UPDATE:The news of Prince's passing has also been officially confirmed by Prince's publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure, who released this statement:
"It is with profound sadness that I am confirming that the legendary, iconic performer, Prince Rogers Nelson, has died at his Paisley Park residence this morning at the age of 57,"-Yvette Noel-Schure."
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It seems impossible to think, much more to write, that Prince, the crown jewel of pop music and the single defining talent of a generation, passed away at his Paisley Park home this morning. Last week, he had been rushed to the hospital after his plane had made an emergency landing in Illinois, prompting fears that his health or even life might be in jeopardy. By the time the story circulated, however, Prince was reported to be well and even throwing dance parties.
Which is why we were all shocked by TMZ's report today that a mysterious "death at the Paisely Park estate" was none other than the Prince Rogers Nelson himself, deceased at the unripe age of 57. While almost no details have yet been forthcoming, Okayplayer has confirmed this terrible news with people inside the Paisley Park camp, as well as fellow musicians who were close to the artist. We are also told by people close to us that they saw Prince two months ago and that he was in good spirits but did complain about back pain and hip pain (Prince has had hip replacements in the past).
We will of course update Okayplayer's readers as more information comes to light, and expect an official statement from Paisley Park soon. Beyond that all we can do is join you all in sharing your shock and dismay at this terrible loss to global music. As we try to rack our brains for an appropriate course of action or even just how to process all of this, the usual litany of accomplishments and accolades that accompany an obituary just don't seem appropriate or adequate to measure the impact this one artistic soul had on an entire generation...and more. We don't have words just yet. Just know, that there will never be another. And that despite his name, the man was a King. To quote our founder Questlove:
And where words fail, music fills the silence. Give thanks to Okayplayer and selector Af-1
