Today is terrible and Twitter is distressing over yet another tragedy: Tom Petty has died at the age of 66.
TMZ broke the news on Monday that the iconic rock star, known for so many hits -- "Free Fallin'," "American Girl," "I Won't Back Down" (also known as Sam Smith's "Stay With Me") -- was found unresponsive after entering cardiac arrest and was rushed to the hospital, where he had no brain activity and a decision was made to pull life support.
He died Monday at 8:40 PM PT, surrounded by friends, family and bandmates.
John Mayer, Stephen King, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, rocker Ryan Adams, rock band Silversun Pickups and The Chainsmokers have shared their condolences.
Musicians and music fans, alike, are understandably heartbroken after losing one of the greatest American songwriters of all time, especially since the world said goodbye to music icons Prince, David Bowie and George Michael just last year.
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View StoryReactions from Hollywood and beyond are pouring in on Twitter. See them below.
I'm crushed...
@BonJovi
Praying for all those affected by Vegas last night.
And now the loss of one of my great influences Tom Petty today.
-JBJ pic.twitter.com/inkGqbMvD1
So sad to hear of the passing of Tom Petty. Such an incredible, inspiring artist. I'll treasure fond memories of our time spent together this past summer ❤ pic.twitter.com/HvSgARxzm3
@ShaniaTwain
I only met Tom Petty once. He was a very nice guy with a terrific sense of humor. RIP.
@MJMcKean
I loved Tom Petty and I covered his songs because I wanted know what it felt like to fly.
@JohnMayer
“you belong somewhere you feel free.”
💔
Tom Petty was one of my all time heroes and an American genius. This has been a sad day for our country in so many ways. My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to all affected on all fronts.
@MattBomer
forever one of my favorite souls
@christinaperri
forever in my heart
thank you, tom petty, for everything
❤️
I'm devastated Tom Petty isn't here ....
@ZMyersOfficial
.... But I'm grateful that he was
What the hell is going on today. Now Tom Petty :( RIP a real legend inspiration and icon to us
@TheChainsmokers
tom petty surviving today would be nice.
@duplaselton
I've loved this man my entire life. We've lost something grand. RIP Tom Petty..._b pic.twitter.com/hMKmB5qgxp
@SSPU
Far too short a life. But damn, Tom Petty made the most of it. His music is woven into the fabric of America.
@BeauWillimon
Rock in Peace, Tom.
I'm heartbroken to hear about Tom Petty. Tom was a hell of a songwriter and record-maker. He will be missed by everyone who loves music. L&M
@BrianWilsonLive
Tom Petty gone? That's just so wrong. What a bad day this has been, in so many ways.
@StephenKing
Love me some Tom Petty #RIPTOM pic.twitter.com/pmXrIRLHgN
@RHCPchad
I can't believe we have lost Tom Petty on this already horrible day. My love to his wife & children and the entire Heartbreaker family.
@peterframpton
RIP Tom Petty! 🙏🏼😞#TakeItEasy pic.twitter.com/dhgK3iBmQm
@RealPaigeWWE
.@TomPetty... I love you so much. You are in my prayers.
@SherylCrow
RIP Tom Petty
@TheRyanAdams
Thank you for giving so much, a lifetime of inspiration and love. Your music has changed this world for the better. pic.twitter.com/jZsjIN5Xu3
RIP Tom Petty. Thanks for all the great rockin' music, hard to believe you're gone.
@bryanadams
what just happened to Tom Petty?
@questlove
no words. just thanks. @tompetty pic.twitter.com/224gn9GNbo
@CameronCrowe
No, c'mon. Not Tom Petty.
@DamienFahey
Man. Really praying for Tom Petty. One of my biggest inspirations.
@Phillips
Rest in peace Tom Petty.
@JohnAltman4Real
Your legacy is a host of brilliant songs.
Thank you for the joy you gave to the world of rock and roll.x.
Please b ok Tom Petty
@Diane_Warren
Dear God, please don't take Tom Petty away from us. We still need him here...
@MissMargoPrice
My heart is broken. We lost another legend today. Tom Petty was a rock n Roll rebel,… https://t.co/4AdJZFv1bR
@LZZYHALE
RIP Tom Petty, we're all lucky we got to hear your songs and soul.
@NedandtheDirt
Your music defined some of the greatest moments of my life. RIP Mr. Petty. What a loss. What a day. What an astoundingly shocking time. ✌️ pic.twitter.com/B07eHma2Xq
@Elizbethperkins
RIP Tom Petty 😔 One of the world's most influential songwriters. Thank you for the music. Thank you for inspiring me and so many others. 🙏🏼
@HudsonMoore
Just when I thought today could not get any worse…
@KidRock
R.I.P. Tom Petty. Thank you for your beautiful music and inspiration.