Celebrity tributes are rolling in in their vast numbers on Twitter following the announcement of the shocking sudden death of pop legend Prince yesterday (April 21st 2016). The 'Purple Rain' superstar passed away at just 57 after battling the flu for several weeks. He was found in an elevator at his Paisley Park home.

PrincePrince receives a lot of love from fellow stars

He'd only just announced that he was working on an autobiography, set to be released in 2017. But now it looks like that plan's unlikely to follow through given the tragic circumstances. It's not just a shock in terms of the death being unexpected, but it's that he's the latest in a string of surprising deaths this year following the likes of David Bowie, David Gest, Alan Rickman, Maurice White, Victoria Wood... the list goes on.

More: Prince dies aged 57

And as fans mourn their latest loss, celebrities are also paying their respects to a legend unmatchable in his talent and charisma. 'It can not be overstated. #PRINCE was THE REAL DEAL. #RIPPrince', KISS singer Gene Simmons posted on Twitter, while fellow rocker Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora wrote: 'I love Prince... He's still alive as much as I'm concerned. We'll just miss him...'

'I'm Crushed!! UK news reporting Prince Is Dead?! For Real?! Massive Loss for us all! What a Genius! Speechless', came a shocked Samuel L. Jackson's response to the news. Though no-one was as stunned as Will Smith, who confessed that he'd only just spoken to the singer. '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', he wrote on Facebook.

More messages came in from other legends of pop. Madonna said that Prince 'changed the world' and dubbed him 'a true visionary', while Mick Jagger named him 'a revolutionary artist, a wonderful musician and composer'.

Paul McCartney reflected on the last time he saw the deceased popstar: 'Saddened by Prince's death. Proud to have seen in the New Year with him. He seemed fine and played brilliantly funky music', he said. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama also had something to say about the tragedy, posting: ''A strong spirit transcends rules,' Prince once said-and nobody's spirit was stronger, bolder, or more creative.'