We were all shocked by the news of Prince’s death yesterday and his fans have been mourning ever since. Actor Will Smith is one of the millions of people impacted by the icon’s passing, but was one of the few to talk to Prince before his death.
Jennifer Hudson Leads ‘The Color Purple’ Cast in Tribute to Prince
Smith shared on Facebook,
“I am stunned and heartbroken. I just spoke with him last night. Today, Jada & I mourn with all of you the loss of a beautiful poet, a true inspiration, and one of the most magnificent artists to ever grace this earth.”
Prince once stated in an interview that the Smith children, Willow and Jaden, were two of his favorite artists. He told Entertainment Weekly, “I love what [Willow’s] doing, her and her brother [Jaden]. I want to meet them. It almost happened, but it didn’t work out. I want to see what she’s making in five years.”
Spike Lee Threw a Block Party in Honor of Prince
Jada Pinkett Smith also shared a message about the late musician, stating,
“Prince was one of the first artists to put me on game in regard to the industry. He was not only a genius artist, he was kind, funny, beautifully eccentric, curious, imaginative, magical, spiritual, rebellious and extremely intelligent. He showed me early the power of living one’s life by one’s own rules and no one else’s. There are really no words to express what we have all lost today. To quote my friend Paress, ‘Music has lost its heart beat.’”
Olympic Gold Medalist, Jackie Joyner-Kersee Reflects on Prince
WANT MORE FROM ESSENCE? Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest in hair, beauty, style and celebrity news.