I'm In Total Shock': Pop Music Legend Prince Found Dead at His Minneapolis Compound

Legendary pop superstar Prince was found dead in his Minneapolis home Thursday morning. The Minnesota Sheriff's office said he was discovered unresponsive in an elevator at the estate and pronounced dead at 10:07 a.m.

Prince performs onstage at the 36th Annual NAACP Image Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles in March 2005. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

The police responded to a medical call around 9:43 a.m. Thursday from the Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, according to Carver County Sheriff Jim Olson. When deputies and medical officials arrived, the found the singer unresponsive.

First responders attempted to provide CPR, but were unable to resuscitate Prince. The Carver's County Sheriff's Office — along with the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office — is continuing its investigation into what may have caused the surprising death.

Prince performs during the 'Pepsi Halftime Show' at Super Bowl XLI, Feb. 4, 2007. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Prior to his death, Prince was reportedly hospitalized in Illinois last Friday with flu-like symptoms following a recent performance in Atlanta. He subsequently appeared at a dance party at Paisley Park.

Upon learning about the pop star's passing, President Barack Obama acknowledged the loss of a "creative icon," noting his work as a "virtuoso instrumentalist, a brilliant bandleader, and an electrifying performer."

"Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people with their talent," Obama said. "As one the most gifted and prolific musicians of our time, Prince did it all. Funk. R&B. Rock and roll."

The singer, songwriter, arranger and instrumentalist was widely acclaimed as one of the most inventive musicians of his era, drawing upon influences ranging from James Brown to the Beatles to Jimi Hendrix. His hits included “Little Red Corvette,” ”Let’s Go Crazy” and “When Doves Cry.”

The Minneapolis native broke through in the late 1970s with the hits “Wanna Be Your Lover” and soared over the following decade with such albums as “1999″ and “Purple Rain.”

The title song from “1999″ includes one of the most widely quoted refrains of popular culture: “Tonight I’m gonna party like it’s 1999.”

Many celebrities took to Twitter Thursday to voice their sadness and offer condolences to Prince's friends and family.

Prince the doves really are crying now. Listening to your music. Remembering you. #RIPPrince

— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) April 21, 2016

My friend is gone...This is what it sounds like, when doves cry. He was my
dove...Stevie Nicks

— Stevie Nicks (@StevieNicks) April 21, 2016

Moment of silence for the tremendous talent lost today. Prince

— Tim Allen (@ofctimallen) April 21, 2016

I can’t believe it, I’m in total shock. So many wonderful memories,
I will miss him. #Prince

— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) April 21, 2016

Rest in power, Prince.

— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) April 21, 2016

Explore the milestones of Prince's life:

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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