NEWSFLASH!! The artist known as Prince has died at the age of 57.

I heard about the news earlier this morning and I was hoping and praying it was another one of those fake death rumors, but apparently it’s true…

Details about this heartbreaking news below…

TMZ broke the news that there was a medical emergency at the artist’s Minnesota residence early this morning but a few hours later, it’s being reported that the legendary artist is deceased.

Prince’s body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota early Thursday morning.

Multiple sources connected to the singer confirmed he had passed.

The singer — full name Prince Rogers Nelson — had a medical emergency on April 15th that forced his private jet to make an emergency landing in Illinois. But he appeared at a concert the next day to assure his fans he was okay. His people told TMZ he was battling the flu.

Prince performed in Atlanta recently and just hours after leaving, his plane was forced to make a stop for some sort of medical emergency involving the artist.

Prior to his most recent appearance, he had also cancelled two shows due to health concerns.

Prince became an international superstar in 1982 after his breakthrough album “1999.” He married twice — the first time to his backup dancer Mayte Garcia. They split in 2000, and then to Manuela Testolini, they broke up in 2006.

The iconic artist leaves behind no children (that we know of).

UPDATE – Prince’s publicist has confirmed the news with the Associated Press…

R.I.P. Prince Rodgers Nelson

What is your favorite memory of his Royal Purple Highness?