President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are just as shocked and grief-stricken over the death of pop icon Prince as the rest of the world, as they expressed in an official White House statement:
Today, the world lost a creative icon. Michelle and I join millions of fans from around the world in mourning the sudden death of Prince. Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people with their talent. As one of the most gifted and prolific musicians of our time, Prince did it all. Funk. R&B. Rock and roll. He was a virtuoso instrumentalist, a brilliant bandleader and an electrifying performer.
“A strong spirit transcends rules,” Prince once said — and nobody’s spirit was stronger, bolder or more creative. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his band and all who loved him.‎
Prince headlined a secret White House concert last year for the Obamas that also featured Stevie Wonder, James Taylor and Bon Jovi.
The “Purple Rain” singer, 57, was found dead early Thursday morning at his Paisley Park estate in Minnesota.
His health had been failing him in recent weeks, but he continued performing through his medical issues. No cause of death has been confirmed, though singer Aretha Franklin speculated that Prince’s “flu-like symptoms” might have actually been the Zika virus.
Politicians ranging from Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker to five Minnesota representatives (Prince was born in Minneapolis) have tweeted their condolences for the late singer since the news broke Thursday afternoon.
