Prince Mourned at Private Memorial Service
Purple reign. Family and friends said goodbye to Prince during a private memorial service on Saturday (Apr. 23).
Mourners including Sheila E., Judith Hill, and Damaris Lewis gathered to pay respect to the beloved icon during an intimate ceremony at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota.
“A few hours ago, Prince was celebrated by a small group of his most beloved: family, friends, and his musicians, in a private, beautiful ceremony to say a loving goodbye,” said his publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure (via CNN).
“Prince’s remains have been cremated and their final storage will remain private,” she added. “We ask for your blessings and prayers of comfort for his family and close friends at this time.”
A four-hour autopsy was conducted on Friday, but the findings remain inconclusive. Final results on the cause of death could takes weeks to determine.
Fans have been showing their love for the Purple One outside of the singer’s home too. During Saturday’s memorial, friends and family members gifted supporters with round purple boxes filled with memorabilia including T-shirts, books, and CDs.
Drake’s uncle Larry Graham, Prince’s longtime friend and collaborator, was humbled by the outpouring of support. “Thank you for the support and the love, and all the hugs,” said Graham, who wore a purple suit in honor of Prince. “I appreciate that. And I know that Sheila feels the same way that I feel, that Prince made us all a better musician . . . He pushed us, he made us better and so we miss him deeply.”
There will be another chance for fans to celebrate Prince soon. According to his rep, “an announcement will be made at a future date for a musical celebration.”
Prince died at his Paisley Park estate on Thursday at the age of 57.