Celebrities pay tribute to Prince on Twitter

Celebrities and musical artists spoke out online Thursday to pay tribute to musical icon Prince, calling the singer and multi-instrumentalist a “musical genius,” “a visionary musician and artist” and “a true legend.”

The singer’s publicist Yvette Nelson-Schure told the Associated Press that Prince died at his suburban Minneapolis home Thursday.

Many expressed admiration for Prince’s musical abilities and his legacy as an artist.

He was a true legend and a musical genius! Prince could play every instrument with style and grace.

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 21, 2016

Oh My God! The musical genius of my generation has gone on to glory. Heaven has a new musical director with #Prince https://t.co/kMrUTJXwPf

— Star Jones (@StarJonesEsq) April 21, 2016

https://twitter.com/MissyElliott/status/723208666300702723

What do we do now? PRINCE. No. I hope you weren't in much pain…your music saved me time and again.

— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) April 21, 2016

We've just lost an incredible talent! So sorry to hear about #Prince we will always love your music forever and ever! #RIPPrince

— La Toya Jackson (@latoyajackson) April 21, 2016

https://twitter.com/BigSean/status/723205014156513281

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

https://twitter.com/charlieputh/status/723195829121490945

Others expressed shock at his sudden death.

Shocked that @prince has died at only 57. Such a talent to have died so young #RIPPrince

— Joan Collins (@Joancollinsdbe) April 21, 2016

I'm Crushed!! UK news reporting Prince Is Dead?! For Real?! Massive Loss for us all! What a Genius! Speechless.

— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) April 21, 2016

My heart is broken. Prince man. One of the greatest. This one hurts like MJ.

— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) April 21, 2016

Oh no. No no no. Not another! So sad. Rest in peace Prince.

— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) April 21, 2016

https://twitter.com/SwinCash/status/723203526470578176

Still others took time to remember the man behind the legend.

I Miss My Brother. Prince Was A Funny Cat. Great Sense Of Humor. https://t.co/67umQghtbi

— Spike Lee (@SpikeLee) April 21, 2016

My musical brother… My friend… The one who showed me the possibilities within myself,… https://t.co/UumElgEgFg

— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) April 21, 2016

#RIP our dearly beloved #Prince. Tears and love on our tour bus. @CHICorg @nilerodgers I'll never forget my brother. We've had #good times

— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) April 21, 2016

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 (@ZooeyDeschanel) April 21, 2016