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.
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.
Stars including Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Gene Simmons, Katy Perry, Boy George and others swiftly took to social media to share their condolences.
Here are some of their tributes:
Numb. Stunned. This can't be real.
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) April 21, 2016
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.
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) April 21, 2016
The world will miss you.
I'll never get over it. pic.twitter.com/RXIZdfGNPw
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
— Stevie Nicks (@StevieNicks) April 21, 2016
dove...Stevie Nicks
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,
— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) April 21, 2016
I will miss him. #Prince
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
— James Franco (@JamesFrancoTV) April 21, 2016
PRINCE
I wish I could have expressed my love for him before he left. https://t.co/drlyFNWF9X
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