There’s a line in Prince’s “1999” — from his 1982 album of the same name — about how life is just a party, and parties weren’t meant to last. But I’m sure he had no way of knowing when he wrote that song that his party wouldn’t last past 57.
The iconic rock singer, songwriter and musician was found dead in his Paisley Park estate in Chanhassen, Minnesota, on Thursday (April 21).
“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,” his publicist confirmed in a statement. The artist had been battling the flu for the last few weeks.
Even though Prince was a rock star through and through, with more than 40 years of music to his credit, he was so well-regarded by artists in other genres that many of them covered his biggest hits in concert. Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan and Jake Owen often did “Purple Rain.”
And country artists were quick to send out condolences and share their shock on social media, with a handful of them pointing out how many legends we’re lost so far this year.
Oh no. No no no. Not another! So sad. Rest in peace Prince.
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) April 21, 2016
Once again Heaven's band just got even more incredible. One of my absolute idols #Prince. Thank u for showing me what true GREATNESS is!!
— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) April 21, 2016
Dang it… Truly hate hearing we lost Prince. Sad day..
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) April 21, 2016
Already a bad year for losing musical legends. Gigantic kick to crotch to lose Prince so young. So sad.
— Zac Brown Band (@zacbrownband) April 21, 2016
Just heard about Prince ….can't believe it ……. – KU
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) April 21, 2016
Sad I never saw him live..what an incredible talent. RIP Prince
— Kip Moore (@KipMooreMusic) April 21, 2016
RIP ??? pic.twitter.com/6TJkYUNOdq
— MAREN MORRIS (@MarenMorris) April 21, 2016
Damn…lost a legend…thank you Prince for always reminding me to party like 1999
— Brett Eldredge (@bretteldredge) April 21, 2016
Sad to hear this today. He was One of the best to ever grace the stage. #prince #rip pic.twitter.com/Ps9nGirw9e
— Jason Aldean (@Jason_Aldean) April 21, 2016
Sad beyond words that Prince is gone. To me he was one of the greatest music heroes – a true genius. There will never be another Prince.
— Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) April 21, 2016
Prince gone at 57… Sad day
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) April 21, 2016
Prince?!
Damn.
— Brothers Osborne (@brothersosborne) April 21, 2016
RIP beautiful, genius of a man. pic.twitter.com/thye7KwaJV
— Jennifer Nettles (@JenniferNettles) April 21, 2016
I am sad. We have lost a great creator. RIP and Godspeed #Prince. Thank you for teaching me how to play.
— Kristian Bush (@kristianbush) 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
OMG I'm so heartbroken right now. Please tell me it isn't true Prince is gone. #heartbroken #shocking #prince
— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) April 21, 2016
RIP to one of the best of all time. We are grateful to you and will miss you #Prince. pic.twitter.com/z8IL6lrM2q
— The Band Perry (@thebandperry) April 21, 2016