The singer-songwriter was found dead at Paisley Park, the compound in which he lived, recorded his music, hosted parties and performed concerts.
His publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure, confirmed the tragic news this morning, “It is with profound sadness that I am confirming that the legendary, iconic performer Prince Rogers Nelson, has died. There are no further details as to the cause of death at this time.”
911 responded to a “male down not breathing” call in the early hours of Thursday morning, in which paramedics were called. At 9.43am he was found unresponsive in a lift a the home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Paramedics began CPR at 9.49am, however by 10.07am, Prince was pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of death remains unknown, however, he had recently been rushed to hosptial with flu-like symptoms, but was discharged just three hours later.
The outlandish, quirky genius pushed the cultural and social boundaries for more than three decades, shaking up gender, race and rock ‘n’ roll. His impact on fashion, style and beauty is unparalleled; with gender-bending, idiosyncratic costumes, bold beauty notes and that chameleonic hair, which evolved almost as much as his music did.
As the music world reels in the wake of the heartbreaking news, fans across the world too are paying tribute to the iconic star, with an outpouring of both grief and celebration.
Leaving a legacy that stretches far beyond music, his Purple Reign will live on forever. RIP to the Prince of Pop. June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016.