Prince Dead: President Obama honours 'creative icon' Prince

President Barack Obama has joined the music world in paying tribute to Prince who he hailed as a "creative icon". The President, who is due to arrive in the UK, revealed that he and wife Michelle were mourning the loss of the legendary artist along with his fans around the world.

In a statement he said: "Today, the world lost a creative icon. Michelle and I join millions of fans from around the world in mourning the sudden death of Prince."

Citing his profound influence on generations of musicians he said: "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. He was a virtuoso instrumentalist, a brilliant bandleader, and an electrifying performer."

The President quoted the music icon, who performed at a secret party at the White House last year as he acknowledged his unique spirit.

"'A strong spirit transcends rules,' Prince once said -- and nobody's spirit was stronger, bolder, or more creative," Obama said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his band, and all who loved him.‎"

The president's statement comes as MTV paid tribute to the star. The network said in a statement to THR: "MTV is heartbroken and in utter disbelief at the news that the world has lost Prince Rogers Nelson so suddenly and so before his time. Prince was a once-in-a-lifetime artist who transcended every medium and genre he touched and created music with a passion and individuality that inspired multiple generations. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, friends and millions of fans."

The music station announced that they will pay fitting tribute to the music icon by playing his music videos and announced a Prince Takeover Day.

"To honor the life and career of musical icon Prince, MTV will change its logo to purple for the entire day and MTV and MTV2 will air a dedicated block of his most influential music videos today beginning at 1:55 p.m. ET. MTV Live will air videos at 3:00 p.m.," MTV told The Hollywood Reporter.

To further its remembrance of Prince, "MTV News will air a dedicated podcast highlighting Prince's impact on music. MTV News correspondents will be on-the-ground in NYC and Paisley park to get feedback from fans. MTV Snapchat will be a full Prince takeover tomorrow," the network said. "Additionally, interstitials will run on-air throughout the day which will include archival interviews from the legend himself, behind-the-scenes MTV moments and more."

While the music world continues to pay tribute , fans have gathered at the star's compound Paisley Park in Chanhassen, Minnesota, to pay their respects, poignantly leaving purple flowers outside the compound walls.

The Purple Rain singer was found dead at his Paisley Park home on 21 April. His publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure, confirmed the sad news of his passing in a statement which read: "It is with profound sadness that I am confirming that the legendary, iconic performer, Prince Rogers Nelson, has died at his Paisley Park residence this morning at the age of 57."