Soul star Aretha Franklin has described the untimely death of Prince as "such a blow". The RESPECT singer paid tribute to the Purple Rain hitmaker who passed away at his home on Thursday, April 21 after displaying ‘flu-like symptoms’. Describing Prince as a "unique individual", Aretha Franklin, 73, said he was into his music "to the max".

PrincePrince has been mourned by many across the world

Female First reported that Aretha said: "It’s really surreal. It’s just kind of unbelievable."

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Prince was just 57 when he died and friends, collaborators and fans around the world alike have been remembering the musical genius.

Mariah Carey staged a moment of silence in memory of the star, Ellie Goulding paid tribute to the star on Twitter and Rita Ora - who sang on his last album HITRUN Phase One - said she would miss him "forever and always".

Aretha FranklinAretha Franklin described the loss of Prince as a "blow"

Aretha Franklin also revealed Prince used to sleep in his studio when making his music because he was so dedicated to his work.

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She said: "I think that he was a very explorative and as I said he was one of those artists that go into the studio and stayed in the studio - he would sleep in the studio.

"Myself when I finish recording as an artist I go home and I am through with it until it’s time for me to go back in the studio but some artists just stay in the studio because they love music like that."