The sudden death of prolific US musician Prince on April 21 has left many around the world in tears.
Fans have flocked to his Paisley Park estate in Minnesota in the US to leave flowers, cards and candles, while others have taken to social media to express their grief. Celebrities like Robbie Williams, Ellen DeGeneres, Gene Simmons and Madonna, as well as US President Barack Obama tweeted their condolences.
“‘A strong spirit transcends rules,’ Prince once said—and nobody’s spirit was stronger, bolder, or more creative.” —President Obama
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 21, 2016
Meanwhile, Justin Timberlake shared a touching tribute to Prince, 57, on his Instagram account. “…He’s somewhere within every song I’ve ever written. I am sad, but I will smile when I think of every second that I had the fortune of being in his company…” wrote Timberlake.
Justin Timberlake’s heartfelt tribute on his Instagram page. Photo: Instagram
Also joining in the tribute parade for Prince are brands and organisations including the US space agency, NASA. Upon learning of the musician’s death, the agency tweeted: “A purple nebula, in honor of Prince, who passed away today.” The tweet included a photo of a purple nebula.
A purple nebula, in honor of Prince, who passed away today. https://t.co/7buFWWExMw http://pic.twitter.com/ONQDwSQwVa — NASA (@NASA) April 21, 2016
Googled something today? Then you would have probably noticed that the logo is now purple and that it is “raining”.
We are gathered here today
To get through this thing called life. https://t.co/HthUrlGVeV http://pic.twitter.com/xT8oKjpDZc— Google (@google) April 21, 2016
Here are a few other brands paying tribute to Prince on social media:
On Pixar’s company homepage today. #tribute http://pic.twitter.com/y4dg9c5Z0f
— andrew stanton (@andrewstanton) April 21, 2016
http://pic.twitter.com/y2EoqU9wYh
— Chevrolet (@chevrolet) April 22, 2016
http://pic.twitter.com/yOTo1USL8o
— 3M (@3M) April 21, 2016
There will never be another like you, Prince. Thank you for the music. http://pic.twitter.com/blhX9kx1HH
— Bing (@bing) April 21, 2016
Fitting that it’s raining in Minneapolis today. http://pic.twitter.com/s5KFurDhHi
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) April 21, 2016