The “Purple Rain” hitmaker – who died on Thursday morning (04.21.16) at his Paisley Park estate in Minnesota – was remembered in a private memorial service on Saturday (04.23.16) with a “musical celebration” confirmed for a later date.
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A post-mortem examination has been carried out on Prince’s body however a cause of death may not be released for weeks.
Prince’s friends and family have held a private memorial for the music superstar after his body was cremated. On Saturday afternoon, the star’s closest friends and relatives, including ex-fiancee Sheila E, bass player Larry Graham, and his ex-wife Mayte Garcia, arrived to pay their respects to the music icon after his remains were cremated nearby. Prince’s sister Tyka Nelson and brother-in-law Maurice Phillips also were seen on the grounds, as were catering trucks.
The legendary pop performer was found dead Thursday in an elevator inside the famous complex, where he often hosted dance parties and performances for his fans.
However, prior to his lastest appearance, Prince had called off two shows due to health issues.
Paisley Park is the compound where Prince lives, records music and hosts parties and concerts, including one party just a few days ago. She said it could take several days or weeks for tests to be completed and the office will wait to release findings until all the information is in.
The last time Prince was seen alive was at 8 p.m. Wednesday when he was dropped off at Paisley Park, the sheriff said.
Olson, the sheriff, and a medical examiner’s office spokeswoman declined Friday to say whether prescription drugs were taken from the home after his death.
The singer – whose real full name was Prince Rogers Nelson – shot to fame in 1982 with his groundbreaking album “1999”. Some of Prince’s family and friends gave out at least 15 round purple boxes containing Prince memorabilia like CDs, T-shirts and books to fans gathered there Saturday. He also said Prince inspired his 1986 hit Holy Mother.
He sat at his piano most of the show, but stood up at times to pound the keys and walked around the piano a couple of times, soaking up cheers.
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The singer’s publicists said earlier this month that Prince had been suffering from a flu-like illness that led him to cancel performances in Atlanta.
