US pop music icon Prince dies aged 57

American pop music icon Prince has died at the age of 57. He died at his home in the US state of Minneapolis.

According to his publicist who spoke to The Associated Press news agency, the superstar was found dead at his home on Thursday.

US media widely reported that medical emergency staff were called to the artist’s Minnesota estate on Thursday morning around 9:43 a.m.

His Paisley Park home was where Prince lived, recorded most of his music and hosted parties as well as concerts. Even though the cause of death is yet to be known, he was rushed to hospital a week ago (on April 15) after suffering from a particularly serious strain of the flu.

The illness subsequently forced him to cancel two performances in Georgia.

President Obama on Prince's death: “Today, the world lost a creative icon” https://t.co/pnhrGl9pTD pic.twitter.com/oD8VlevWVL

— CNN (@CNN) April 21, 2016

Prince, whose real name was Prince Rogers Nelson, was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has a musical background with both parents being musicians – his dad played the piano and his mom was a popular jazz singer.

He became popular for his unique music style which combined rock, R&B, soul and funk. He sold over 100 million records worldwide and became, by all accounts, one of the best-selling artists of all time.

For his work he won several trophies, including seven Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

Prince 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.”