I was at my sister's (in London, so it was early evening) and she just started screaming and screaming, so I knew something terrible had happened. She screamed "Prince is dead, Prince is dead!" And the shock began from there. I knew what her words meant, but rushed into her bedroom not comprehending the finality of it, I didn't even think to ask what he died of. Then I saw a text from a friend saying "RIP Prince", so I knew it was real, but it still didn't sink in. Later on we listened to a radio show and a super fan was saying what Prince meant to her and her favourite songs. A week or so later the memorial parties in London began and I would go, wanting to be with others who love him as much as I do, just immersing myself in his musical genius and prophetic lyrics, and I would spend most of the time just dancing, singing and crying. I remember months later listening to songs at home like "If I was your girlfriend," "The Ladder," "Last December," "She's Always in My Hair" (12 inch, lol) and they would become like this emotional cathartic event. I would just cry and sing and scream at the top of my voice, filled with so much sadness and grief. I had tried my best in the past to distance myself because I was so obsessed with him, so felt like I couldn't allow myself to get too consumed by him, and I started bitterly regretting that, and that I didn't go to more concerts. And then I started realising he was really gone and I would never, ever get the chance to see him again, and meet him, (or marry him, lol). Just so much pain and loss.

Isabel said:

In the produce section of the Safeway grocery store, in the Pearl Distrcit of Portland, Oregon. I got texts from friends, expressing their shock and condolences. At first I hoped it was a strange Prince rumor, ala his earlier "death" in 1993 — I even thought, "Naw, he's done this shit before" — and then I remembered the plane incident, and knew it was true.

I still didn't suspect drugs, though. Dumb, in retrospect.

I was at home, a friend called me and told me the news. I was deeply shocked and couldn't believe it at first, I was in a daze for several hours. I had no idea of his issues with painkillers and tbh just assumed he would live to see a good age, he always appeared so energetic and was very youthful, he looked only half his age. In recent years I'd been through two major family bereavements, one was particularly traumatic, so I think I coped much better than I might have done when I was younger, and life experience helped me to keep some perspective. However I loved him deeply and miss him very much to this day. He took my youth with him, I have felt somehow older since his death, I suppose it's knowing someone who played a special part in my life has gone forever. I went to the exhibition at the 02 a few years ago and I did get some closure from that. There was a wall for fan messages and just being able to write a goodbye to him seemed to settle my mind. I am very thankful for the times I saw him live and for the joy his music and vids continue to give me, that will never change. I have some of the many photo books that have appeared since his death, I enjoy looking at him, how beautiful and graceful he was, I don't believe I will ever encounter such talent again.