The world has woken up in disbelief and shock today as the announcement of  Prince’s untimely death makes it’s way through the various media outlets.

While we all hoped this was just a cruel hoax, his publicist confirmed the devastating news a few hours ago with 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,” said Yvette Noel-Schure.

The musical legend was hospitalised on April 15 after his private jet was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Moline, Illinois, just hours after a performance in Atlanta, Georgia. At the time it was reported that he had been suffering from a nasty bout of the flu for several weeks. He was treated for three hours before being released and sent home to rest.

According to reports, Prince was seen leaving a pharmacy near his $13 million suburban estate, Paisley Park on Wednesday night in what was his fourth visit to the store that week.

Prince held a surprise party at his estate on Saturday night and only charged $10 tickets to attend. That was believed to have been his last public appearance. While he didn’t sing on the night, it is believed he attended to quieten the speculation about his declining health, arriving two hours after the party had started. He was eager to let fans know that there was no need to worry about him just yet. “Wait a few days before you waste any prayers,” Prince reportedly told fans at the party. Five days later, he was dead.

One short week ago, the musician shared an ominous photo on Instagram of a blank white space. Fans took this as a bad omen and flooded his social media page with messages of concern.

The award-winning singer, songwriter and actor, born Prince Rogers Nelson, became an international sensation in 1982 after his breakthrough album 1999.

Between 1985 and 1992 he released eight albums, one per year, including the soundtrack for Tim Burton’s “Batman.” He starred in two more movies during that era — “Under the Cherry Moon” and “Graffiti Bridge.” He also put out a concert film. “Sign ‘o’ the Times” hits theaters in 1987.

He infamously changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol in the 1990s during a dispute with his record label, Warner Bros. He was the referred to as the “Artist Formerly Known as Prince.” In 2000 when the singer’s publishing contract with the company expired, he reclaimed the name Prince.

Prince won seven Grammy Awards and earned 30 nominations. Five of his singles topped the charts and 14 other songs hit the Top 10. He won an Oscar for best original song score for “Purple Rain.”

Prince with first wife Mayte Garcia, married from 1996 to 2000 (left) and with second wife Manuela Testolini, married from 2001 to 2006.

“This is what it sounds like, when doves cry.” RIP Prince.

Photos courtesy of Google Images.