TMZ is reporting that Prince has been found dead at Paisley Park Studios in his native Minnesota. He was 57 years old.
Just last Friday, the singer was rushed to a hospital after his plane made an emergency landing in Illinois. It was later revealed by his reps that he was merely suffering from the flu and that it was nothing serious. He was photographed riding a bicycle the very next day.
UPDATE 1:47 p.m.: Prince’s publicist Yvette Noel-Schure has issued a statement. It reads: “It is with profound sadness that I am confirming that the legendary, iconic performer, Prince Rogers Nelson, has died at his Paisley Park residence this morning at the age of 57.”
The news has now been confirmed by Prince’s publicist, via the Associated Press, and Minnesota-area reporters.
I have unfortunately just confirmed first hand with one of his oldest friends that Prince is dead.
— Andrea Swensson (@SlingshotAnnie) April 21, 2016
BREAKING: Publicist: Pop music superstar Prince has died at his home in suburban Minneapolis.
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 21, 2016
Born Prince Rogers Nelson, Prince was an icon who crossed all musical boundaries, exploding in popularity in the ’80s with classic albums 1999, Purple Rain and Sign ‘O’ the Times. His main rival was Michael Jackson, who addressed the musical feud directly in his video for the song “Bad,” where Wesley Snipes portrayed a character loosely based on Prince.
In his illustrious career as a performer, Prince sold more than 100 million records worldwide, won seven Grammys, and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
As we await more info, watch Prince’s spectacular performance at the Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show.