally seeing him in concert at Staples Center LA in ’04, best show ever.

    RIP, Prince…Purple Rain.

    • Christin says:

      How fortunate you were to have seen him live. Always heard he put on a great show — very hard worker.

      • laura in LA says:

        Good to see you here, Christin (fellow cargirl!) Even before today’s news, I often thought back to that concert and how great he was. And yeah, Prince was not just an amazing musician, songwriter and artist – but a true showman.

  98. Dangles says:

    Tracy died soon after a long fought civil war,
    just after I’d wiped away his last tear
    I guess he’s better off than he was before,
    A whole lot better off than the fools he left here
    I used 2 cry 4 Tracy because he was my only friend
    Those kind of cars don’t pass u every day
    I used 2 cry 4 Tracy because I wanted to see him again,
    But sometimes sometimes life ain’t always the way…

    Sometimes it snows in April
    Sometimes I feel so bad, so bad
    Sometimes I wish life was never ending,
    and all good things, they say, never last

    Springtime was always my favorite time of year,
    A time 4 lovers holding hands in the rain
    Now springtime only reminds me of Tracy’s tears
    Always cry 4 love, never cry 4 pain
    He used 2 say so strong unafraid to die
    Unafraid of the death that left me hypnotized
    No, staring at his picture I realized
    No one could cry the way my Tracy cried

    Sometimes it snows in April
    Sometimes I feel so bad
    Sometimes, sometimes I wish that life was never ending,
    And all good things, they say, never last

    I often dream of heaven and I know that Tracy’s there
    I know that he has found another friend
    Maybe he’s found the answer 2 all the April snow
    Maybe one day I’ll see my Tracy again

    Sometimes it snows in April
    Sometimes I feel so bad, so bad
    Sometimes I wish that life was never ending,
    But all good things, they say, never last

    All good things that say, never last
    And love, it isn’t love until it’s past

  99. Jayna says:

    I’m shocked. He was a creative visionary and just brilliant. He has long been revered by so many artists.

    He was far too young. I’ve been worried more about Paul McCartney and Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, having to face losing them someday and happy they are still out there performing but, not Prince. It never crossed my mind he would be next.

    He was a one of kind who always followed his own musical muse and personal integrity, not doing what was expected of him by the latest trends or fans.

  100. iheartgossip says:

    Sometimes it snows in April. Farewell, Prince. This is what it sounds like when doves cry

  101. Dizzybenny says:

    2016, GO F YOURSELF YOU MOFO!!!
    Stop taking our legends away!!!
    Goodnight you prince of Minnesota, you king of pop rock.

  102. AnotherDirtyMartini says:

    There have been so many sad celebrity deaths this year. Prince’s death cuts too deep. Just loved him & his music.

  103. Olenna says:

    May your gentle soul R.I.P., Prince Rogers Nelson. You touched a lot of lives in such a good way and you’ll be sorely missed.

  104. Green_Eyes says:

    This is why the doves cry today… So sad. I never heard of hiv/AIDS rumors as mentioned above. I do know healthy friends that passed away unexpectedly after fighting influenza and even pnemonia. So sad. Prince was a Jehovah’s Witness and did a lot of things for others due to his beliefs but never brought publicity to his charitable work due to his beliefs… He was a beautiful soul in many ways.

  105. Luca76 says:

    Seriously gutted he was a legend soundtrack of my childhood 😟😥

  106. Suzanne says:

    Heaven just got a little more glamorous and funky…I’m sure he strutted through the pearly gates like he owned the place.

    Man was a true musical genius. I’ve truly never shed a tear over a celeb passing until today, but this one really got to me.

    RIP, Prince. You gave a lot of joy to the world.

  107. Aren says:

    He was so talented and still so young, this is very sad.
    He never copied anybody, he never tried to ride on other musician’s fame and he never tried to sound like whatever was becoming popular at that moment. He was so unique that there will never be another artists that can be called “the new Prince” like it has happened with almost every other pop star.
    R.I.P. Prince, I’ll forever love some of your less popular songs.

  108. lunchcoma says:

    I just feel a little pit inside. He was a true artistic genius, and was still actively recording. I suspect we’ve lost many amazing songs along with an amazing person. I lived in the Minneapolis area for a number of years, and he approached being worshiped there. He wasn’t just a musical icon there – he was a member of the community who rooted for usually-doomed sports teams and participated in political dialogue (sometimes in ways I agreed with and sometimes not) and supported the local arts scene.

    • Lucky Charm says:

      I heard on the radio today that he had a vault in his house with over 700 unheard recordings. I wonder if/when we’ll ever be able to hear them.

  109. Nona says:

    Still don’t have words. He was, I guess, beyond words.

  110. Hudson Girl says:

    What a sweet, interesting, and talented soul he was. I loved that he didn’t compromise on his standards, thus confounding the industry, making everyone refer to him as a symbol- for years. His death feels so personal, like it’s a loss of our own youth and those happy times that were wrapped around his songs.

  111. Freespirited says:

    I’ve been a lurker here for 7-8 years and this is the first time I’ve felt truly compelled to write though I appreciate you all and the commentary here.

    I’m truly devastated. 2016 has been very unkind in the loss of musical artists but this one, for me hits hardest. He was a genius who could blend hard funk and pop like it was the easiest thing in the world. A true musical genius and an original.

    He was the soundtrack to my life and while it feels odd to mourn over someone who was ultimately a stranger to me, his music made a home in my heart and never left.

    I remember in the 80’s when people called him a Michael Jackson copycat, then he made Purple Rain and silenced the critics. And he only got better from there.

    RIP.

  112. justwastingtime says:

    Of all the artists, I have seen live, he was likely the best. He just dazzled. What a life – a larger than life artist who left a huge incredible body of work (with apparently much more recorded and locked away)

    RIP, Prince.

  113. Coco says:

    I never comment…I’m a lurker. But this. Prince got me through being abused as a teen, motivated me to write (bad) poetry and to take up painting. All those angsty years and after that I was hooked. Devastated. And just so damn sad.

  114. Logica says:

    He was one of the most endearing musicians I ever listened to, and I’m a 90s kid. RIP.

  115. Drs. Fixxie says:

    THE blind THE other day, dear God, was true😞😞
    THE meths kept HIM looking good tho.

    Wat an awfull year.

    Trump is gonna be in THE Governement, another abomination.

  116. A says:

    He wad very special to me. Saw him at the rockfest in 2010 in Portugal.
    Good bye perfect Prince.