PICS | Fans gather at Prince's Paisley Park estate to remember 'greatest musician ever'

The 'Purple Rain' star died April 21, 2016, of an accidental fentanyl overdose at the age of 57

23 April 2021 - 08:13
By Reuters
Ali Rashid embraces his wife Barbara Rogers and their friend Sara Nameth at Paisley Park on the fifth anniversary of Prince's death.
Image: Nicholas Pfosi/Reuters Ali Rashid embraces his wife Barbara Rogers and their friend Sara Nameth at Paisley Park on the fifth anniversary of Prince's death.

Draped in shades of purple, fans of the late artist Prince huddled in a line outside his Paisley Park estate in Minnesota, waiting to enter the museum to remember the musician's life on the fifth anniversary of his death.

“We came to pay our respects to the best, greatest, most, amazing musician ever. You know, we've been fans forever. We're family. We've made family from all over the world through this man ... It was important for us to be here,” said Barbara Rodgers, who travelled to Minnesota from Florida with her husband Ali and her friend Sara.

Prince died April 21, 2016, of an accidental fentanyl overdose at the age of 57. His former home and studio located in the Minneapolis suburb of Chanhassen is now a museum.

Visitors wait in line outside Paisley Park.
Image: Nicholas Pfosi/Reuters Visitors wait in line outside Paisley Park.
Visitors wait in line outside Paisley Park.
Image: Nicholas Pfosi/Reuters Visitors wait in line outside Paisley Park.

Fans who did not have a ticket to enter left personal written messages for the artist.

“I got to see him three times, and it wasn't enough. I wish I got to see him three times more,” said Tamara Williams, who was visiting from Seattle.

“There's a sense of sadness. But there's a sense that I was part of this,” said Monty Williams, another fan. He described Prince as “just the true purest artist. And I don't know if there will ever be another one. I miss him dearly.”