Prince dies at 57: Madonna, Justin Timberlake, more mourn music legend

April 21, 2016, 5:54 PM UTC / Updated April 21, 2016, 7:52 PM UTC / Source: TODAY

By Elizabeth Murray

As news broke that Prince passed away Thursday at the age of 57, the reaction among fellow musicians, celebrities and fans was swift and emotional.

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Those who both worked with and admired the musical icon, born Prince Rogers Nelson, recalled how he was known for breaking boundaries in music and fashion while commanding creative control and critical respect.

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Stars including Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Gene Simmons, Katy Perry, Boy George and others swiftly took to social media to share their condolences.

Prince died Thursday at the age of 57.Shutterstock

Here are some of their tributes:

Numb. Stunned. This can't be real.
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) April 21, 2016

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEeNiBcmEUL

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEeS8FKgGa6

Prince the doves really are crying now. Listening to your music. Remembering you. #RIPPrince
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) April 21, 2016

Terribly saddened by the devastating news... He truly is a legend and a hero of mine. RIP #prince
— Celine Dion (@celinedion) April 21, 2016

And just like that...the world lost a lot of magic Rest in peace Prince! Thanks for giving us so much...
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) April 21, 2016

Genius, legend, inspiration, friend.
The world will miss you.
I'll never get over it. pic.twitter.com/RXIZdfGNPw
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) April 21, 2016

There are no words. RIP Prince. pic.twitter.com/3anRM2c9zO
— New Girl (@NewGirlonFOX) April 21, 2016

My friend is gone...This is what it sounds like, when doves cry. He was my
dove...Stevie Nicks
— Stevie Nicks (@StevieNicks) April 21, 2016

Prince was brilliant and larger than life. What a sad day.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) April 21, 2016

sweet, smooth transitions Prince. thank you for your medicine.
— Shailene Woodley (@shailenewoodley) April 21, 2016

I can’t believe it, I’m in total shock. So many wonderful memories,
I will miss him. #Prince
— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) 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

Today we lost a true artist. Thank you #Prince for all the music you put into this world. #RIP pic.twitter.com/4yZ6Cb5hMb
— Reese Witherspoon (@RWitherspoon) April 21, 2016

We've just lost an incredible talent! So sorry to hear about #Prince we will always love your music forever and ever! #RIPPrince
— La Toya Jackson (@latoyajackson) April 21, 2016

This is the worst literal meaning of Snowing In April. The Worst.
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) April 21, 2016

Just heard about Prince ....can't believe it ....... - KU
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) April 21, 2016

Nothing touches our lives quite like music.Part of my youth is gone..Thank you #Prince Words don't do justice to u pic.twitter.com/qv6KctNTKS
— Kristin Davis (@KristinDavis) April 21, 2016

Can’t even process this. There will never be another. Thank you for everything, Prince Rogers Nelson.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) 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

So sad to hear about Prince- We've not only lost an incredible talent but we've lost a legend.
— Ariel Winter (@arielwinter1) April 21, 2016

Lost for words... #RIPPrince pic.twitter.com/9tKqytUiDJ
— Pepa (@DaRealPepa) April 21, 2016

Today is the worst day ever. Prince R.I.P I am crying!
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) April 21, 2016

LEGEND️

PRINCE
I wish I could have expressed my love for him before he left. https://t.co/drlyFNWF9X
— James Franco (@JamesFrancoTV) April 21, 2016

I Miss My Brother. Prince Was A Funny Cat. Great Sense Of Humor. https://t.co/67umQghtbi
— Spike Lee (@SpikeLee) April 21, 2016

Heartbroken to hear about the sudden passing of Prince. RIP. #Prince
— Lori Loughlin (@LoriLoughlin) April 21, 2016

Thank you Prince. All my thoughts & prayers are with all your loved ones. https://t.co/JT52sKlJBJ
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) April 21, 2016

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