Shock and sadness spread among fans and across the entire music world on Thursday afternoon upon learning the news of Prince’s death.

Prince’s publicist confirmed the singer's body was found at his Paisley Park estate in Minneapolis early this morning (April 21). He was 57 years old. Last week, Prince's private plane was forced to make an emergency landing so he could be rushed to the hospital. A representative for the singer said he had been battling the flu for several weeks, which forced him to cancel a handful of shows behind his latest albums HITNRUN Phase One and Phase Two.

It goes without saying Prince’s influence on music has been immense. His unique fusion of funk, R&B and pop, flamboyant and fearless live presence and often quirky personality have solidified the singer as a veritable icon. Naturally, the news has left many he has impacted broken-hearted today. Fellow musicians have expressed their sorrow and paid tribute to the late singer on social media. Read their messages below:

More From WRRV-WRRB