WASHINGTON — Many people — including scores of musicians, actors and other celebrities — reacted to the death of music great Prince with shock and anguish Thursday.
On WTOP’s Facebook page, Valerie Wilmore Burton says she will cherish Prince’s songs and the memories they elicit.
“My 13 year old daughter’s reaction to me singing in the car to his song ‘Kiss’ and my hit or miss on trying to match his range,” Burton wrote.
Kathy Starr shared her Prince concert experience.
“My favorite memory is seeing Prince in concert on his last tour when he came to DC. I always wanted to see him and went with an ex boyfriend. We had nose bleed seats so I didn’t get any pics of Prince performing but the memories in my head will last forever!!!”
On Twitter, Clifford Colter told WTOP the memories at a concert still live with him.
@WTOP 1985 Purple Rain tour at the Capitol Center! I was out of my mind with excitement. I was 16.
— clifford colter (@cliffco_823) April 21, 2016
Maria Jackson shared a memory with WTOP on Twitter too:
@WTOP watching Purple Rain many times at movies with friends at UVA–and getting in trouble with the usher for singing so loudly! #Prince
— Maria Jackson (@SF_MariaJ) April 21, 2016
WTOP’s Ralph Fox shared an emotional time in his life when a Prince song played a role.
Here are some of the reactions celebrities posted to Twitter or released in statements:
“I will miss a good friend who was so talented. He was such a great performer / guitar player. Sleep well Prince.” — Ronnie Wood.
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“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 Jean.
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The greatest live act I ever saw. Genius, poet, sexy (expletive). RIP Prince.” — Russell Crowe.
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“Today is the worst day ever. Prince R.I.P I am crying!” — Boy George.
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“Thank you Prince. All my thoughts & prayers are with all your loved ones.” — Chelsea Clinton.
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“So many emotions today. My heart dances in honor of a legend RIP Prince.” — Gina Rodriguez.
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“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.” — Zooey Deschanel.
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“Stunned. This can’t be real.” — Justin Timberlake.
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“R.I.P PRINCE, another icon gone to soon.” — Shaquille O’Neal.
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“Lots of guitars gently weeping today #Prince #RIP.” — Kevin Bacon.
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“Running out of living musical heroes, those we measure everything against, emulate, know we won’t surpass but inspire us to try. #prince.” — Carrie Brownstein.
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Dang it… Truly hate hearing we lost Prince. Sad day….” — Blake Shelton.
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“Rest in power, Prince.” — Russell Simmons.
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“I’m in shock #Prince.” — Mark Cuban.
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“Shocked that @prince has died at only 57. Such a talent to have died so young #RIPPrince.” — Joan Collins.
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“So sad to hear about the loss of Prince today. #RIP #legend #purplerain.” — Kris Jenner.
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“This is what it sounds like when doves cry … Prince R.I.P. Condolences to his family & 2 us all.” — Whoopi Goldberg.
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“And just like that…the world lost a lot of magic Rest in peace Prince! Thanks for giving us so much.” — Katy Perry.
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“What a sad day today! Terribly sorry to hear that #Prince has passed! What an incredible talent.” — La Toya Jackson.
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“Oh My God! The musical genius of my generation has gone on to glory. Heaven has a new musical director with #Prince.” — Star Jones.
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“The Prince is dead. Long live the Prince.” — Kathy Bates.
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“A shock to read #Prince has died. He was so magnificent at the Super Bowl that I was privileged to perform the National Anthem in sign. RIP. — Marlee Matlin.
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“RIP Prince. You were the king.” — Joel McHale.
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“No matter what he asked us to call him, Prince was a force. Genius in the studio. Brilliant onstage. And a 4-star movie. #PurpleRain.” — Richard Roeper.
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I am stunned to hear about #Prince, a huge part of my record collection and the sound of my 20s. A rare kinda brilliance. RIP.” — Eric McCormack.
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“Prince was a once-in-a-lifetime artist who transcended every medium and genre he touched and created music with a passion and individuality that inspired multiple generations.” — Statement from MTV.
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“I can’t. I just can not. #Prince” — Shonda Rhimes.
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“PRINCE, sad to say, has passed on!!! He was a Giant. My deep condolences go out to his family, friends and fans. — Gene Simmons.
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“This (expletive) sucks. Prince on repeat all day. Just like I did with Michael and Whitney.” — Demi Lovato.
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“Now Prince? No no no.. RIP You genius x.” — Robbie Williams.
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“I Miss My Brother. Prince Was A Funny Cat. Great Sense Of Humor.” — Spike Lee.
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“Prince was brilliant and larger than life. What a sad day.” — Ellen DeGeneres.
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“RIP to one the greatest to ever hit the stage #Prince. We are all going to cry purple tears today. #Legend.” — Tito Jackson.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. WTOP’s Ginger Whitaker contributed to this report from Washington.
