Carrie Fisher dies: Paul Simon pays tribute to 'a special, wonderful girl'

Paul Simon has broken his silence on the passing of his ex-wife Carrie Fisher, describing her as "a special, wonderful girl".

The 75-year-old musician, who was married to Fisher from 1983 until 1984, paid tribute to the iconic actress on social media on Wednesday (28 December), tweeting: "Yesterday was a horrible day. Carrie was a special, wonderful girl. It's too soon."

Carrie Fisher married only once, but had well-publicised relationships with Ghostbusters star Dan Akroyd and Hollywood agent Bryan Lourd.

Fisher, 60, who was best known for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise, died on Tuesday 27 December, four days after suffering a heart attack on a transatlantic flight.

Fisher's daughter, Billie Lourd, confirmed her death on Tuesday in a statement which read: "She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly."

Lourd was Fisher's daughter with talent agent Bryan Lourd who the actress referred to as her second husband in interviews, although the two were never officially married.

Tributes continue to pour in on social media for the much-loved actress from friends and fans alike and from her Star wars co-stars.

Harrison Ford, with whom she recently confessed to having an "intense three-month affair" during the making of the film said: "Carrie was one-of-a-kind ... brilliant, original. Funny and emotionally fearless. She lived her life bravely... We will all miss her."

Mark Hamill, who played her brother Luke Skywalker in the franchise, posted a heartfelt message on Facebook describing his former co-star and friend as "irreplaceable."

"It's never easy to lose such a vital, irreplaceable member of the family, but this is downright heartbreaking," he said. "Carrie was one-of-a-kind who belonged to us all- whether she liked it or not. She was OUR Princess, damn it, & the actress who played her blurred into one gorgeous, fiercely independent & ferociously funny, take-charge woman who took our collective breath away.

"Determined & tough, but with a vulnerability that made you root for her & want her to succeed & be happy. She played such a crucial role in my professional & personal life, & both would have been far emptier without her.

"I am grateful for the laughter, the wisdom, the kindness & even the bratty, self-indulgent crap my beloved space-twin gave me through the years. Thanks Carrie. I love you, mh."

Star Wars creator George Lucas added: "Carrie and I have been friends most of our adult lives. She was extremely smart; a talented actress, writer and comedienne with a very colorful personality that everyone loved.

"In Star Wars she was our great and powerful princess - feisty, wise and full of hope in a role that was more difficult that most people might think. My heart and prayers are with Billie, Debbie and all Carrie's family, friends and fans. She will be missed by all."

Peter Mayhew, who is the sci-fi film franchise's Chewbacca, said: "There are no words for this loss. Carrie was the brightest light in every room she entered. I will miss her dearly."

Director Steven Spielberg wrote: "I have always stood in awe of Carrie. Her observations always made me laugh and gasp at the same time. She didn't need The Force. She was a force of nature, of loyalty and of friendship. I will miss her very much."

Several stars including Anna Kendrick, Courtney Love and Lupita Nyong'o shared their memories of Fisher posting photos taken with the iconic actress.

Nyong'o, who was also in Force Awakens, wrote: "Sweet Carrie" while sharing a photo of the two of them with the actresses beloved dog Gary.