Celebrities React With Anguish To Death Of Prince at 57

Musicians, actors and other celebrities reacted to the death of music great Prince with shock and anguish Thursday. Here are some of the reactions they posted to Twitter or released in statements:

“Numb. Stunned. This can’t be real.” – Justin Timberlake.

“R.I.P PRINCE, another icon gone to soon.” – Shaquille O’Neal.

“Lots of guitars gently weeping today #Prince #RIP.” – Kevin Bacon.

“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.

Photo: Courtesy of Creative Artists Agency

Essence Music Festival, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, La.

Dang it… Truly hate hearing we lost Prince. Sad day….” – Blake Shelton.

“Rest in power, Prince.” – Russell Simmons.

“This is what it sounds like when doves cry … Prince R.I.P. Condolences to his family & 2 us all.” – Whoopi Goldberg.

“And just like that…the world lost a lot of magic Rest in peace Prince! Thanks for giving us so much.” – Katy Perry.

“What a sad day today! Terribly sorry to hear that #Prince has passed! What an incredible talent.” – La Toya Jackson.

Photo: John Shearer/Invision/AP

Presents Beck with the award for album of the year for Morning Phase at the 57th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

“Oh My God! The musical genius of my generation has gone on to glory. Heaven has a new musical director with #Prince.” – Star Jones.

“#Prince So much LOVE. Thank you, thank you, thank you. My heart is heavy. #RIPPrince.” – Arthel Neville.

“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.

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.

Photo: AP Photo / Polfoto

Isle of Amager, Copenhagen, Denmark

“MTV is heartbroken and in utter disbelief at the news that the world has lost Prince Rogers Nelson so suddenly and so before his time. 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.

“PRINCE, sad to say, has passed on!!! He was a Giant. My deep condolences go out to his family, friends and fans. – Gene Simmons.

“Now Prince? No no no.. RIP You genius x.” – Robbie Williams.

“I Miss My Brother. Prince Was A Funny Cat. Great Sense Of Humor.” – Spike Lee.

Photo: AP Photo

ALMA Awards, Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

“Prince was brilliant and larger than life. What a sad day.” – Ellen DeGeneres.

“RIP to one the greatest to ever hit the stage #Prince. We are all going to cry purple tears today. #Legend.” – Tito Jackson.