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Stars react to Prince’s death: ‘A world less funky. I don’t want to believe it’

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Reaction to Prince's death Thursday at age 57 welled up almost instantly as word began to spread: Please, don't let it be true.

Then confirmation came, and the breadth of Prince's appeal was reflected in the diverse scope of famous folks expressing their sadness.

FULL COVERAGE: Prince | 1958-2016 >>

It was more than the usual "RIP": Oprah Winfrey was listening to his music. Justin Timberlake was numb. Mariah Carey would never get over it. Spike Lee missed his brother, "a funny cat," and Boy George declared it the worst day ever. Chelsea Clinton offered up thoughts and prayers to the family, and Neil deGrasse Tyson said: "Only now do we know what it sounds like When Doves Cry — the absence of music from loss of The Artist."

https://twitter.com/SheilaEdrummer/status/723223325779046400
https://twitter.com/MissyElliott/status/723208666300702723
https://twitter.com/Oprah/status/723222021761556480
https://twitter.com/PaulMcCartney/status/723270843904757761
https://twitter.com/SimonJCLeBON/status/723209000750186496
https://twitter.com/RobLowe/status/723211387300880384
https://twitter.com/shondarhimes/status/723196629415645185
https://twitter.com/MariahCarey/status/723229875688083457
https://twitter.com/latoyajackson/status/723198822768205824
https://twitter.com/genesimmons/status/723198977324122112
https://twitter.com/ChelseaClinton/status/723199159365427200

It was Raspberry Beret. I was 4 years old. Yes, 4. I remember that I instantly loved it. 'Mommy, who is that singing?' Seems weird but it's true.

— Justin Timberlake

At a time when the world was all about Michael Jackson I secretly always dug Prince a little more.

— Dane Cook

https://twitter.com/katyperry/status/723197982481375232
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https://twitter.com/britneyspears/status/723246568594268160

"The funk oozing out of you was un-controllable," said Rita Ora, 24, who collaborated with Prince last year. "I'm not quite sure what to do with myself but I will miss you forever and always."

https://twitter.com/ChakaKhan/status/723206754608156673
https://twitter.com/TheEllenShow/status/723199225740173312

"Lots of big stars have made waves nationally and internationally, but Prince by far was the most groundbreaking more than anyone ... even the way he entered a room, always surrounded with that magical air of superstardom, mystique, and genius," music producer Tommy Mottola said in a statement.

"Bringing together film and music with 'Purple Rain' was a glimpse into the future of not only the music industry, but the entire media and entertainment industry. When you saw Prince, you never knew what you were going to get, but you always knew it was going to be greatness and something spectacular."

 

https://twitter.com/MCHammer/status/723202503244914688
https://twitter.com/djjazzyjeff215/status/723195985053114368
https://twitter.com/JordanPeele/status/723204720580403200

If music is the language of the heavens consider that brother Prince now has the glorious opportunity to be on a musical tour for eternity.

— Iyanla Vanzant, TV personality and inspirational speaker

Now Prince. I loathe 2016.

— director Guillermo Del Toro

I never take for granted that those who make the impossible look easy are, in fact, paying a price. RIP Prince.

— actor Donal Logue

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https://twitter.com/BillyIdol/status/723198094498627584
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https://twitter.com/GroovyBruce/status/723267375995346945
https://twitter.com/antoniosabatojr/status/723199041492946944
https://twitter.com/Miles_Teller/status/723210427673378817
https://twitter.com/KeithUrban/status/723195598032097284
https://twitter.com/elijahwood/status/723209643984461824

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