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The entertainment industry said goodbye to a giant on Thursday with the death of Prince, who passed away at the age of 57 at his Paisley Park estate in Minnesota.
Almost instantly after news broke, words of condolences, personal memories and expressions of shock started filling Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, as Hollywood reacted to the death of one of their own.
With his incredible influence felt over the music, film and fashion industries, this is a massive loss.
In one of the more surprising online tributes, Will Smith revealed just how close he was to the music icon -- as they actually spoke on Wednesday evening.
"I am stunned and heartbroken. I just spoke with him last night," Smith shared on Facebook. "Today, Jada & I mourn with all of you the loss of a beautiful poet, a true inspiration, and one of the most magnificent artists to ever grace this earth."
"Prince was one of the first artists to put me on game in regard to the industry. He was not only a genius artist, he was kind, funny, beautifully eccentric, curious, imaginative, magical, spiritual, rebellious and extremely intelligent," added Jada Pinkett-Smith in her own post. "He showed me early the power of living one's life by one's own rules and no one else's. There are really no words to express what we have all lost today. To quote my friend Paress, 'Music has lost its heart beat.'"
This 2011 Video of Prince Kicking Kim Kardashian Off His Stage Is Everything Today
"Today, the world lost a creative icon. Michelle and I join millions from around the world in mourning the sudden death of Prince," President Obama said in a statement. "Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people with their talent. As one of the most gifted and prolific musicians of our time, Prince did it all. Funk. R&B. Rock and roll. He was a virtuoso instrumentalist, a brilliant bandleader, and an electrifying performer."
Sheila E., who has a relationship with Prince in the '80s, also released a statement. "The meaning of the word loss has taken on a new meaning this day," she tells PEOPLE. "Thank God love lives forever."
Read Justin Timberlake's lengthy (and moving) tribute to his "idol" right here.
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Genius, legend, inspiration, friend.
@MariahCarey
The world will miss you.
I'll never get over it. pic.twitter.com/RXIZdfGNPw
I can't believe it, I'm in total shock. So many wonderful memories,
@LionelRichie
I will miss him. #Prince
My friend is gone...This is what it sounds like, when doves cry. He was my
@StevieNicks
dove...Stevie Nicks
no one, no one, no one like Prince. Incomparable.
@MichaelKeaton
Here's to one of the strongest spirits the world has ever known 🌹 We will miss you forever, Prince. pic.twitter.com/vEGAd0HLxS
@britneyspears
R.I.P. to the God Prince. Gone too soon but here forever. Sippin Purple Rain 4 the legend. There will never be another
@LilTunechi
Can't believe Prince is gone.
@BillyCrystal
What a terrible year. So many, so young.
Today at my kids preschool the teachers played "purple rain" for them. My kid said she loved it. I started to cry. Love doesn't cover it
@1capplegate
Good night, sweet Prince. He really was, too. Sweet, kind, unbelievably talented, a joy to watch and to hear. I can't believe it.
@BetteMidler
"A strong spirit transcends rules.” Prince, you will be missed.
@SusanSarandon
Today we lost a true artist. Thank you #Prince for all the music you put into this world. #RIP pic.twitter.com/4yZ6Cb5hMb
@RWitherspoon
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Numb, full of pain for his royal badness has been snatched from us today . #ripprince
@Courtney
Oh my god I can't believe that Prince has died…he was a great great talent…RIP
@BillyIdol
Unbelievable just heard about PRINCE. Strength and light to his family/loved ones. One of my favs and a true pioneering artist. RIP brotha.
@TheRock
I LOVED him, the world LOVED him. Now he's at peace with his Father. Rest in power, @prince, my brother. pic.twitter.com/ZN6cc3WWuF
@ChakaKhan
Wow. I'm completely stunned and crushed. The music world has lost a legend. Prince was one of a kind. A talent unlike any other.
@ChrisEvans
And just like that...the world lost a lot of magic :sparkles: Rest in peace Prince! Thanks for giving us so much...
@katyperry
I'm so sad we've lost @prince the legend,the master,a musical juggernaut that knew no boundaries.He left indelible footprints in music.:pensive:RIP
@GloriaEstefan
Prince has left us
@ForestWhitaker
His soul touched us
His song reached us
We sing his praise
Rest gently in peace
Prince.You will be remembered #RIPPrince
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Every dove is crying.
@EmbryEthan
#Prince , surely not? Can we turn this year off and turn it back on when it stops being a giant exit for all the most talented people?
@driverminnie
Prince was a true gentleman, a king among men. He was as sharp and as talented as they come. I'm so glad I was lucky enough to work with him
@ZooeyDeschanel
Meeting big stars is mostly disappointing in one way or another, but that was not the case w Prince. He was everything I hoped he'd be.
@MrJakeJohnson
Moment of silence for the tremendous talent lost today. Prince
@ofctimallen
Numb. Stunned. This can't be real.
@jtimberlake
The word genius is overused. Prince, however, was a super-genius. Prolific and visionary. And always a sweetheart. Soundtrack of my life.
@RobLowe
Prince?!?! NOOOOOO!!!
@omarepps
In complete shock right now..
It's so sad he is gone so early. RIP to a legend.
@maroon5
This fucking sucks... Prince on repeat all day. Just like I did with Michael and Whitney 😔
@ddlovato
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R.I.P PRINCE, another icon gone to soon
@SHAQ
Rest with the angels. pic.twitter.com/qAxNyxwIo2
@Alyssa_Milano
I'm Crushed!! UK news reporting Prince Is Dead?! For Real?! Massive Loss for us all! What a Genius! Speechless.
@SamuelLJackson
Rest In Peace Prince.
@Harry_Styles
"Dearly beloved
@Lin_Manuel
We are gathered here today
2 get through this thing called Life..."
-Prince
Gutted. Mourning with you.
@Lin_Manuel
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Wow. RIP Prince. Another legend gone way too soon.
@grantgust
Deeply saddened by the loss of a good friend, mentor & Icon. May he rest in peace & his legacy live on 4ever. Prayers to his Fam #RIPPrince
@ChristinaMilian
THIS CAN NOT BE POSSIBLE!!!!!!! NO NO NO NO NO
@Andy
Prince was the greatest live performer I ever saw.
@piersmorgan
A musical genius ablaze with astounding, sexually charged energy. Loved him. RIP
I loved Prince's music. He had such an impact on art. RIP. You're already missed.
@candacecbure
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R.I.P Prince 👼🏽 pic.twitter.com/TrnZpYstvs
@ochocinco
Prince. I can't deal.
@wendimclendonco
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I had the privilege of seeing Prince live a few years ago, and it blew my mind. He's one of those rare artists who somehow only got better.
@dylanminnette
I can't. I just can not. #Prince
@shondarhimes
Omg. I'm so sad about Prince 😢😢😢 Rip legend.
@drayamichele
Prince forever
@Ian_Gibson
Heartbroken to hear about the sudden passing of Prince. RIP. 💔 #Prince
@LoriLoughlin
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I'm gutted. Speechless. Heartbroken. Such a great great great kind man. #RIPPrince
@itsgabrielleu
Prince....there's no way
@Zendaya
What a year for losing legends.
@RobertKazinsky
Is there some sort of curse? Why are all the legends going?? RIP #Prince X
@russelltovey
Please don't let it be true. I can't imagine the world less Purple.
@edgarwright
#RIP Prince. What a terrible year for rock legends. pic.twitter.com/hwQcv3ywIb
@TrevDon
Oh my god. Prince. Oh my god.
@rosemcgowan
Prince is dead. Can I just go back to bed for the rest of my life? RIP to the lavender genius. 💜
@robinlordtaylor
"Artist" & "Genius" are thrown around carelessly these days. Prince Rogers Nelson was an actual artist & a legit genius. I'm so sad#RIP
@MarioLopezExtra
Yes,its true! Prince has passed at 57 of a flu.. I'm in shock! Its like Micheal Jackson dying all over again. Such a true icon!
@cocosworld
So sad to hear about Prince- We've not only lost an incredible talent but we've lost a legend. 💜
@arielwinter1
No!!! Just learned that Prince has died! 1 of the best performers I ever saw. Too soon. RIP Prince.
@TheRealElvira
Taking off for New York with a heavy heart. I will leave you with this- Prince live from the Capitol Theater, 1982. https://t.co/m9m837OBK0
@TalibKweli
This is so heartbreaking💔 I had this Prince pic drawn on my wall years ago because his music inspired so many R.I.P😥 pic.twitter.com/60msa6hm3I
@MissyElliott
I'd like to cancel the live chat unless you guys wanna be sad with me and talk about Prince
@karminmusic
Lost a legend today. #RIPPRINCE
@JennaUshkowitz
today we lost a music legend #RIPPrince
@RyanSeacrest
So sad to hear about this terrible loss, Prince was a visionary musician and artist.
@katiecouric
https://t.co/49ZY5IFpUL
I am in complete shock right now at the passing of #Prince . He was a huge musical influence on me and so many others. A true genius
@DrewLachey
I'm in complete shock. More than doves are crying today. Rest in power, Prince.
@JackeeHarry
OMG I'm so heartbroken right now. Please tell me it isn't true Prince is gone. #heartbroken #shocking #prince
@leannrimes
From one 6/7 to another 6/7… Rest in peace, Prince!
@DaveNavarro
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Dang it... Truly hate hearing we lost Prince. Sad day..
@blakeshelton
Dayummnn! My heart is soo sad!! Just heard the news that #Prince has passed! #GoneTooSoon #RIP #Classic :innocent::cry:
@MsVivicaFox
I got to see @prince in concert this past summer and I was blown away by his talents and his generosity to (cont) https://t.co/btGFxGz5Uq
@oliviamunn
A music legend #Prince The world has lost a bit of magic today. :pray:
@EmmaBunton
Prince. Radiohead. Creep. Go! https://t.co/dRnw2lJiJX via @youtube
@AaronTveit
RIP @prince. You'll be missed.
@joshduhamel
I am really not right over this. RIP #Prince this is devastating.
@Lavernecox
Dearly beloved... ☔️
@hitRECordJoe
My deepest condolences go out to family/friends of #Prince #RIPPrince. He was such a great and fiercely independent… https://t.co/GyskChLUko
@bretmichaels
Please please please tell me this is a hoax!!!! I can not believe this!! #prince pic.twitter.com/5NPMznzDpK
@DrakeBell
Another icon gone too soon.
@JennyMcCarthy
RIP Prince :pray:
Prince dead at 57. Remember if u attend his wake u can't look directly at the body
@artiequitter
RIP Prince a true legend in this music industry :pray:
@souljaboy
Brother @MichaelBearden thank you for bringing Prince into my life , great memories .... https://t.co/XYXffrm6Dp pic.twitter.com/xi0zNcJsq2
@georgelopez
This is what it sounds like when doves cry.. Prince R.I.P.
@WhoopiGoldberg
Condolences to his family & 2 us all
Sending love out to #Prince #AmericanGenius Thank you for all you gave us- https://t.co/fGX0MSfQd3 via @youtube
@PattyArquette
So sad to hear about the loss of Prince today. #RIP #legend #purplerain 💔 pic.twitter.com/GwbL8R975M
@KrisJenner
I'm stunned & so saddened to hear about the passing of Prince. He changed it all!!!! The true definition of talent!! pic.twitter.com/Ni17GvPu67
@billyraycyrus
R. I. P to the King Prince thank u for inspiring me to be a Musician First and using this tool to heal people
@wyclef
I'm heart broken #RIP #Prince my favorite singer of all time💔💔💔💔
@BrandiGlanville
Rest in peace sweet Prince. 💔 https://t.co/JCSeyI3FE4
@lisarinna
REST IN PEACE https://t.co/AMLcdyleux
@HappyElishas
RIP Prince. I was a huge fan. I'll be listening to him all day today.
@KendraWilkinson
Purple Rain changed my life. The album and the movie. I can't deal.
@michellevisage
R.I.P. Prince ... One of Miles Davis' last collaborators. You will be woefully missed ...
@DonCheadle
Already a bad year for losing musical legends. Gigantic kick to crotch to lose Prince so young. So sad.
@zacbrownband
sweet, smooth transitions Prince. thank you for your medicine.
@shailenewoodley
"Never meant to cause you any sorrow never meant to cause you any pain I only wanted one time to see you laughing I… https://t.co/Rr0rhFm9af
@SandraBernhard
#RIPPrince, the world was lucky to have an artist like you.
@backstreetboys
RIP Prince.... all of the greats die so young but We will have your music 4ever
@joeylawrence
Now Prince. I loathe 2016.
@RealGDT
Seems like I'm in a dream. @Prince dead at 57. There are no words to describe this loss.
@MrsSOsbourne
So sad about @prince ..... You will be so missed.
@adamlambert
