By Ralph Ellis and Melissa Gray
CNN
(CNN) — Prince’s remains have been cremated, the pop superstar’s publicist said Saturday.
Yvette Noel-Schure provided no information about where or when the cremation occurred or where the remains would be placed.
A private memorial service for Prince was held Saturday at the Paisley Park compound in Chanhassen, Minnesota, where the musician lived and worked, as a crowd of fans gathered outside the fence, some wearing purple, the musician’s favorite color.
In a statement, Noel-Schure said, “A few hours ago, Prince was celebrated by a small group of his most beloved: family, friends and his musicians, in a private, beautiful ceremony to say a loving goodbye.
“Prince’s remains have been cremated and their final storage will remain private. We ask for your blessings and prayers of comfort for his family and close friends at this time.
“The cause of death remains unknown and it will be at least four weeks before we receive the results of the autopsy. An announcement will be made at a future date for a musical celebration.”
Prince Rogers Nelson, 57, died Thursday at Paisley Park of unknown causes. The autopsy was conducted Friday at the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office in Ramsey, Minnesota, but it could be weeks before results are complete, spokeswoman Martha Weaver said.
Fans given memorabilia
Prince’s sister, Tyka Nelson, and brother-in-law, Maurice D. Stroud, arrived in cars at Paisley Park for the service.
Fans left tributes of flowers, balloons and signs in front of the complex. Some of Prince’s family and friends gave out at least 15 round purple boxes containing Prince memorabilia like CDs, T-shirts and books to fans gathered there Saturday.
On Friday, the house staff delivered pizza to the fans.
Balloons and flowers also piled up at First Avenue, the downtown Minneapolis nightclub that became a landmark after Prince used it in the 1984 movie “Purple Rain.”
Musicians, performers, public figures and others have paid tribute to the prolific performer since his death.
In London, President Barack Obama praised the music legend and said he and his staff listened to “Purple Rain” ahead of a meeting with the British Prime Minister on Friday.
Death being investigated
Carver County Sheriff Jim Olson said there were no obvious signs of trauma on Prince’s body when he was found unresponsive in an elevator at Paisley Park.
Paramedics tried to perform CPR but were unable to revive him, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at 10:07 a.m., less than 30 minutes after sheriff’s deputies responded to a medical call at the scene.
The last time Prince was seen alive was at 8 p.m. Wednesday when he was dropped off at Paisley Park, the sheriff said. He was alone in the complex when he was found, which Olson said was not unusual given Prince’s private persona.
‘Purple Rain’ movie returns
AMC Theatres said Friday that the movie “Purple Rain” will return for a limited theatrical run.
The cult classic starring Prince and Apollonia Kotero will run from April 23-28. AMC said it will play at 87 of its theaters across the country.
The movie earned Prince an Academy Award for best original song.
CNN’s Catherine E. Shoichet, Michael Pearson, Frank Pallotta and Emanuella Grinberg contributed to this report.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2016 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.
