STORY UPDATED: check for updates below.

The public outpouring of sympathy for Prince has begun, with celebrities taking to their social media accounts to express sadness and disbelief. Prince's greatness goes down as an influence for many generations. Just last week Prince was in the news for a possible health scare. Earlier this year Vanity, a former protege of Prince and lead singer of '80s group Vanity 6, died at the age of 57.

Shonda Rhimes

I can't. I just can not. #Prince

-- shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) April 21, 2016

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Gutted. Mourning with you.

-- Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) April 21, 2016

Sarah Silverman

RIP pic.twitter.com/IVScqsJcbs

-- Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) April 21, 2016

Zendaya

Prince....there's no way

-- Zendaya (@Zendaya) April 21, 2016

Katy Perry

And just like that...the world lost a lot of magic ✨ Rest in peace Prince! Thanks for giving us so much...

-- KATY PERRY (@katyperry) April 21, 2016

Spike Lee

I Miss My Brother. Prince Was A Funny Cat. Great Sense Of Humor. https://t.co/67umQghtbi

-- Spike Lee (@SpikeLee) April 21, 2016

Russell Simmons

Rest in power, Prince.

-- Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) April 21, 2016

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Updates:

• 2016-04-21T18:55:19Z 2016-04-21T18:55:19Z

  R.I.P to the greatest "The Legend" "Prince" pic.twitter.com/a4Ui2zwkoj

  — MarQuis Trill (@6BillionPeople) April 21, 2016

• 2016-04-21T18:54:06Z 2016-04-21T18:54:06Z

  I LOVED him, the world LOVED him. Now he's at peace with his Father. Rest in power, @prince, my brother. pic.twitter.com/ZN6cc3WWuF

  — Chaka Khan (@ChakaKhan) April 21, 2016

• 2016-04-21T18:53:12Z 2016-04-21T18:53:12Z

  I loved this Man. Too soon. Can't comprehend it but it's unfortunately true. Heaven is yours. RIP #Prince #RIPPrince pic.twitter.com/EH8paEvn75

  — MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) April 21, 2016

• 2016-04-21T18:52:44Z 2016-04-21T18:52:44Z

  Prince was brilliant and larger than life. What a sad day.

  — Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) April 21, 2016

• 2016-04-21T18:52:06Z 2016-04-21T18:52:06Z

  Say it isn't so. pic.twitter.com/xdY0bYDtSO

  — Chris Rock (@chrisrock) April 21, 2016

• 2016-04-21T18:36:53Z 2016-04-21T18:36:53Z

  Prince, NOTHING COMPARES... #RIPPrince... https://t.co/KAserIRfgD pic.twitter.com/6qyF7VqNtV

  — Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) April 21, 2016

• 2016-04-21T18:33:58Z 2016-04-21T18:33:58Z

  This is what it sounds like when doves cry.. Prince R.I.P.
  Condolences to his family & 2 us all

  — Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) April 21, 2016

• 2016-04-21T18:07:34Z 2016-04-21T18:07:34Z

  PRINCE - 1958 - 2O16 - Such an Amazing,Undeniable Talent - GOD BLESS - tBLSt SDMF pic.twitter.com/7ckEL3zOne

  — Zakk Wylde (@ZakkWyldeBLS) April 21, 2016

• 2016-04-21T18:00:21Z 2016-04-21T18:00:21Z

  Please say this is not true you were a genius I never missed a show .I love you #Prince Rogers Nelson 💔💔 R.I.P 💜💜❤️ pic.twitter.com/xTOVkdlC6O

  — Naomi Campbell (@NaomiCampbell) April 21, 2016