Obama on Prince: 'Today, the World Lost a Creative Icon'

President Barack Obama said he was in "mourning" over the death of pop icon Prince in a statement today.

"Today, the world lost a creative icon," Obama said. "Michelle and I join millions of fans from around the world in mourning the sudden death of Prince. Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people with their talent.

"As one of the most gifted and prolific musicians of our time, Prince did it all. Funk. R&B. Rock and roll," the president continued. "He was a virtuoso instrumentalist, a brilliant bandleader and an electrifying performer."

Obama said that his thoughts and prayers are with his family, band and "all who loved him."

"Nobody's spirit was stronger, bolder or more creative," he said.

Prince died Thursday at his Paisley Park studios and estate in Minnesota at the age of 57, resulting in an outpouring of emotion from around the world for the beloved legendary pop star.

Officers had responded to his estate around lunchtime, where they found him unresponsive.

His private jet had made an emergency landing early on the morning of April 15 in Illinois as he was flying from a show in Atlanta. He was taken to a hospital with flu-like symptoms and then discharged a few hours later.

Prince had performed for President Obama at the White House last June, according to an ABC News report. Prince, who was joined by Stevie Wonder, gave a private concert to the president, First Lady Michelle Obama and a handful of guests. Prince performed at the Warner Theater nearby the next night.

A host of celebrities tweeted their reactions to Prince's passing: